Page 111 of Saving Forever
“Then our debt is done?” He says the words but he’s smiling.
“Eh, maybe.” Viktor lifts one shoulder in a playful manner I haven’t seen very often from him. “In five years, maybe I want to come back to Alaska.”
Gage throws his head back and laughs. “Okay, buddy, I’ll keep that in mind. Just make sure your wife is on board.”
I love that Viktor has come up with a plan for me and my property, but I’m a little uncertain. It feels too fast, too easy.
“Wait, I’m not sure I understand,” I speak up finally. “How does this stop my father from hiring people to vandalize the sanctuary or, who knows, maybe burn my grandmother’s house down or something?”
Gage chuckles. “He’s going to think twice about going after a piece of property I own. I’m guessing you don’t know who I am beyond the owner of the Blizzard, but I promise you—most men think twice before going after me. Besides, Viktor mentioned the security measures you’ve taken, and I’d like to keep an eye on that as well. Chains, er, Darryl is a good friend. He’s worked for me over the years, so I can reach out to him, see what’s what with security, make sure it’s enough.”
This sounds like a dream-come-true, but part of me is still hesitant, because I’ve worked so hard to keep the property running the way my grandmother would have wanted.
“Trust me,” Viktor says quietly. “I would not suggest this if I did not trust Mr. Caldwell.”
“But I don’t know him,” I admit softly.
Viktor reaches out and gently cups my chin. “But you know me, yes? I trust him. You must trust me.”
And I do.
Because I have to.
Because I love him.
And now, because I know he loves me too.
“All right,” I whisper. “Thank you, Mr. Caldwell.”
“It’s Gage,” he replies with a grin. “And you’re welcome. I’ll have my attorney reach out this week.” He pauses. “Also, I was going to fly out first thing tomorrow, but my wife and kids are here, and I think they would enjoy seeing the birds you described. Could we come by tomorrow?”
“Absolutely.” I nod. “I would love to show you around. But it’s not completely back to the way it was before the damage.”
“That doesn’t matter. I’ll be able to envision what it once was.”
“Thank you,” I repeat, tears filling my eyes. “Really.”
“Of course. Now, go enjoy yourselves. This is a big night for you.”
“My wife is more important than all of that.” Viktor points in the direction the noise is coming from.
Gage simply smiles before we walk back down the hallway.
“You didn’t have to call in a favor for me,” I say quietly, pausing in the hall before we turn the corner to where the celebration is in full swing.
“I love you,” he says simply. “That is all there is.”
I search his face, shaking my head. “No. Hockey is important too. That—” I point toward the noise coming from the locker room. “—is where you belong tonight. I want you to go enjoy it. I’ll be fine.”
“Season is over,” he says somberly. “And I made promise to myself that once I stepped off the ice for the last time this year—win or lose—the only thing I would think about is you.”
I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on tight, burying my face in his shoulder. “I love that,” I whisper. “And I love you more. But I want you to celebrate. You deserve it. My shit will wait until tomorrow.”
“If I go to celebrate, you will come.”
“Okay.” I give in gracefully because I can.
Because he wants me to.
