Chapter 39
BEN
“Ladies and gentlemen,” my voice travels across the darkened ballroom, “As we bring this unforgettable evening to a close, I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude. Your generosity and support make a profound difference in the lives of so many children, giving them the opportunity to grow, thrive, and discover their potential through sports.”
Annika steps closer to the microphone beside me.
“Because of you, young athletes will have access to the training, equipment, and experiences they need to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of the game. Your kindness goes beyond the playing field—it shapes futures, strengthens communities, and creates lasting memories.”
“Before we say goodnight, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible individuals who made this evening possible. To our event organizers, volunteers, decorators, sponsors, and everyone behind the scenes who orchestrated this spectacular night—thank you.”
I scan the packed ballroom as I wait for the last claps to fade.
Tonight’s benefit has hummed along like a well-tuned engine.
In just three hours, we’ve heard heartfelt testimonials from coaches whose teams’ futures were secured by this fundraiser, feasted on a delicious menu of roasted winter vegetables, honey-glazed ham, and miniature peppermint mousse cups, and laughed at the antics my own team mascot, Otto the Otter, dressed in a full Santa suit.
He handed out candy canes to guests and posed for countless pictures.
“Finally, a Gala of this caliber doesn’t come together on its own—it takes vision, dedication, and countless hours of hard work.
” I pause, knowing I’m going off script.
“To the Love and Light Foundation’s director of operations, Madelyn Clairmont.
Your passion and commitment have created an unforgettable evening for everyone lucky enough to be here.
” It may not have been on the cue cards, but my tribute to Maddy gets the biggest round of applause of the night.
“On behalf of all the children whose lives you’ve touched, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Annika adds. “May the spirit of the season bring you joy, and may we continue working together to make a lasting impact. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!”
There are pictures. And more pictures. Then handshakes. So many fucking handshakes. I feel like I talk to all four hundred people in the room before I’m released and free to do what I want.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the man of the hour!” Will calls as I approach my friends’ table. Before I can sidestep him, he throws his arms around me and lifts me off the ground.
The group, consisting of Beth, Foster, and Austin all whoop their approval.
“You did amazing.” Beth gives me a hug when Will sets me down.
“Yeah.” Austin grins, lifting his glass as if to toast me. “Who would have guessed that you knew so many words.”
“I thought they were going to auction you off to the highest bidder,” Foster continues, sounding a bit disappointed.
“Oooh! There’s an idea for next year.”
I turn to find Maddy wearing a cheeky smile and that fucking dress. I pull her into a kiss because I just have to, drawing catcalls and whistles from the table.
“I was only kidding,” she whispers when she pulls away. “I would go bankrupt before I let someone else take you home.”
There’s several free chairs at the table, but I still pull Maddy into my lap. I wrap my arms around her and she relaxes back against my chest. I breathe her in, ignoring my friends’ running commentary on the night, just grateful to be here, with her.
“He did okay, but I think you should find someone better next year.” Will says as he reaches for his wine glass.
“Agreed,” Austin pipes up next to him. “Maybe less of a diva.”
“Oh, but Ben already volunteered Foster to host next year’s gala,” Maddy says with a nod at my best friend.
The table falls silent as all eyes turn to a visibly shell-shocked Foster.
“I’m just screwing with you,” Maddy says with a sheepish smile causing an uproar of laughter from the table.
Soon, we’re joined by a few of the Ottawa Minks players in attendance, including Bailey Gates.
The conversation turns to hockey as we exchange congratulations on the banner season both our teams are having.
Before they leave, they ask for some selfies, which Will and Austin are especially happy to oblige. Bailey takes the pictures on her phone.
“Don’t you want to be in one?” Austin asks her as his eyes rake over her appreciatively.
She looks at him like she still has no idea who he is. “You don’t mind?”
He stands straighter, unable to hide his excitement. “Not at all.”
“Great,” she says without missing a beat as she holds her phone out to him. “Can you take one of me with Foster James?”
