28. Callum
28
CALLUM
TWO MONTHS LATER
“ I s this thing on?” I tap the microphone, and everyone laughs. I knew it was on, but giving this speech has me all in my feels. “In my wildest dreams, I’m not sure I saw this day coming. Did I want this? Hell yeah, I did. We all want this. It’s what we train for every day. It’s what we eat, drink, and breathe in hopes of getting here to this fucking moment. But how many boys actually chase this dream and get here? Tonight, the twenty of us get to be those kids who dreamed big. The excitement and the high we’ve been riding for the past few weeks is like nothing I’ve ever known. They say you can’t capture lightning in a bottle. It’s impossible because it’s a natural phenomenon that never strikes in the same place twice, but we didn’t need it to strike twice. We only needed it once, and then we put the lid on it.” I pause as the team drums on the tables, making the silverware rattle while they make a show and holler. I smile and nod, letting the moment sink in before they quiet.
“You see, itdidn’t just come when we faced off against the Diamonds in game seven. It was there when we clinched our seat as the wild card. It came again when we defeated the Ice Sharks and then the Stars. We went out there and played our fucking hearts out even when we weren’t at our best in the locker room. We put our differences aside for the team because that’s what we do. Our love for the game transcends.”
I grip the stand and look around at my teammates. This season was a roller coaster, and these guys have been my second family for years. I could keep playing, and there would be no team I’d be prouder to have at my back than these guys right here, even with Austin on the team. We may not have seen eye to eye most of the season, but we understand each other, and in life, that goes a long way. We don’t have to agree on everything. We don’t have to be best friends. We just need to respect each other, and we’re finally in a place where we have that. However, this is no longer my season. Thischapter of my life is closing.
“Every one of you has a story off the ice. Alot of you have got to watch mine play out in the media for the last few weeks.”
I pause for boos and murmurs. They’re not booing me but rather the fucked-up reality I’ve lived off the screen. They read the headlines about Eloise’s accident, they watched my season end too soon on the ice, and a few days later, they watched as my father was hauled off by the Feds for embezzlement and second-degree murder charges for the death of my mother. Yep, that happened. Our plan actually fucking worked. It’s why I can stand here today with my head held high. I questioned my ability to lead and be the guy worthy of a title, but it was in my trials and tribulations that I discovered that it was why they chose me. I’m still standing.
“Tonight, I’m supposed to accept my position on the team next year. I am beyond honored that this organization believes in my ability even when I’ve doubted it myself, but I will not be returning to the Kings next season.”
There are audible gasps around the room, and I considered not sharing this news at tonight’s event so as not to cast a sullen cloud over what is supposed to be a joyous event, but that brings me back to why they chose me for this role to begin with… to lead.
“Before the rumors start, I’m not going to another team. My time on the ice has come to an end. This is the end of my time, but that means it’s the beginning for someone else’s. But back to those stories we’re all destined to write, this platform has given me a voice, one that can echo far beyond the game, and forthatI’m truly humbled and grateful. As I sat with this offer and thought about what I’d be leaving behind, it was all I had to give that made up my mind.”
I look up again, knowing I must wrap this up and catch sight of my girl. She had no idea what decision I had settled on untilthis moment, but her captive gaze gives me my parting words.
“Before I walk off this stage as your captain for the last time, if you remember anything from what I’ve said tonight, let it be this. Don’t be led by your fear. There will always be obstacles and setbacks threatening to derail us from that which we covet the most. Always remember the dream. Be led by your dreams.”
As I exit the stage and wind through the tables, I shake hands and fist-bump my teammates as Coach Beck takes the stage. When I reach the table, I’m grateful that I chose to tell Eloise the same way I told my teammates because now that someone else is on stage, she can’t grill me about my choice. I can tell by her expression that she has questions, and now that my decision is out there, I need a little more time to sit down and figure out how I’ll answer her. The fire I had inside me for the sport was never really mine. It was my mother’s. A dream she wrote about in her journal, but now it’s time for me to chase my own dreams. My hand instinctively reaches for hers as I reclaim my seat. She’s my dream.
