12. Blair
CHAPTER 12
BLAIR
I grew up attending different sporting events with my dad and my grandpa. If there was a game to see nearby, they would try to get tickets. We never went to a hockey game, which may be because my father’s newfound love for the sport is directly related to me representing Cooper.
Hockey is both intense and fun. The excitement, the music, the noise—the energy in the arena is contagious. It’s a whole different experience when you’re cheering on your client and the man you might love.
Ugh. Yes, I said it. I don’t know if it’s possible to fall in love with someone so quickly. I’ve never experienced anything like this, but there are plenty of stories about love at first sight and soul mates finding one another in the most surprising places. The last thing I was expecting in Maple Falls was to have such strong feelings for a man. Sophie’s swoony image of finding love in a small town just might be true. And I’m not the only one.
I’m beginning to wonder if someone spiked the water in Maple Falls with a love potion because connections are being made everywhere. Dan Roberts made a very sweet public gesture, and I truly hope he and Kiki are finding their way back to each other. Angel from Happy Horizons was spending quite a bit of time with Scotty MacFarland at Maple Fest. They’re both single parents, so I’m sure that’s helped them to connect in many ways. Then I overheard some of the town’s gossipy women saying Emmy was seen being carried out of the corn maze by the goalie Dawson. Childhood buddies Harlow and Ted the Bear are the cutest just friends couple I’ve ever seen. And Willa says she can’t stand Noah, but she can’t take her eyes off the former bad boy. In her defense, doesn’t everyone have some attraction to the bad boys? Even billionaire Zach Hart and Keira’s friend Ellie look like they’re getting awfully close.
The sound of “Ice Ice Baby" playing over the intercom drags me out of my daydream. One by one the Ice Breakers skate out onto the ice. As soon as I see Cooper, my heart pounds against the walls of my chest. I watch as he searches the crowd until he finds me. His face instantly lights up, and I feel myself blush. I love knowing I get that kind of reaction out of him. I smile at him and cheer loudly along with everyone else in the arena. The roar of the crowd becomes deafening and even more intense than it was during the first game. Hopefully this will hype up the team so they can get the win they deserve. I know they are feeling the pressure of what’s at stake, but hopefully they also feel the unwavering support of every person in Maple Falls.
The game begins, and it feels like my blood pressure spikes with every move. The sound of the players hitting the glass, sticks crashing together, and skates cutting through the ice are stressful enough without the gasps and shouts of the spectators. I keep my eyes on Cooper, and I’m in awe of his fierce determination. It’s so obvious how much he loves what he does, and when he’s out there, he lets the world see who he really is.
The best part of this game is watching this team work together on the ice. It’s magic happening before our eyes. I’m on the edge of my seat as I watch Dan get the puck and send it to Noah, who then makes a goal. The arena erupts, and the Ice Breakers pull out the win. I jump to my feet and begin hugging everyone around me. Willa is frantically snapping pictures, but I throw my arms around her anyway. The guys needed this boost of confidence, and I love watching them gather into a huddle. The mascot is sliding around on the rink, hyping up the crowd even more. This moment is worth all the work and sacrifice it took for them to get here. They still have a few more games, but I’ll never forget seeing the joy on Cooper’s face after this victory. I hope this is just the beginning for him, and I intend to do everything I can to make it happen.
After the game, we head to a party celebrating their victory. I made Cooper go despite his attempt to persuade me to skip it. He almost had me convinced, but then I remembered it’s my job to make sure he’s interacting with the team and the community. Of course I would rather have him all to myself, especially because our time in Maple Falls is quickly dwindling. I’m trying not to think about it even though it’s like a dark cloud following me around. I’m going to miss everything about this precious little town.
Cooper sits with his teammates and pretends to enjoy himself. He doesn’t say much, but it helps that there are so many big personalities on the team.
I wander around and stop to chat with Emmy and Willa. Naturally everyone is talking about how amazing the game was.
