Epilogue
MAC
Ipad down the hall, tray filled with breakfast in hand and poke my head into Fee’s studio.
She’s deep in her art, so she doesn’t notice me right away.
I set the tray on the side table and take a moment to watch her create.
This piece is a commission for one of my teammates.
My girlfriend has become semi-famous over the past year and has been steadily building a client base.
As soon as Fee graduated this spring, she moved up to Ottawa and into the house I bought for us, complete with an art studio and extra bedrooms for family and friends to visit.
I’m much more settled with her at my side.
We both are. Last year was a rough transition with her in Toronto, finishing her degree, and me playing my first season in Ottawa.
We went from seeing each other every day, sleeping next to her every night during our summer together, to only seeing each other once a week at the most. Her art took a dark, melancholy turn for a few months.
She jokes about it now and calls it her blue phase, but the distance was stressful for us.
I’m eternally grateful that she had Lexi and Roman, who were happy to put her on a plane as often as her schedule and mine allowed.
And for Hammer, who stepped in as another older sister-mentor when things were hard.
Plus, Enid stayed to pursue her master’s and moved into Tally’s empty bedroom, so Fee had lots of support while we navigated the rocky terrain of long-distance love.
Fee’s also gotten close with Gage’s sister Jade and her bestie Andie. It’s been amazing watching Gage grow and become part of Fee’s Terror family.
All our friends helped us make it through, now she’s here, and our future is unfolding one beautiful day at a time.
Fee steps back to study her canvas, head tipped to the side. Her palette is back to being bright and energetic, a stark contrast to last fall’s dark tones.
“It’s beautiful, just like you.”
She startles and sets her brush down. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Just a couple of minutes. Petrov’s girlfriend is going to love this.”
“I hope so.” Fee unhooks her overalls, letting the paint-splattered, baggy fabric slide to the floor, leaving her in one of my ancient Tilton shirts, a pair of bicycle shorts, socks and sandals. It’s her typical painting outfit and I love it.
I cross over to her as she steps out of the pool at her feet and fold her into my arms, lifting her off her feet.
She kisses the side of my neck. “You brought me breakfast.”
“You can’t live on coffee and creativity.” I set her back on her feet.
“I can try, though.” She links her fingers behind my neck. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
“It makes me happy.” I kiss her chin and her lips. “I also set four alarms for you last night so you’re not late for work this afternoon.”
She closes one eye. “It only happened once!”
I arch a brow. Fee has been known to get caught up in her work and lose track of time. She can be in here for hours, miss meals, and work late into the night, so I do what I can to make sure she’s fed and watered, and doesn’t wilt from overexertion.
“Okay, twice. But I was only fifteen minutes late.”
“Helps that the tattoo studio is just down the street,” I tease.
“I would have gotten there faster if it hadn't been raining.” She fingers the hair at the nape of my neck. “How are you feeling about tonight?”
“Good. Steady. Excited that you’ll be here to see me play the first exhibition game of the season.
” It’s a home game, Roman is coming up with Callie and Ariel to see me play.
And knowing I get to sleep beside Fee and wake up next to her sets my soul at ease in a way that was elusive and fleeting last season.
“Me, too.” She grins up at me, smile turning devious. “I’m also super excited to celebrate after you win tonight.”
“I promise a corresponding orgasm for every goal and assist.”
“I’m manifesting intense enforcer vibes.”
I catch her hands as they slide down my chest.
“Hold all those thoughts until later.” I bring her hands to my lips and pepper them with kisses. “I have to go, and I need you to leave my mojo in my body until after the game tonight, but I’ll see you before I get on the ice.”
“Okay.” She puckers her lips. “But kiss me before you leave me hanging for the rest of the day.”
I chuckle but indulge in a kiss that promises dirty things later.
“I love you, Ophelia.”
“I love you.” She kisses my chin. “With my whole heart.”
Fee is my best friend.
My partner.
My teammate.
The love of my life.