A waiter reaches between us and places a black box on the table, and Eloise squeezes my hand. “Cal, can you believe this?”
When I showed up at the second to last game of the Stanley Cup to cheer on my team from the bench, I wasn’t expecting a standing ovation from the fans, nor was I expecting to find a patch on everyone’s sleeve dawning my number… thirteen. It was moving on so many fronts. I was there to support them and ensure their thoughts weren’t on me. In my time on the ice, I’ve seen my fair share of accidents I can’t shake, and after watching the replays from that night, I understand how what they witnessed could cause a block. It’s why I had to go. I had to show them I was okay, and while some might call it a fluke or sheer luck that on the night I returned, we won, however, on the second night, they had no choice but to eat their words. You don’t win the fucking Stanley Cup because of luck. You win because you’re the bestandtonight I get to sit in a ballroom with a group of guys who played their asses off and achieved a dream that most professional athletes never attain, the honor of being number one and getting a ring.
I lean over and kiss her cheek. “It feels surreal.”
The past few months have been a hell of a ride, my past, present, and future colliding in unfathomable ways. I didn’t think this was one of the stops that awaited me along the way, but here I am, waiting to open a box that few ever will.
“All right, now calm down. You all know what’s in that box, but before you openthem,I have a few words I want to say.” Coach Beck clears his throat and looks down at a paper on the podium. “I’m not going to need this,” he mutters, folding it and tucking it into his pocket. “We’re here tonight to honor this team and the accomplishments you all made this season on the ice. I will try not to get emotional, but I won’t make any promises. It was a privilege serving as your head coach. You guys gave up your time, your spouses, and your children… the sacrifices every player on this team made to show up and give it their all every damn day, even when leaving the people we love the most behind is hard, immeasurable. I’m honored that you put your faith and trust in me, but more so that all of you put it in each other. I couldn’t be prouder.” He pulls a box identical to ours out of his pocket and holds it up. “Without further ado, gentlemen, open your boxes.”
“Oh my God.” She drops my hand and covers her mouth. “I hope you’re not expecting your wedding ring to look like that.”
That makes me laugh. “These are supposed to be gaudy and ostentatious.” I pull the hunk of gold and diamonds out of the box and slip it on my pinky finger.
“The build-up to this reveal now has me anxious to show it to you.”
“Well, you only have to wait two more days,” I say as I lean over and kiss her cheek.
In three days, I get to marry my girl, the girl who was always meant to be mine, and I couldn’t be happier about it. When she told me she wanted a big wedding, I assumed I’d have to wait longer to give her my last name, especially since Dash is still missing. Not only is he a good friend, but he’s a brother. I expected she’d demand that he be present. However, she was just as eager to make my name hers as I was. Ada has also spared no expense, seeing that Eloise gets everything she wants.
“Retirement.” Roe comes up behind me and squeezes my shoulders. “What the hell, man? No warning.”
I stand up and give him a pound hug.
“Just because I’m not on the ice doesn’t mean I won’t be around. I plan on being a season ticket holder, and I was going to tap your shoulder for a few of those projects you’ve been working on.”
Roe grew up in a low-income household. His family couldn’t afford the equipment or league fees for him to play growing up. Every season, his family puts together multiple fundraisers to help raise money for him and players like him to play. I want to use my mother’s money to help fund programs like the one he’s started. Back when I started Project Hope, I didn’t have deep pockets. Tipper Bronson stumbling upon my charity helped it grow. I want to help Roe do the same.
“I appreciate that, man, but it doesn’t mean I’m ready to see you go. Defending your ass in the locker room is practically my entire personality,” he rags.
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to use the ladies’ room,” Eloise excuses herself.
Roe’s eyes follow her as she walks away. “People are going to think you quit because of her.”
I shrug. “I don’t care what people think, and so what if they do? She’s a catch.”
Austin approaches from behind Roe and extends his hand. “We’re not friends,” he states sharply, and I shake his hand with a bemused expression that mirrors Roe’s. “But I don’t like that you’re leaving. As much as you’ve been a pain in my ass, it’s pushed me to be better.”
