For Pucking Keeps: A Hockey Romance (The Seattle Vipers Series Book 1)

Epilogue

One Month Later

“I’m not going to tell you how important this game is. I am not going to tell you it’s not about whether we win or lose. I’m not going to tell you to leave it all on the ice because I am not one to blow smoke up your asses.” Coach Lennox’s voice booms around the room. A few knowing chuckles can be heard, including my own. “What I am going to tell you is: give me everything you’ve got out there today! I want blood, sweat, and if there’s going to be tears, let them fall with the cup held high above your heads. Look at what you’ve accomplished despite everyone in the league gunning for our best at every game. We’ve had one of our best seasons to date, we’ve built one hell of a team, and now I want you to go out there and show the world why.”

Everyone in the arena erupts in a cacophony of whoops and cheers. The energy in the room is like an entity that pushes us out the locker room and onto the ice. Once warm-ups start, time begins to fly by. My teammates race and drill one another using one half of the rink while Toronto uses the other. I stretch out my legs, one knee planted firmly on the ice while I extend the other in front of me. It’s almost comical as I squat and lunge in my full gear, the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters comes to mind, making me smile to myself. How we’re able to move is pure magic considering everything we wear is meant to protect us from the batterings we take almost every night.

My teammates circle me, joking and laughing, while Devan and Maxwell banter about whose stats are the best. Ridley shoots goal after rapid fire goal at Bast, taunting and teasing, daring him not to miss a single puck. Spirits are high, smiles are easy, the enthusiasm and eagerness to play is evident in every pass of the puck as we go through our pregame routines. I survey the guys, pride swelling in my chest. We’ve done it. The road we traveled to get here wasn’t easy, especially the playoff games leading up to this day. But our perseverance won out in the end. I played some of the best hockey of my life in the days prior, and although she would deny this claim, I know it’s because I had Alexis cheering me on at every game, regardless if it was at home or away. My Supernova, my biggest fan, wore my jersey with a smile only for me, and I couldn’t have been more grateful, no, thankful to the heavens for returning her to me.

I make one more lap around the ice. Spotting Alexis in her usual seat, with both her sisters, who I met officially a month ago, sandwiching her between them. Lia sits on one end next to Alexis’s older sister Dawn, while Julia sits at the end of the aisle beside Shay. Alexis stands and waves, blowing me a kiss. The love in her gaze when she looks at me will never get old as I grab the invisible gesture from the air and clutch it to my heart like a sappy love drunk fool. Only for her.I bow to my woman, making a heart sign with my hands, my hockey stick dangling precariously between my gloved fingers. Yep, I am that guy, and I am damn proud to be.

“I love you,” I mouth, and to my surprise she shouts it back, though with all the noise around us, it reaches my ears like a whispered caress.

“I love you, Mr. Bailey!”

If I smile any wider I may dislocate my jaw. I love that she is not shy about her affection for me, such a contrast to months ago when it was the only three words I wanted to hear from her.

“Bailey! Swoon later!” Coach Lennox shouts as my team begins to skate off the ice.

With one last glance at Alexis, I wave to her sisters, then skate toward the tunnel to prepare for the start of the game.

In the month since Alexis’s signing she publicly announced who she is to the world. Basically, Jazminne Starr still exists, but it is as it should be, just a pen name, her brand. With our very public reunion a month ago the book signing event went viral. Our kiss made it around the world before we pulled apart to breathe. Everyone knows who Alexis Rhodes is now, another thing I am grateful for.

Although I will always look at our time apart as some of the darkest months of my life, I know now that she needed them. Healing her heart and mind will always come first. I would have loved to have helped her through it, but it was something she needed to do for herself. Besides, I would have tried to kill Shaun for the libel case bullshit he tried to pull. Luckily he didn’t get a penny and he lost his job with Wells Publishing, so that’s a win.