“We need three more just like tonight,” I exclaim.
“Yes,” Willa agrees.
When I return to Cooper, he looks like he’s about to fall asleep.
“Where did you run off to? I was beginning to wonder if you’d tricked me into coming here and then left me in the trenches alone.”
“I was chatting with all the fans. It is my job to establish relationships here.”
“You continue to amaze me, Blair Radcliffe,” he says, leaning in to whisper in my ear.
“That’s how I feel when I see you on the ice,” I reply.
I’m very aware we’re surrounded by players, fans, and Maple Falls residents, but in this little corner of the world, it’s just Cooper and me. And I’m loving every second of it.
“Hi, Dad,” I answer.
“How’s my girl?” he asks. “That was quite a game our boys played. I wish I had seen it live.”
I roll my eyes. Our boys.
“They did great. It was an exciting night.”
“Is Cooper around?”
Ha. I’m surprised he didn’t ask to speak to him when I answered his call. I’m just his daughter, but most of the calls from him are about hockey these days.
“No, he’s already at the arena getting ready for the next game. ”
“Oh, bummer, I wanted to wish him good luck.”
It’s so funny hearing my dad talk about Cooper like they’re old friends.
“I’ll pass your message along to him when I get the chance. Game days are super busy for him, as you can imagine.”
I’m excited to watch the team play again tonight. I never realized how riveting hockey games can be—riveting and stressful. I’ve been a nervous wreck these past few nights. I better get used to it though because I foresee a lot of games in my future as long as I’m working with Cooper.
“I was talking to your mother about taking a trip to Tennessee,” he tells me. “We could do some sight-seeing and catch a few of the Wolves games. We’re long overdue for a vacation anyway. Do you think Cooper could get us some tickets?”
What’s happening? My parents finally decide to take a vacation together, and somehow watching Cooper play hockey is a part of their plan. This has my dad written all over it. My mother is such a patient woman.
“I’m sure he can,” I say. “But I thought you promised to take Mom to Hawaii for your next vacation.”
Tennessee is beautiful, but I’m sure my mother would prefer crystal blue waters and white sand over watching hockey games.
“We’re still planning to make the Hawaii trip next summer,” he assures me. “But this will give us a chance to visit the Smoky Mountains and see our daughter, of course. I’m assuming you’ll be in Tennessee quite often during the season.”
I hope so.
That’s one of the things Cooper and I need to discuss. Things have been moving so fast, and since the Ice Breakers season has ramped up, Cooper doesn’t have a lot of free time. Coach Strickland has them putting in a lot of extra time to prepare for the games.
“I’d love to see you and Mom. I’m sure we can work something out.”
This is just another reminder that I have a lot to think about. I feel like I’m coming to a point where I need to make some big decisions professionally and personally. But the only thing I need to worry about tonight is going to the Maple Falls Arena to cheer on the Ice Breakers and of course be there for Cooper.
After I’m off the phone, I finish getting ready and make my way over to the arena. The streets are filled with people wearing Ice Breakers merch, mostly Dan’s #29 jersey. It’s so cool seeing the support the team is getting. I have no doubt these games will go down in Maple Falls history.
The days are flying by and it’s a wrap for game three. It came down to the wire and the guys fought hard, but it ended with another heartbreaking loss. I’m beginning to wonder if my nerves can handle this sport. Watching the men continuously slam each other into the plexiglass, the sound echoing through the arena, makes me cringe. Some of the opposing team’s players are so aggressive it’s alarming. I know hockey is considered a collision sport, but it’s still difficult to watch. And injuries are always a huge concern—some can be career-ending and worse.
Estelle didn’t mention how she handled the games like this for all those years. It’s probably my fault for not asking her. I’m sure in time she grew unfazed by the intensity of ice hockey. I guess it’s possible my feelings for Cooper are making the experience more stressful. I watch each play with bated breath as he skates around the rink enjoying every second of it.