Epilogue
epilogue
Tessa
Three months later
A huge crowd fills the Wildwood Ice rink. They even let the ice melt and put down temporary floors to accommodate almost everyone who wanted to be there. There’s a crowd outside, too, watching the proceedings on huge screens.
We’re celebrating the Linoma Lynx’s win of the Calder Cup and the entire team’s here. Interior screens show a looping video of Crunch Carter’s wild shot that won the championship.
The fans will be disappointed though since he’s announcing his retirement today. I have no idea how the team was able to keep that information secret for this long.
Our relationship hasn’t been secret although I still don’t really care to be in the spotlight at the side of my handsome, famous husband. Dodging the sports paparazzi, and the puck bunnies who refuse to believe he’s no longer available has been interesting. That black-haired bitch even earned a restraining order after she camped out on our lawn.
The rest of the wives, steady girlfriends, and I sit in the first row facing the riser stage. The mayor, acting as master of ceremonies, introduces each member of the team, saving the hometown hero for last. When Ethan steps up to the mic, the screens show photos of him lifting the trophy high above his head while the team carries him on their shoulders.
It's going to be a great story to tell our kids someday. I rest my palm over the new life growing in me. Tonight, I’ll extend our celebration and tell him the good news.
After a round of cheers and ‘crunch, crunch, crunch’, Ethan holds up his hands and the crowd grows silent.
“Thank you, Wildwood. The Lynx love you, too! Thank you for joining us in celebrating our victory. Every coach and players’ name is now engraved on a plaque fastened to the trophy’s base. It took the support of each and every fan to get us there.
“Keep cheering and maybe the Lynx will bring home the trophy next year, too.”
Shouts and cheers erupt—again—and Ethan waits patiently for silence. “I have news for our fans, and for the city of Wildwood. I am retiring from play so the Lynx will be moving on without me.”
The response isn’t as loud. I glance around and it appears he’s shocked the crowd. I can’t wait for the reaction to his next statement.
“However, my hometown isn’t getting rid of me. We’re a hockey town in the middle of a state obsessed with college football. I believe we need to grow the awareness and popularity of our sport. To help facilitate this, I’ve accepted the position of head coach of the Wildwood Warriors hockey team.” He lifts one fist. “Go Warriors!”
I thought the cheering was loud before. Now the clapping and foot stomping threatens to bring down the building.
Grinning and waving Ethan steps back and the mayor takes over, directing the crowd to head outside toward the food trucks, bar-b-cue smokers, and of course, the beer garden.
Ethan leaps from the risers and takes my hands. “You plan one hell of a party, honey.”
I puff air on my nails and rub them against my shoulder. “That I do.”
“Krampusnacht will always be my favorite. It’s when we met again.”
The crowd has nearly cleared the rink and I can’t wait until later. “You might think this one is better.”
“You can only really celebrate a championship when it happens. You’ll be needing a Krampus every year.”
“I plan to celebrate tonight. Once we get home.”
Ethan gathers me in his arms and kisses me. “I like the sound of that my pretty girl.”
I lean close to his ear. “We’re pregnant.”
His hands at my waist he takes a step back and stares at my belly. “We are?”
“Saw the doctor today.”
“We’re having a baby?” His eyes glisten as they fill with tears.
“Yes, my love.”
He lifts his hands. “Wait. Don’t move.”
I laugh when he leaps onto the riser and grabs the mic. I am surprised it’s still on when he shouts, “We’re having a baby!”
Outside the rink, a loud cheer fills the air.
While the shouts of congratulations continue to rise and fall, Ethan returns to me and touches my belly. “Our baby. Tessa, this is the best homecoming ever.”