Alexis and I are living one day at a time. It’s like I told her months ago, we have to learn to bask in the sun when we can together. Now we are learning to talk to each other, more so than ever. Having built our relationship on honesty and trust, it was easy. Well Alexis omitting information pertaining to her book notwithstanding. . .the trust and honesty are still there. We’ve been inseparable, after months without her, I refused to go anywhere without her. If I could have snuck her on the team jet I would have, instead I flew Alexis and Lia first class for our away games. I need her, she’s my ace in the hole, my drive to win, and every move I make now has her in mind. Alexis is my future, and I know without a doubt she will be my wife. What is the point in waiting when she is my final destination? After tonight, we have the rest of the summer together, and I am not wasting a second of it.

Retaking the ice, we stand in formation ready for the pregame events to begin. “Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and remove your hats for the national anthem,” the announcer says excitedly. I glance down the line at my teammates, they’re calm, focused, and have game faces in place. It’s time to win this damn thing.

A moment later an acoustic guitar strums the first notes of the national anthem, and all heads turn to the center of the ice. Standing between both teams, taking center stage, is none other than Brea. Ridley fidgets next to me, the only sign he’s affected by her presence as she belts out the anthem to a reverent crowd. Heads held high, gloved hands over our chests, my heartbeat speeds up as the last cord rings out across the area. The applause is deafening as Brea bows then is escorted off the ice, but not before she turns to our team and gives a thumbs up of support. Clearly showing the home team who she is rooting for. Well, not who, but whom.

“If that’s not motivation, I don’t know what is.” I nudge Ridley as we all break from our lines for the start of the game. Ridley grunts but says nothing in response as he watches Brea’s retreating form until she hands her guitar off to someone and takes a seat next to Lia.

“And she’s staying for the game,” Devan teases, circling around him. “Just like old times.”

“Both of you shut up. We’ve got a game to play,” Ridley finally replies, but he can’t hide the slight smile on his lips underneath his cage. I see it, he’s not fooling anyone. I guess it’s my turn to sit back and watch how his story plays out.

The ref drops the puck in the opening faceoff and the game starts with a bang. I gain possession of the puck, passing it to Maxwell, who turns, evading Toronto’s defensemen in a flurry of twists and spins. He aims, shoots and scores within the first few seconds of the game. He roars like a madman as the celebratory horns go off around the arena. The fans go wild as he collides with the boards, hitting the plexi-glass and riling up the crowd even more. Coach Lennox pumps the air with his fist and claps from the sidelines as we all take turns patting Maxwell on the back.

“Alright, newbie! You’ve graduated. I’m going to call you Quick Draw from now on!! That’s how you score, baby!” I shout as the game continues.

Toronto comes back minutes later, getting a puck past Bast to tie up the game. The ice turns into a battle royal after that. Fights break out during the first and second period, neither team giving the other an inch of leeway to score. It’s messy and bloody, the fans are getting a Stanley Cup show to remember. As we approach the third period both teams are eager to break the stalemate we are in. Now, it’s all down to this moment and how hungry we are to win.

As the puck drops, Toronto gains possession, but Ridley steals the puck back from their forward and shoots down the ice toward the goal. Devan and Keegan clear the way for him, crushing Toronto’s defensemen against the boards with audible grunts and curses. Ridley maintains focus, aiming for Stockman, Toronto’s goalie. He’s just as good, maybe second stats wise to Bast, so scoring won’t be easy. Stockman taunts Ridley, squatting low in challenge as they prepare to take each other one on one. As Ridley gets close the cheers from the crowd spur him on as he begins to deke the puck, once, twice, three times, then he cuts left as Stockman drops down in anticipation to catch the puck. Ridley skates past him though, circles around the back of the goal and slaps the puck past Stockman on the right side. The shot is flawless, and I am racing towards Ridley, chest bumping him so hard we both fall on the ice. We are tangled in a puppy pile as Devan jumps on top of us both.

