Epilogue
One Month Later
The team's favorite restaurant had been transformed by Mrs. Peterson's endless supply of blue and white knitting, creating what Dmitri called "atmosphere of victory and romance, yes?"
Allison watched from Kane's lap (chairs were limited, according to Dmitri's seating chart) as their hockey family celebrated the end of season. So much had changed in just a month:
Dmitri had met a local ballet instructor who apparently matched his passion for artistic expression. They were currently demonstrating what he called a "pas de deux of destiny" between tables.
Oliver's social media influence had caught the attention of a sports marketing executive who shared his love of content creation. Their coffee meetings were definitely not just about business.
Marcus was wrestling with offers from both graduate schools and NHL teams, though the way he looked at the new stats analyst suggested his decision might involve factors beyond probability.
And Liam was teaching Mrs. Peterson traditional family recipes while she taught him to knit, both of them sneaking glances at her granddaughter who'd recently started coming to games.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Kane's arms tightened around her waist.
"Just thinking about luck." She leaned back against his chest. "And how sometimes the best things happen when you stop looking for it."
"Very profound." His smile pressed against her neck. "Sure it's not just the champagne?"
"Pretty sure it's the company."
"Sap."
"You love it."
"Yeah." His voice softened. "I really do."
Their moment was interrupted by Dmitri's announcement: "And now, premiere performance of ‘Ballet of Love: The Kane and Allison Story' featuring special guest dancers and lucky costume design by Mrs. Peterson."
"We should probably stop him," Kane mused as their teammates were drafted into the performance.
"Probably." But Allison was smiling as Dmitri attempted to teach Oliver a pirouette.
Her grandfather's puck sat in its display case at home—their home now—no longer a lucky charm but a reminder that some things were worth believing in.