Page 1 of Soulmates and Slapshots
CHAPTER 1
WESTON
How did I end up here? I guess that’s a question we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives. I suppose some would say I’m just a guy living the dream. Dreams can become reality even when they take us in unexpected directions. I’ve been working for this my whole life, and with playing professional hockey comes constant change and new opportunities. For me that meant leaving my team, the Tennessee Wolves to play for the Ice Breakers. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and with this transition has come a whole array of emotions. Yes,emotions…just don’t tell my teammates.
I have a lot on my mind right now. Just getting used to a new team culture, systems, and strategies brings a learning curve. There’s also the constant urge to prove myself as an asset to the team. And moving across the country from family and friends has added another layer to the experience. I’ll miss the Wolves after being a part of the organization for most of my career up until now.
This has all happened so fast. Maple Falls is the typical picture-perfect small town, but that’s nothing new for me.My grandparents live in a tiny town in South Carolina, so I’m used to this kind of vibe. Most of the people in their town have known each other forever with some families having lived there for generations. I have no doubt that’s how it is in Maple Falls.
I found a decent sized condo to rent, but it’s nothing like my place back in Tennessee. I was living in a modern high-rise overlooking the lights of the city skyline. This place is different, but it’s cozy and comfortable—complete with a traditional wood burning fireplace. And since it’s just me, I don’t need a ton of space. It’s in a great location, with a nice view and right near the middle of town where all the action happens. At least I’m assuming some action takes place in Maple Falls. This is a question for my former teammate, Cooper. He’s not much on conversation, but I believe his appreciation for this town runs deep.
I scroll through my phone and find his number.
“Well, well, well. How’s life in Pine Falls?” Cooper answers after a few seconds.
“Don’t you mean Maple Falls?” I ask, staring out the window at fall foliage that looks like something out of a movie.
He snorts. “Yeah, sure.”
According to his wife Blair, Cooper still insists that Pine Falls would have been a better name for the town, and it seems like he’s willing to die on that hill.
Cooper played for the Ice Breakers back when they were nothing more than a temporary charity team, pulled together a few years ago to support a good cause. What started as a short-term project turned out to be a life-changing experience for him—in more ways than one. It was during those few intense months in Maple Falls that everything shifted. Not only did he find a deeper purposeoff the ice, but he also ended up falling for his publicist. Now, Cooper and Blair are happily married and living proof that sometimes the journey can lead to unexpected experiences.
“Anyway, do you guys miss me yet?” I ask, keeping my tone light.
“No.” He answers without hesitation. He’s so blunt, there isn’t an ounce of sarcasm, which is classic Cooper. And knowing him, there’s a very real possibility he means it.
“It’s okay, you can tell me the truth,” I tease. “I know the Wolves are lost without me.”
“Sure. Whatever you say.”
I let out a laugh. “At least I know Mac misses me.”
Mac is the Wolves goalie and one of my closest friends. He always had my back, on and off the ice.
“He hasn’t said,” Cooper replies. “I hate to break it to you, but you haven’t been a big topic of conversation since you left. You know how the trades go—we’re all used to it. Out of sight, out of mind.”
“Ouch. That hurts, man.”
Cooper lets out a low chuckle. “Anyway, don’t forget to check out the Maple Grounds Bakery. Best pumpkin bread and cinnamon rolls you’ll ever have. Trust me.”
“It’s on my list,” I say. “My condo’s not far from downtown, so I’m guessing that’s the best place to hang out and meet people, right?”
“I wouldn’t know,” he replies again, deadpan.
“Wait a minute—didn’t you have meet-and-greets all over town while you were here? I thought the Ice Breakers were always out in the community. Wasn’t there also a table at the big festival? Photo ops, autographs, and merch?”
“Yes,” he admits. “Honestly, it’s all a blur now. Blair was doing her job as my new publicist, while I was trying to stopmyself from falling for her. She was determined to make sure I was front and center in the town.”
“And you secretly loved every minute of it,” I prod.
“Maybe,” he says slowly. “My wife has a power over me like nothing I’ve ever experienced. There’s no way to stop it.”
“She’s a powerhouse, no doubt. But you came here for a good cause—to help the kids of Maple Falls.”
He sighs. “Yeah. I was willing to do whatever needed to be done for them. That’s the only reason I agreed to go toPine Fallsin the first place.”
That’s the thing about Cooper. He might act emotionally unavailable most of the time, but he shows up when it comes to helping kids. Every single time.