“Yeah! Rid!!” he yells.

“Masters! Score!” The announcer shouts as horns go off and the cheering from the fans is thunderous. The applause is so loud I can feel the vibrations. We don’t get a chance to celebrate as the puck is back in play and we are chasing down Toronto for most of the third period. Shot after shot, check after check, both teams are fighting it out to the end.

“One more!” I shout to Devan as he passes me the puck. I glance at the clock as the seconds tick down to the end of the game. I speed down the ice, barely missing a head on collision with two desperate defensemen, but Devan and Keegan barrel through the both of them, allowing me room to skate on. My heart is beating rapidly in my chest, my breathing steady, my focus absolute. It’s now or never as I near the crease. I fake out Stockman, turning slightly to the left, I scoop up the puck, catching it on the tip of my stick and fire. The puck soars over his head, hitting the back of the net with a swoosh.

There is no time for Toronto to make any sort of comeback. The clock hits zero, the horns blare, and confetti rains down over my head as my knees buckle and I hit the ice. Fuck! We did it! I did it! I find her eyes in the crowd and I see her pride, love, and triumph before I am crushed by my teammates and swallowed in a puppy pile.

“Vipers win! The Vipers win the Stanley Cup!” The announcer screams and the fans go wild. The cheers are deafening as they all began to chant, “Mountain! Mountain! Mountain!”

“Eyes closed, Supernova,” Tor says as I feel the car curving left and then right along the road we are on.

“I have them closed, Mr. Bailey.” I huff out, crossing my arms over my chest impatiently. I’ve had my eyes closed for what feels like hours, but I will continue to humor this man because hell, I love him.

Tor scoffs. “Baby, we are almost there, I promise.” His hand grabs mine and gives it a reassuring squeeze. I cling to it, not wanting to give it back to him. Now that the hockey season is over, Tor is all mine for at least the next five weeks, and I want all of him, all the time.

“You sure you don’t want to tell me where ‘there’ is? I mean, haven’t we had enough excitement these last few days?” I tease, thinking of all the celebrations and parties we’ve attended after his Stanley Cup win a week ago.

“Tired of partying, baby?” Tor asks in understanding. As much as I like being out with him, I am happiest when it’s just the two of us. Call me selfish, but I don’t want to share him if I don’t have to, and I am sure he feels the same way. Now that the world knows Alexis Rhodes, there is no hiding for me, now all we have is our little private bubble we create for each other.

“Truth,” I state, knowing what he’s going to say but needing him to say it all the same.

“Always, Supernova.” He runs his thumb across the top of my hand, soothing me. I smile because this man—he’s just easy to love.

“Yes, after the last few months, I’m tired. I’m looking forward to some down time before I start on my next book, and you go into preseason training. Is it wrong to want to keep you to myself?”

“Not at all, Alexis. I want the same. In fact, I’m glad you said this. Now I know where I’m taking you is exactly what we both need, both want.”

“Tor?” His name a question as my brain tries to pick up on what he is saying.

“Alexis,” he replies, clearly he has a secret, and I won’t know what it is until we get to wherever it is we are going.

“Okay,” I say wearily. I trust whatever it is, I will love it because it’s something we can share and experience together. Yep, I’ve been a goner for months. Tor is my endgame. Period.

I settle into my seat, content to see where we are going as we drive in silence for a few minutes longer. The car stops, and I have to squeeze my eyes tight to keep them from popping open. I hear Tor chuckle because of course he knows I’m struggling over here.

“You love to make me sweat,” I say impatiently.

“In more ways than one,” he teases as the sound of a gate opening has my ears perking up.

“Keep them closed, Alexis, baby. We’re almost there,” Tor says as the car pulls forward and we are driving again. We finally stop. I hear him take the key out of the ignition. I breathe a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, I don’t think in the future I am going to suggest a blindfold. Tor’s hand slips from mine as he exits the car, shutting his door, leaving me alone. The urge to take a tiny peek is strong. Before I can give in to temptation my door opens and he grabs my hand, ushering me out of the SUV.

