13. Cooper
CHAPTER 13
COOPER
T he big night has arrived, everything we’ve been working for has brought us to this moment. It’s the Ice Breakers’ final game, and I’m feeling conflicted. It will be nice to be back with the Wolves, but I’m going to miss this group of guys—even Dan the Man. I haven’t told a soul this because I don’t want people knowing I’ve changed. It’s true. This whole experience has changed me, and most of all, Blair has changed me.
I think all the guys are feeling this to an extent—not about changing, but about the final game.
The last game against the Canadian Lumberjacks is in full swing, and it’s our toughest match yet. Ted “The Bear” gets the puck from the opposing team and sends it to me. I zip around and deke one of the Jacks’ wingers, getting him so heated it lands him in the penalty box. I give him a smug nod to rub some salt in the wound. I probably made him madder, but who cares.
After scoring our first goal, Coach Doug reminds us not to lose focus and get ahead of ourselves. We haven’t won this game yet. Dawson is on fire at the net, blocking shot after shot. Noah and Ted are everywhere they need to be, and Dan the Man is front and center—where he should be.
By the time we get to the second period, we’re up by one goal, but we’re not showing up as strong. We’re slipping, and the Lumberjacks have caught on to this. Scotty calls a time out and gives us some important reminders. While I’m listening, I take a quick glance into the stands and catch a glimpse of Blair. There are hundreds of people in this arena, but she’s the only one I see. Is this normal?
After we return to the ice, it doesn’t take long for things to go from bad to worse, and then the Jacks tie it up.
“Come on!” Coach Doug shouts in disgust. His face and balding head are bright red, which is a bit concerning.
The pressure is on, and I’m feeling it. For some reason this is worse than a playoff game. Knowing how important this game is to so many people makes me want to win even more. And I know my teammates feel the same.
In the third period, Coach Doug makes a genius move and puts Scotty in the game. I was hoping this would happen at some point because the man is truly a legend. Having Scotty on the ice breathes new life into our team. He got a little extra encouragement, by way of a kiss from Angel Davis just before he skated out, so he’s even more pumped.
With Scotty in the game, we’re more determined to win than ever, but so are our opponents. The score is still tied up, and something big needs to happen.
We’re still fighting hard in the final quarter despite being exhausted. Everyone in the crowd is on their feet, watching as the clock ticks, the energy exhilarating. The Ice Breakers need to clinch this for Happy Horizons Ranch—that’s why we came here. Those kids are counting on what happens right now. With very little time left in the game, the stars seem to align. Dan gets the puck to Scotty, and then he moves it through the defense like he hasn’t missed a day on the ice. Dan also makes it across the rink, and Scotty passes the puck back to him. The next few seconds are unforgettable as Dan sends the puck into the net, scoring our winning goal. We all race to pile on top of him and Scotty. It seems poetic that Dan was able to make the final shot in his hometown. I’m happy for him. We all celebrate by hugging each other—even me. Who am I? Hugging these men who are usually my opponents in my everyday life is something I never thought I’d do. Zach and Troy Hart join us on the ice, and I’m pretty sure Zach has tears in his eyes. I get it. Winning this game is better than winning any championship. “Ice Ice Baby” begins to play as we take our final laps around the rink. I’m still wondering who selected this tune to be our theme song.
The roar of the crowd is deafening as they cheer for us. My teammates continue to celebrate, while I look around for Blair. As soon as I see her, I take off in her direction.
I don’t waste any time scooping her up into my arms and spinning her around. In this moment, no one would question it. Not that I care if they do.
“Congratulations. I’m so proud of you,” she gushes, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“Thank you, Blair,” I whisper. I continue to hold on to her because I don’t want to let go—ever. And I’m going to tell her this tonight when we’re away from this swarm of people.
When we finally manage to pull ourselves apart, she switches back into publicist mode and reminds me that I need to be ready to talk to the press. As thrilled as I am about our win, I’m never going to enjoy a press conference.
“I think your fans deserve a smile or two tonight,” she suggests .
I shake my head. “Nah. I only smile for you.”
She beams. “Okay, then be nice.”
“I’m always nice,” I insist.
“Mm-hmm,” she says raising an eyebrow. “Don’t forget about the party at the Rustic Slice later.”
I groan. “Another party?”
“Yes. And it’s the most important party of the season. All your legions of fans want to celebrate with you.”
I shake my head. “Not with me.”
“I’m afraid so, Montgomery,” she insists. “Get used to it.”
I sigh and return to my teammates. The celebrating continues in the locker room, and I don’t think any of us have ever been so happy about a victory.
“Congrats, man,” I say, patting Scotty on the back. “I’ve been waiting for you to get back out there.”
Scotty nods. “It felt so good to be back.”
