Chapter 40 Tate
Coach King follows into the locker room.
“Great fucking playing tonight, Texas. What the hell has gotten into you tonight?” He smacks my pads a couple of times. I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. I duck my head.
“Ah, shit. I know that look, pay up!” Coach King says through a booming laugh. My head snaps up, glancing around. Jordan and Ronan are slapping cash into Coach’s open palm.
“How the hell did you know?” Quade grumbled, searching for his phone, “This is way too much to Venmo.”
“I told y'all never to bet against Randy.” Fitz shakes his head as he retires his skates.
“I shouldn’t even owe any money.” Ronan rolls his eyes dramatically, “I didn’t bet he wouldn’t get her. I just bet that it wouldn’t happen until after the playoffs. I thought she would hold out a little longer.”
“I really thought you were too old to pull her, not gonna lie.” Quade shakes his head. I smack the rookie in the back of the head. “Ow, stop doing that.”
“Stop deserving it.” I shoot back then add to the room, "But yes, we are together. Officially.”
Cheers go up all around, streams of tape flying like we already won the game.
“Congrats, Texas. I’m sure y'all are gonna make each other very happy.” Coach King gives a warm smile. Hooking a thumb over his shoulder he adds, “Are you sure you wanna set yourself up to have this guy as your brother-in-law though?”
“Hey!” Ronan exclaims, “I would be a great brother-in-law! I’m a part of book club. I will give the best advice!”
The team collectively groans at that. Coach directs the team's attention back to the game. He gives us a pep talk getting everyone fired up and sending us back out to the ice. I try to ignore Ronan’s singing during the game but it’s difficult.
He swears it improves his game. I don’t see how, but I guess we all do what we can to contribute to the win.
He is ranked as the number two goalie in the league right now so he must be doing something right.
“Fuck, yeah!” He shouts after blocking a puck that I quickly shoot down the ice to where Quade is. He and Ripley pass it back and forth working on the perfect shot before Cap sends it into the net. It’s the third goal that completes his hat trick, setting the score 4-1.
“WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!” Ronan skates out of the goal as we all crowd around Ripley to celebrate his insane game. Hats are thrown onto the ice from all directions.
I glance to the glass; there stands three Bruisers jerseys wearing my number. I can’t wait to give them all my name. Alli is shouting and jumping along with Hudson and Matty.
“Playoffs, baby!” Fitz hollers, throwing an arm around Ripley.
The locker room is a full-blown party. Champagne sprays the air, tape is thrown about like streamers and the music is blaring.
I stay for some of the celebrations. As antsy as I am to get to my little family, I know I need to spend some time with the team.
We worked our asses off for this and now we are going to the playoffs.
“Hey, I’m still pissed at you by the way.” Ronan leans in and bumps my shoulder with his. My head snaps to him, brows furrowed.
“For what?”
“You went on a little trip to your ranch, and you didn’t invite me. I have always wanted to ride a horse my whole life, dude. Childhood dream.”
“You know you’re paid a ridiculous amount of money, right? You can ride a horse anywhere.” I blink at him.
“Yeah, but I want the authentic cowboy experience.” Ronan says with all the seriousness in the world.
“Tell you what, if we win the cup, then everyone’s invited to my ranch this summer. A whole week. Could be a team bonding experience.” I clap him on the shoulder.
“We’ll hold you to that, Texas!” Fitz calls out as I make my escape.
The hallway is flooded with families and staff either waiting or congratulating their player.
My height allows me to see over many of them, and I scan the crowd until I catch a glimpse of the top of my short woman’s golden hair.
I rush over to her, my body propelling me forward without my head even making the choice.
She is talking excitedly with the boys and doesn’t see me coming. I wind an arm around her waist, scooping her up on a spin and kissing her lips.
“Ewww!” The boys whine in unison. I ignore them. I’ll give them their payback one day. Setting Alli back on her feet, I keep my arm around her as I say, loud enough for everyone around us to hear, “I love you, Darlin’.”