“See, there it is.” Roe grabs his shoulders. “This is the side of Austin the rest of us got to see. Douche, but bearable.” We all laughandthen Roe asks, “Where’s Blair?”
Austin’s eyes flash to mine. Roe’s question is innocent enough. Everyone knows they’re together, but it didn’t go unnoticed that she disappeared after the accident. Not only did she dip out on her man but her responsibilities to the team. However, Austin and I know why Blair isn’t here. She’s back home, lying low. My dad might be behind bars, but Keely is still MIA. The day the Feds took him down, we were pretty positive we caught her on footage in the background. She knew what hotel he was at, which meant she was staking it out. Knowing everything I do now, I’m sure her intentions were nefarious, and I’m glad we got to him first. Death would be too easy of a fate for him. However, the fact that she hasn’t come out of hiding yet makes me question if we’ve overlooked something. I suspect she’ll lie low until after his murder trial, considering she was one of my mother’s nurses.
“Her passport expired,” Austin lies. “I’m heading to the States to stay with her for a few weeks after I leave here.”
I spot Eloise talking to Coach Beck across the room and excuse myself. “I’ll catch up with you guys,” I say, not waiting for a response.
No sooner I’m less than five feet away than he walks off. I throw my arms wide. I wanted to talk to him.
“He said he had to use the restroom,” Eloise says as I close the distance between us. “Why didn’t you tell me you were giving up hockey?”
We’ve talked about a lot of things over the past month. I told her why I started playing. My grandfather was an NHL franchise owner. My mother grew up around hockey, and when she dreamed about having a boy, she dreamed of one who played hockey. It was a legacy I wanted to carry, but I no longer believe playing the sport brings me closer to her. Living my best life with my family by my side is all she ever wanted for me, and I don’t want my family to sacrifice.
“Probably for the same reason you haven’t told me you’re pregnant.”
Her eyes widen, and I slide my hands around her waist. “I know this body, but more than that, I know my girl. I see you, blondie. I’ve always seen you.”
“When did you figure it out?”
“Ah, two months ago… at the hospital, when I asked you to take a test.”
“You’ve known for two monthsandyou didn’t say anything?”
“You have no idea how hard it’s been.”
“Why wait?”
“Atfirst,it was insecurity. The last time you were pregnant with my baby, you ran away before telling me?—”
“Cal, I wouldn’t do that—that’s not why?”
“Don’t.” I kiss her lips to silence her defenses. I don’t need them. “I know… I know you wouldn’t leave me again.” I rest my forehead to hers. “I’ve watched you be selfless for years. You sacrificed your heart to protect our son, and history is repeating itself. You’re doing it again, holding your tongue, knowing I had a big decision on my shoulders with the weight of receiving a new contract. You didn’t want me to say no because of the baby. You didn’t want to interfere with my choice."
Her eyes soften, and I press my mouth to hers once more. My hands frame her face.
“There’s nothing I want more than my family. With or without a new baby, you and Adler were always my first choice. It’s always been you.”
“I love you,” she says as I gently cover her lips with mine. “But?—”
“No buts, not this time. I have something I want to show you.” I pull my playbook from back where I had tucked it away before my speech.
“Are you serious? This book is like Houdini. Appearing when you least expect it.”
“Well, I wanted to share something with Coach Beck, but there’s also something I wanted to share with you. You said ‘but’ and I needed to show you there are none.”
I hand her the playbook open to the page I want her to read, and she mumbles, “That’s not what mybutwas for. However, I won’t pass up a chance to read your mind.”
Scoring Grey
This entry is dedicated to my future wife. I know we have a lot unknown ahead of us, so I’m time-stamping these thoughts now as proof that no matter what happens, my first choice is always you.
She said yes! Well, sort of. I didn’t ask, and nothing went according to plan, so I had to think fast. There was no way I was letting her leave in that ambulance without me. She’s reminded me multiple times since I slipped that ring on her finger that I haven’t asked, but she also hasn’t taken it off. Our son, her father, and all our family and friends have witnessed the new jewelry on her left hand. It’s hard to miss. That was intentional. I needed to make sure there was no mistake she was taken.
