Epilogue
ETHAN
SIX MONTHS LATER
“Stop fiddling with your tie,” Jett whispers.
“Yes, dear.”
“Just for that, I’m gonna sleep in the other bed tonight.”
“You wouldn’t.”
Jett smirks. My boyfriend loves to tease me. I thought I was merciless, but I’ve met my match.
“Hush, the meeting’s about to start.”
I reach for my silver necklace, because I’m nervous as fuck and I need something to do with my hands. It’s either that or reach for Jett, and given where we are, now’s not the time for foreplay.
We’re sitting in a boardroom surrounded by hockey memorabilia, and I pinch myself.
Literally, I pinch my arm to make sure I’m not dreaming.
I hardly slept last night in anticipation of this moment.
Jett and I arrived in Seattle yesterday, and while our hotel was impressively roomy and comfortable, I was so nervous that I spent half the night fidgeting and stress talking, unable to sleep.
Finally, at two a.m., Jett ordered me to lie on my stomach and proceeded to rim me until I lost my damn mind.
There was no more tossing and turning—or talking—after that.
We only managed to get a few hours’ sleep, but we woke up smiling.
Until this moment.
I’m too hyped up to smile or talk or do anything except pop my knees up and down.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the boardroom door opens. A woman with a sharp red bob and an even sharper gray suit stalks into the room and up to the table. The lanyard around her neck reads “Avril Adamsen, General Manager, Seattle Renegades.”
Holy shit, this is really happening. I’m signing an entry-level contract with Seattle. NHL, here I come…
I quickly stand up and offer my hand.
“It’s great to meet you in person, Ms. Adamsen.”
“It’s Avril, and you as well, Ethan,” she announces with a warm smile. “Are you ready?”
“I am,” I reply confidently and motion to Jett, who stands beside me. “As I mentioned in our communications, this is my boyfriend, Jett Hawthorne.”
Avril nods and shakes Jett’s hand.
“A pleasure to meet you, Jett.”
There’s a knock at the door and two more people enter the room. Avril does the introductions with the team’s public relations director and the operations manager and then motions for all of us to take a seat.
I grip Jett’s hand under the table. His palm is as sweaty as mine.
“I’m very pleased to personally welcome you, and Jett, to the Renegade family. Before we get to the signing, do you have any questions?”
“Not right now. I think I’m still in a bit of shock.”
“It’s a big day for you, so that’s to be expected.” Avril nods. “Once the paperwork is signed, we’ll take photos for the announcement and get that organized.”
I still don’t believe this is happening, not until I see the contract, in writing, placed in front of me. I’ve already read and reviewed the draft online, but being here in Seattle’s head office to officially seal the deal makes it a reality.
I’m more than grateful that I got an offer from a team on the west coast. I’ll be close to Jett’s ranch, my new home base.
He graduates in a month, and then he’s back at the Silver Feather.
In addition to working with Giff to run the ranch, Jett’s also got a contract to work part time as an environmental consultant at a nearby national land trust starting in September.
I’m so fucking proud of him, and even though I’m not sure how this long-distance scenario will unfold, I’m relieved that he’ll only be a two-hour flight away.
After I sign the paperwork and take what feels like a million photos, we say our goodbyes to the Renegade team.
When we hit the lobby, however, I’m suddenly overcome by the force of my emotions.
My dreams are coming true.
For once I have nothing glib to say and tears well up in my eyes. I take a seat on one of the sofas and lean forward to cover my face with my hands.
“Ethan, are you alright?”
Jett’s husky words do what they always do; they make me feel like I can do anything.
“I can’t believe it. I’m really going to play in the NHL. I thought because I didn’t get drafted last year, that it might never happen. I held onto hope, but—”
He takes a seat beside me.
“I’m so damn proud of you, love.”
I finally lower my hands and reach for his.
“Thank you for being here to support me.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
To some, bringing my boyfriend today was a bold statement.
There’s no doubt that the league has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to inclusivity.
But I’ve always been outspoken, no matter what, and that will never change.
I don’t know what being open about my bisexuality will mean for my hockey future, but today was a good start.
And whoever doesn’t like it? They can fuck the hell off. I’m loud and more than proud to be with Jett. Every day we’re together I’m humbled and amazed by his love, his patience, his absolute faith in me. I never thought anyone would see me the way he does, beyond my frat boy image.
That’s changing too. College life as I know it is over and it’s time to step up for the next exciting adventure. With Jett by my side, I’m ready for anything.
And I know he feels the same.
We’ve been through a lot over the past six months, and we’ve grown closer as a couple, and stronger than I ever imagined.
Jett encouraged me to reach out to my parents again.
Harry, Cate, and I made it clear that we need to talk about our family issues as a family, and not argue about the past. My parents agreed to a temporary truce.
It’s not perfect, and who knows what will happen, but at least we’re trying.
Jett’s dealt with a lot too.
When he made the decision to go back to the ranch full time, he retired from competitive rowing.
The Olympics wasn’t his end goal, but it still wasn’t easy for him to turn the page.
He’s had an offer to teach at the local rowing club in Aura, and even with two jobs, I know he’s going to find the time.
Rowing will always be part of his life, just like hockey will always be part of mine.
And his stupid ex? Not that he deserves a mention, but Renner pleaded guilty to harassment and to the vandalism of the boatshed.
He received two years of community service.
As part of his plea agreement, and with Jett’s consent, Renner sent a formal letter of apology.
After we read it, we burned it in a bonfire and went back to our life.
Our life.
No matter the changes, Jett and I are building something special, together.
“It’s not going to be easy,” I blurt, my fears spilling out. “It’s going to mean a lot of travel and plane rides and video calls, and long days and lonely nights without each other.”
“Do you love me?”
His question stops my spiral in its tracks.
“More than anything.”
Jett’s smile is brighter than the sun rising over the desert.
“Then it’ll be worth it.”
My beautiful boyfriend is, like always, absolutely right.
Thank you for reading CATCH!