Epilogue
PART ONE
Ethan
June - Six months later
A lot can happen in six minutes, and we can’t let our hard work be thrown away by getting comfortable.
Without taking my eyes off the third line battling for puck possession, I pick up my bottle and squirt some water into my mouth. My knee is bouncing non-stop as Mitch poke checks one of Boston’s wingers before he’s heading toward their goalie on a breakaway, skating like his ass is on fire.
“Come on, Mitchy!” I’m on my feet, voice hoarse .
When he sinks it between the goalie’s legs, the energy on the bench is indescribable.
“Fuck yeah!” we all shout, and the arena goes wild.
My blood is vibrating with adrenaline, but I’m remaining focused. We’re looking good out there. Really fucking good. If we keep putting those pucks in the net, being strong on the defense the way we are, and if Elliot keeps making those unbelievable saves...
Fuck. I might actually cry.
But I don’t have time for emotions right now.
Mentally shaking them away, I jump over the boards for my shift once the whistle blows.
Taking my spot for the face-off, I keep my eyes focused on the linesman’s hand but grunt at the Boston winger next to me.
“Ran out of shit to say, eh?”
They’ve been the chirpiest team I’ve known in a final, but as the games have gone on, they’ve become quieter and quieter.
“Fuck off, Parkes.”
“Nah.” I shove the young player slightly with my shoulder, causing him to lose his balance. “I’m good, thanks.”
He grumbles something else under his breath, but I don’t catch it because the linesman drops the puck, Blaine passes it straight to me, and I one-timer it into the top right corner of the net.
For the second time in the space of a minute, the goal horn sounds, and the guys crush me against the boards, hollering and whooping.
“Fucking yesss!” someone screams.
We make our way back to the bench, and I can’t help the smile that takes over my face.
My eyes burn with unshed tears as the clock counts down.
It’s the final minute of the game, and Boston looks like they’re ready to throw in the towel.
The bench vibrates as we begin to celebrate.
Some of the guys are jumping up and down and hugging, but all I can do is focus on the timer ticking down.
Five...
Four...
Three...
Two...
One...
The buzzer sounds, not only declaring us the Stanley Cup Champions but also signaling the end of my NHL career.
I informed Coach Harris and management last week that this would be my last season, but we agreed not to tell the rest of the team until after the Finals.
I didn’t want them to lose focus or worry about me. We had too much at stake, and it’s not like I’m moving away from Chicago. I’ll still be living here because it’s where Jacob is, and my home is wherever he goes.
The confetti cannons go off. Helmets, sticks, and gloves are thrown into the air as we swarm the ice, huddling together as we celebrate. Some of the guys let their tears fall. Blaine and Elliot are in a tight embrace as Elliot’s tear-streaked face lights up with a bright grin.
We did it.
We fucking did it.
We’re Stanley Cup Champions.
Our hard work and dedication have finally paid off, and I couldn’t be prouder of all of us. I hug everyone, telling them how proud I am of them and how amazing they played.
They deserve this so much, and I’m so honored to be a part of this incredible achievement.
Glancing out toward the family seats, I search for the person who makes my heart beat, and when I see him, a wide grin splits my face.
He’s jumping up and down next to my mom, his hands on his cheeks, like he’s trying to hide that wide grin. When our eyes catch, he blows me a kiss and waves, fresh tears rolling down his beautiful face.
I skate back to the boys, and we line up to shake each of our opponents’ hands. I thank each of them for a great series, and when the carpet is rolled out, I’m physically shaking.
This is what we work for.
We sacrificed so much for this moment.
Long days, nights away from our loved ones.
Blood, sweat, sometimes losing our teeth, or injuries that could cost us our careers.
At that thought, I glance over to Zach, relieved that he’s able to be with us. And as if hearing my thoughts, he looks up, giving me a watery smile and a tip of his chin.
I’m so fucking glad he’s here.
The announcer’s voice booms over the sound system as the Stanley Cup is carried to the podium. I bite the inside of my cheek, sniffing back my emotions.
“We’re delighted to present this trophy to your Chicago Thunder captain, Ethan Parkes!”
I skate over to the League Commissioner, shaking his hand and posing for the standard photo.
When he hands over the Cup, I lift it over my head and skate toward the boys before skating a lap around the rink, relishing in the screams and cries of loyal fans, bringing the cool silver to my lips, and kissing it.
A year ago, I was an empty shell. I was looking at my time here with an expiry date, when I only needed to remember that there’s more to me than hockey.
I’ve dedicated twenty years to the league, almost thirty-five years to the game, and now I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.
My foundation is nearly ready to go, and I can’t wait to help those kids. To give them the chance to be in the position I am now where they can share the ice with their best friends—the family they’ll create when they play the most incredible sport in the world.
I hand the Cup over to Kendrick and watch as each of my teammates lifts it over their heads, taking their lap of honor.
My heart fills with so much fucking pride that it feels like it could burst through my chest protector.
Once we finish taking photos, all the family is allowed onto the ice. I spot Jacob and my mom, and I immediately skate over to them, taking Jacob’s face in my hands and kissing him like he’s my next breath.
“I’m so proud of you,” he sobs, tears falling into his beautiful smile.
When he steps back, my mom practically jumps into my arms, and I have to grab hold of her so she doesn’t fall. She squeezes me as hard as she can around my protective gear, her cries filling my ears.
“I’m so fucking proud of you,” she chokes out .
The lump in my throat thickens, but I still snort at her dropping the f-bomb.
“I knew you would do it. I knew it,” she declares with a nod. “You played phenomenally, and I’m so over the moon you got to become champion again in your final season.”
“This is just a bonus.” I grin at my mom before looking at Jacob. “I became a champion in the off-season when Jacob handed over his heart to me.”