Page 109 of Lucky

Winnie.

Her hair’s in a cute ponytail, lips shiny with gloss.And held high above her head, pressed to the glass, is a hand-painted sign: “Still Average.Still Yours.#BeKindLikeWinnie”

I can’t move for a second.I stand frozen like a dumbass, taking her in.Our eyes lock and I see the apology on her face, even though it’s not needed and I’ll wipe it off.

I break into a full-on grin and raise my glove, pointing right at her.She waves back—hesitant, a little teary, but beaming.

Skating toward the tunnel, I watch as Winnie winds her way past other fans to meet me.I motion for security and they help guide her through.We meet at the low glass opening by the players’ entrance.I skate to the edge, rip off my gloves, and reach out a hand.

She takes it.

I help her over the short barrier and onto the bench-level walkway.

And just like that, she’s here in front of me.

I cup her face, my thumb brushing along her cheek.“You came.”

Her eyes shimmer, full of emotion.“I saw it all.The TikTok.The comments.The team.The sign…” She laughs softly, a little shaky.“I’ve never felt more seen.Or more protected.You’re my hero.”

“I thought I’d lost you,” I admit to her, a rare moment of vulnerability.

“You didn’t.”She leans into me, voice low and steady.“You saved me.”

And God, if I don’t kiss her right then, I might combust.I pull her close and press my lips to hers—slow and reverent.The crowd around us reacts in waves.I barely hear it.

All I know is her.

When we finally break apart, I say the only thing I’ve wanted to say for days.

“I love you, Winnie.I’ve never been so sure of anything.”

Her lips tremble, but her eyes are fierce.“I love you too.I don’t care how loud the noise gets.How can I possibly be scared when you’re by my side?”

I exhale shakily, pulling her in for a hug, my forehead resting against hers.“Always.”

An idea strikes and I don’t know if she’ll be up for it, but I want to prove her detractors wrong.“Let’s do a TikTok.”

I watch her carefully, but I don’t see any hesitation.“About what?”

“One more video and it will be our last word regarding us as a couple.Then tomorrow, you go back to making average-girl videos and I’ll focus on dance trends.”

Winnie’s eyes shine, her lips tipped in amusement.“All right.I’m game.”

She pulls out her phone and we squeeze in close so our faces are in the frame.She hits record.

“Hey, TikTok,” I say, smiling wide.“In case you were wondering how it all ends…”

Winnie grins beside me, eyes bright with happy tears.

“It ends with love.And snacks.But mostly love.”

I kiss her cheek.She laughs into my shoulder.The crowd behind us roars again, and the camera captures it all—this victory that has nothing to do with goals or playoffs.

Winnie hits post and I kiss her again.It’s swift and claiming and someone wolf-whistles off to the side.

Her hands go to my chest and she pushes me back.“Now go win a game.”

“On it,” I assure her.

I turn back to the ice, step onto it and engage game mode.Every fucking puzzle piece in my life has snapped in tight and locked.

I’m the luckiest son of a bitch who ever lived.