No one even attempts to stifle their laughter at this. Even Austin chuckles as he begrudgingly takes a photo of the two goalies.
As the women leave to go back to their team table, Austin remains completely transfixed by Bailey who continues to completely ignore him.
“I think I’m in love,” he sighs, dazedly.
Will gives him an incredulous look. “That woman will destroy you, man.”
“I know,” he replies dreamily as he watches her cross the room. “I can’t wait.”
Coach Stetson approaches the table and every player present straightens. Not out of fear, but respect.
“Ms. Michaels,” he nods at my sister before addressing his players. “At ease, boys.” He turns to Maddy next and extends his hand. “Thank you for including our organization in such a wonderful event, Ms. Clairmont.”
Maddy pushes herself to stand and accepts his hand. “Thank you for coming. Your team’s involvement has made this our most successful fundraiser to date.”
He nods again. His smile is a bit stiff, like that of someone who doesn’t do it often. “Well, we look forward to supporting it for years to come.”
“That’s amazing.” Maddy’s grin is brighter than the spotlights shining down on the band. I can’t help smiling, too. She’s worked so hard to pull this together and it’s easy to see how happy she is with the results.
“Can I borrow Michaels for a moment?” Coach asks her.
She glances at me over her shoulder and winks. “As long as I get him back.”
We take a few steps away from our party before he speaks. “I wanted you to know that in the new year, I will be officially recommending you as the next captain of the Otters.”
I blink up at him. How much champagne has the man had? “Coach?”
“I still believe you’re the right man for the job.”
I just spent the entire evening under the spotlights in front of hundreds of people and only now do I start to sweat.
“Coach, I thought after our last conversation in Tampa…I thought after what I said–”
“I remember what you said, Ben. I spent a lot of time thinking about it. You communicated clearly. I regret not doing the same. I never meant to minimize your commitments to the people you care about. You showed a lot of maturity and courage by saying what you did. I think you’ve proven your leadership skills and the team would be lucky to call you Captain. ”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll think about it.” He extends his hand and I shake it.
“I will, Coach.”
He turns to leave, but I stop him. “Coach? Did I hear that we’re losing another physiotherapist?”
Stetson nods, gravely, his mouth turning downwards. “Yeah. We just hired Amos’ replacement and now Jason is leaving us for Montreal. Why?”
“I know someone that would be perfect.”
He looks slightly taken aback before giving me another nod. “Send me their name and I’ll contact HR.”
“Thank you, Coach. For everything.”
“Merry Christmas, Michaels.”
As the evening winds down and people start to leave, I take Maddy’s hand in mine and lead her towards the dance floor.
“I don’t recall being asked to dance,” she says as I take her in my arms.
“I don’t need to ask.” My lips graze her temple. “Ambassador/Director slowdance is on the itinerary.”
“Since when?”
“Since I asked Ivan to add it.”
We move around the dozen couples still on the floor.
Foster and Beth move in slow circles to the music.
Will is dancing with Annika, which is a feat to witness in itself as he’s well over a foot taller than her.
I even spot Austin dancing with Bailey and I’m not sure what surprises me more: the fact that he convinced her to dance with him or that there is so little space between them. Maybe she lost a bet.
“I’m so glad the evening was a success,” Maddy says. Her cheek rests on my chest as we sway back and forth to the beat.
“It was a success because you made it a success, Madness. I meant what I said on stage. You did all this. Your hard work and leadership made tonight what it was. And I’m so fucking proud of you.”
“I couldn’t have done it without your support.”
“Yes, you could have. But you’ll never have to.”
She smiles up at me and I drink in every detail of her face. The freckles I’ve counted and recounted. The fullness of her lips. The eyes I want to stare into for the rest of my life.
We continue to hold each other until the dance floor is deserted and the music stops. I think about how a few months ago I wouldn’t even let myself dream it was possible to have Maddy in my arms again. But she’s here. And I will never let her go.