Page 127 of Totally Power Played
Eli loses his mind laughing. Gabriel spit-takes his beer. Colby falls off a bench. Coach Hale mutters something about needing holy water.
Annabelle laughs into my shoulder, that soft, breathy sound that ruined me from day one. In the middle of champagne, sweat, loud teammates, and blinding lights, I feel stupidly, painfully lucky.
The guys catch my expression and immediately lose their minds.
Dex: "BETTER PRACTICE YOUR BEST MAN SPEECHES, BOYS!"
Eli: "SHOTGUN OFFICIANT! I’LL BRING THE RINGS, OR LIKE… THE BAGELS!"
Gabriel: "CALLING IT NOW: BABY BLACKHORN WILL SKATE BEFORE HE WALKS!"
Colby: "SOMEONE START A POLL ON WHEN THEY GET ENGAGED!"
Commotion. Sweat. Champagne. The kind of happiness I didn’t think existed for me.
Annabelle kisses my jaw, and whispers, "Whatever comes next… I’m in. Every bit of it."
And just like that, I know...
No matter what happens on the ice, no matter how far we go this season, she’s my home team.
I lift her hand and press a kiss to her knuckles. "Let’s go win the whole damn thing."
Round Two is coming. The Cup is calling. And I’m done chasing victories alone.
Hockey gives me purpose.
Annabelle gives meeverything else.
