Epilogue
Six months later
Elise
Jax and I are back in South Florida for good.
Instead of splitting time between Canada and Florida as we did during my residency, we’re now splitting it between my cottage in Pelican Point and his condo in West Palm.
It’s the best of both worlds. When we want some downtime, we spend it by the beach, and when we’re both in work mode, we stay in West Palm for close proximity to our primary “office,” the Huffman arena.
I’m the curator of permanent ice displays at the arena, including an interactive experience for children and adults that has become an in-demand tourist attraction, as well as a source of ice therapy for sensory-challenged persons.
Since the holiday season is upon us, I’m currently working on creating Christmas-themed ice displays.
I’m so proud of Jax. He’s now a valued member of the Golden Blades management team, serving in a position created just for him, as their Director of Player Development and Community Outreach.
He’s still mentoring players, helping young athletes balance the pressures of competition with personal growth and development, while studying for his sports psychology certification.
He seems happiest when he’s working with kids, whether it’s coaching the next generation of hockey players or helping to provide structure and a safe environment to underprivileged youth in a local community program.
Even though our professional passions are vastly different and we give each other the space to maintain our separate identities, we enjoy working together to support causes we believe in and projects that benefit the community, both in West Palm and Pelican Point.
One example is the black-tie affair happening tonight to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County.
The dress Desirae sent over for me to wear is gorgeous and I always enjoy seeing Jax in a tux.
I have a feeling something magical is going to happen tonight.
Jax
“Are you sure she doesn’t suspect anything? She always knows when something’s going on with me. I swear she’s a mind-reader. I’m nervous as hell I’m going to screw this up.”
I’m on the phone with Desirae, but I can hear Stone’s laughter in the background. His voice comes through the line clearly as he yells, “Listen to my wife, man. She knows what she’s talking about.”
Desirae continues. “I sent over her dress for the benefit, and Shay just picked up the ring from the jeweler and will hand it off to you tonight. Everyone except for Elise knows what the plan is and what they’re supposed to do.”
“Oh, hell.” I suddenly feel like I’m going to barf up my lunch. “What if she turns me down? My misery will be documented for all the world to see.”
Now both Desirae and Stone are laughing their asses off at my expense.
“Don’t worry, Jax. It will be fine. We know how much Elise loves you. It’s going to be a night the two of you will never forget. I already started working on sketches for her wedding dress. Your ice princess is about to become your queen.”
Later that night, we’ve finished the buffet dinner and the program is about to begin.
I’m seated at the table with Golden Blades management, Elise to my right and my mother on my left.
The Master of Ceremonies calls everyone to attention.
This is my cue to proceed to the podium.
I wipe my sweaty palms on my pants and take a deep breath before standing.
Speaking in public has gotten easier for me over the past six months, especially when it’s a topic I’m passionate about.
But I’m getting ready to make the speech of my life.
The words I’ve been practicing for weeks are forgotten as I look out at the crowd.
I focus on my anchor, Elise, her radiant smile silently giving me the courage to proceed.
“Good evening everyone, and thank you for being here tonight to support a cause that means so much to many of us. I’d like to ask my partner on this project, Elise Kinney, to join me.”
Elise rises and meets me at the podium. I step out in front of it, taking both of her hands in mine. Instead of turning back to the audience, I continue to face her, speaking directly to her, as if she’s the only person in the room.
“To think a little over six months ago, I couldn’t see a path forward for myself that didn’t include playing hockey.
No one could have told me the day you walked into Huffman arena to turn ice into art that my life would change forever.
Supporting your dreams has allowed me to find a new path for mine. ”
I kneel down on one knee. I can hear the crowd murmuring in anticipation, which gives me the courage to proceed.
“Elise Kinney, please do me the honor of making our partnership permanent, a partnership carved into ice and forged into love. Please say you’ll marry me.”
I look into her eyes, glimmering with tears, as she nods her head yes.
I stand up and pull the ring from my pocket, ready to place it on her finger before she can change her mind.
As she holds her left hand out to me, the cheers in the room rise to the level of those at a hockey game.
I pull her into my arms for a kiss as the crowd chants Frost! Frost! Frost!
I just scored the biggest win of my life.
The End