Some say true love will find its way back to you, but I don’t like to think of our love that way because it infers it was lost. My love for her was never lost; it never wavered, even when I wished it would. The love we have was always destined to be. I can’t be sure of what our future looks like; there are too many unknowns, but I know without a shadow of a doubt it’s always been her, and it will only ever be her every day I love her more. She is the most beautiful thing in my life. She is my heart.
She closes the book, and her tear-filled eyes find mine. “You really wanted to make me cry in front of all these people?”
“No.” I pull her into my chest. “I never want to be the reason for your tears, but because they exist now, I hope they’re happy tears.”
“You know they are,” she sniffles, holding me tight. “Do you ever go back and make revisions?”
“What?” I ask confoundedly, wondering what she could possibly want to revise. “Are you telling me I got my thoughts wrong?”
“No.” She pulls back, her baby blues slightly streaked from her mascara. “But you did ask me?”
I bite my lip and bring my thumbs to the corner of her eyes to fix her makeup. I know she saw the date. I wrote that entry the night of her accident. I stayed up and wrote it while I watched her sleep. There was no way I could sleep after everything that happened. “If it pleases my wife, I suppose I could add an addendum.”
“I’m not your wife yet.”
I pull her flush against my front. “But the date has been set, sobasicallyyou are.”
“I don’t think it works that way.”
“It works however I say it works. I told you once…” I let my hand slide down the curve of her back until I reach her ass. “But I don’t mind giving you a reminder.” I squeeze her ass hard,makingher gasp. “You don’t get to leave me, blondie.”
“I’ll consider letting it slide if you consider my request.”
I tip her chin up and hold her gaze. “There’s nothing you can ask of me that isn’t already a yes.”
She purses her lips. “This is different. It’s yours and only yours. I don’t want to take your safe space away from you, and never would I want to change your thoughts. I love your mind the way it is, but I like looking back at our life with you. Maybe I can be the one to add the note in a different color so that when we look back together, we see our shared memories.”
I smile, loving her idea, but even more so that she thought of my feelings. “I’d like that.” I take her lips in mine and dive deep, desperate for more of the woman I love, the woman who’s carrying my baby, her ass in my hand, her body flush against mine with thoughts of my seed growing inside of her that have my cock hardening. “I’m ready to leave.” I breathlessly break our kiss. “Adler is back home with your dad, and I’m ready to take advantage of having an empty house.”
“I thought we were going to wait until our wedding night.”
“I never agreed to that,” I say, slapping her ass as we walk down the corridor to leave. “Plus, you’re carrying my child. I think it’s a little late for celibacy and born-again virgins.”
She laughs a deep belly laugh that makes my heart smile.
“Speaking of babies, what I was going to say before you cut me off earlier was that I didn’t know I was pregnant the night you asked me to take a test. When you asked me, it dawned on me that I was late.”
“Semantics. I’m just excited you’re giving me a little girl.”
“You don’t know that. I don’t even know that. I wanted to find out together. Technically, I don’t know that I’m pregnant.”
“What?” I stop in my tracks and pull her back to me.
She smiles and bites her lip. “I mean, there’s a five percent chance I’m not. I’m eight weeks late on that period I was telling you about. I never took a test because I didn’t want any firsts without you.” She pushes up on her tippytoes and pecks my lips. “You spoiled my surprise. I was going to tell you on our wedding night. I have our first ultrasound booked for the following day.”
“I love you,” I murmur before closing the distance between our mouths.
She loves me. She always loved me just as I have always loved her. I found the one who was always meant to be mine. For me, it was never a question of if but when she’d let me love her the way I intended. We all have a journey we must travel. Some are more twisted than others, but what is destined for you will never pass you by. You must have patience and keep the faith even when doing so feels like it might kill you. What is yours will always find its way to you, and Eloise Grey was always meant to be mine.
The End