The salty smell of the sea hits my nose, along with the sound of sea gulls and the rustling of trees as a light summer breeze brushes against my face, cooling the warmth of the sun. I take it all in, letting my senses explore before my eyes can. Wherever we are, I’m content to stand here, comfortable and serene, with Tor’s hand in mine.

“Open your eyes, Supernova.” Tor’s breath tickles my ear as he leans over me, resting his chin on my shoulder. His arms wrap around my waist, and he pulls my body into his as I open my eyes.

A gasp escapes my lips as I glance around. There are beautiful tall pine trees cradling a sleek, modern beachfront home. I step forward and Tor releases me as my mouth falls open in shock and surprise. The Puget Sound is right in front of me, the view is spectacular as the Seattle skyline can be seen in the distance. It’s like the view from Tor’s penthouse yet in reverse. The two-story home has weathered white boards with black trim, simple and clean. What catches my eye and makes this place stand out the most, are the huge windows that wrap around the house, reminiscent of the ones in my own home. I haven’t stepped foot inside and I already know the panoramic views alone will have me salivating with the need to stare out of them for hours. The beach, if you can call it that, is more of a rocky embankment from where I’m standing. There’s not a neighbor in sight, it’s quiet and peaceful, the hustle and bustle of the city is absent, and I am already in love with it.

“What is this place?” I ask curiously as I step closer, wanting to take a look inside. I pause, when I realize this might be someone’s home and I’m about to look like a major stalker if I plaster my face to their window.

“Ours,” Tor replies and there’s not a hint of humor in his voice. He’s serious.

I turn, my eyebrows rise in question as my hands go automatically to my hips. “What do you mean ‘ours’?” I close the distance between us, taking note of the black wrought iron gate we drove through moments ago.

“This is our new home, Alexis. I bought it for us.” He gestures around us with his arm sweeping out in an arc for emphasis.

“But we have homes, Tor. I still have my place, you have the penthouse,” I say, completely caught off guard by this. Since I’ve been back I’ve barely spent time at my house, choosing to stay with Tor in his penthouse. I’m not one for extravagance, this feels a little too much.

Tor, sensing my unease, grabs my hands in his and pulls me close. “We keep the penthouse. During hockey season it will be easier to stay there because it’s close to the arena. We can keep your house, Alexis, because it’s yours, and whatever you decide to do with it is your choice. But this,”—he drops my hands and turns me towards the house again—“is ours, something we share together. This is the place in which we build our future. Our own little private bubble away from the world, just for us. If you don’t like it, we can find something else, but I saw this view and immediately thought of you,” he reassures me, like he always does.

“It’s beautiful.” Is my reply, because I want what he wants. I want this life, with him, forever. If this is where we start, then, sign me up. “Okay, let’s do it.”

Tor blows out a nervous breath behind, then says, “Good. Now for the hard part.”

I turn about to ask what he means but stop short when I find him on his knees before me.

“Tor, Tor, what, why?—”

“Alexis Rhodes, what’s the point of wasting time when I already know where I want to spend the rest of my life? I love you. It doesn’t get any bigger or better than that. I need you, like I need my next breath, and I don’t want to exist without your light in my life. You’ve had my heart in your hands from the first time I saw you. My soul called to yours and you answered, baby. So, here I am, down on my knees, wanting you, needing you, to be my wife. To be my forever. Let’s make love and have babies, build our lives starting right here, right now. Marry me?” His words are heartfelt, earnest, his love is palpable, enveloping without need for touch. I feel every ounce of his truth. I don’t think, I don’t hesitate, because I know what I want. I’ve known it from the start of our journey, despite my fears, that he is mine and I am his.

I reach out and cup his face, leaning over him, I brush my lips against his with my answer, because there is only one. “Yes.”

THE END