“Yeah, and you have quite a fan club. We all saw you and Angel.”
Scotty’s face turns bright red. “Yeah …”
I slap him on the back. “I understand more than you know, trust me.”
Of course I’m referring to Blair.
None of us are in a rush to get changed, but the press is waiting. My plan is to sit back and let Dan and Scotty handle all the questions. It was a team effort, but they worked together to finish it for us. I just need to get through the conference and the wrap party at the pizzeria with hundreds of people. Then I can talk to Blair and tell her how I really feel.
As much as I love what I do, I’ve never been a fan of crowds. I know this is odd, considering I play in front of thousands of people every season. The Rustic Slice is so packed I’m wondering if it’s legal to have this many people in this small space. The air is filled with loud chatter and laughter. Trays of pizzas are being passed around and everyone is having a good time, including me. I’ve decided I can have fun anywhere if Blair is with me.
“Great game, Cooper,” Zach says, coming up beside me. He holds out his hand to shake mine.
“Thank you. I’m glad I could be a part of it,” I say sincerely.
“And we’re glad you stuck it out,” he says with a laugh.
Wow. I guess everyone really expected me to bail on this team. Admittedly, I almost didn’t sign on, but once I commit to something I’m in it for the long haul.
I look over and see Blair talking to Angel, Willa, and Ted’s girl, Harlow. It’s so difficult to take my eyes off Blair for long. Six weeks ago I didn’t know this woman, and now she’s everything. I take out my phone and send Estelle a message.
We won the final game.
I pause before I send her another text.
Thanks for making me come here. It’s been life changing.
It takes about a minute for her to send me a response.
Who are you, and how did you get Cooper’s phone?
I smirk.
Very funny .
I’m sure she has a lot of questions, so I step outside to try to find a quiet space to call her. There are literally people everywhere. Where did they all come from? I didn’t know this town had so many residents.
“What’s happening over there?” Estelle demands as soon as she answers.
“Hello to you, too.”
In her defense, I did send her a vague text without any warning. I guarantee she wasn’t expecting a message from me about this being a life changing experience.
“The Ice Breakers pulled out the win. It was awesome,” I exclaim.
She lets out a familiar frustrated sigh. “I know. That’s amazing.”
“I’m glad I came to play here. And Blair is …”
I’m not sure how to put it into words.
“I told you!” she exclaims.
“She’s the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, and there’s no question that I’m falling in love with her.”
Silence.
“And before you say anything, I know it’s not ideal considering she’s my publicist now. It has completely turned my world upside down.”
She still hasn’t said anything, and I wonder if she’s still on the phone.
“Estelle, are you there?”
“I’m here.”
“Did you hear what I said?”
“I heard you. I’m just … processing.”
I can’t blame her. I’m still trying to process my own feelings.
“Okay. Do you want to call me back then?” I ask. “I’m at the wrap party, and Blair expects me to be mingling with the townsfolk.”
“No.” She pauses. “Have you told Blair about this?”
“Not exactly, but we’ve admitted we have feelings for each other.”
“So she feels the same?”
I really hope so.
“We still have some things to discuss, but I know I’ve never felt this way before—and I’ve never been happier than when I’m with her.”
Estelle is quiet for another few seconds.
“Oh, Cooper. I’m so thrilled for you. I hoped you would find someone who makes you happy, but the professional aspect of this situation does complicate things. Are you sure you’re prepared for this?”
“I understand. And that’s why I’m going to let Blair take the lead. I’ll tell her how I feel, and then it’s up to her. If she wants to stay on only as my publicist, that’s fine. If it’s too much of a risk for her career, then I’ll live with it. I won’t pressure her either way.”
She sniffs. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Please don’t cry,” I beg. “I’m getting off the phone now, but I want you to know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for you. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. Talk to you soon.”
I end the call before Estelle gets any more emotional and because I feel tears prick my eyes. Pull yourself together. Cooper Montgomery doesn’t cry.
I head back inside, squeezing through the crowd until I reach Blair.
She eyes me curiously. “I was beginning to think you’d made a run for it when I wasn’t looking.”
I shake my head. “I was talking to Estelle. ”
A concerned look flashes across her face. “Oh. Did you give her the good news?”
“Yep.”
I don’t tell her which news I shared with Estelle. I’m sure Blair thinks we talked about the game—and we did for half a second.
“I think she’s relieved I made it the full six weeks,” I add. “Everyone else seems to think I wasn’t going to stay.”
She shrugs. “I knew you would stay for Happy Horizons Ranch.”
“Yes, the kids were a major factor. And then other things happened to make the benefits even greater. I’d like to talk more about it later if we can.”
Blair forces a smile. “Okay.”
We’re interrupted by two boys who ask me to sign their shirts and programs. Moments like this are the best part of my job, and I need to remember that.