Page 131 of All In: The Price We Pay

Parker laughs loudly and tilts his head back.

Hockey has ruled my life for long enough. One day more or less doesn’t matter, so I grant their request.

And with my jersey and the C in hand, we kiss—just as if we were on our terrace in the Hamptons.

Epilogue

“Four years after their last Cup win, the Monarchs have done it again. Back then, after a magnificent season, the team, without Blake Miller, struggled to get back to the top following the departure of their former captain. Sinclair did a good job of keeping the team together, but it was clear that Miller had been the backbone of the team for years. But Sinclair clearly didn’t let that deter him. In his own unique way, he shaped the team and made it what it is today: this year’s Cup winners. Alongside the captain, our very own farm boy, Fynn Brown, also delivered an absolutely brilliant performance today. Who would have thought that, after his rocky start three years ago, he’d become an integral part of the line between Sid and Evan? Even Beck Coulder, who initially struggled to find his place on the team, showed today why Coach Denner was right to hold on to him so vehemently. Let’s see what he has in store next year. And with that, back to you in the arena, Lloyd.”

“Thanks, Melinda, and let me tell you, the arena is on fire. We will blow the roof off here tonight. The cheering is deafening. And Sinclair’s own fan club has made sure the team will never forget this evening. Aaron Waters, the president of the league’s first queer hockey fan club, was here with us before the face-off and gave us a glimpse into the club’s work. Right, Luis, how did you like the interview?”

“What kind of question is that, Lloyd? I was right next to you. You saw that I’m a big fan of the club myself.”

“Of course, Luis, and the announcement that Coach Denner’s child will support the club as an honorary member in the future has given the whole thing a new boost. Could this be a sign that Coach Denner is now hanging up his skates?”

“Don’t tempt fate, Lloyd. That’s the last thing I want to hear at today’s press conference. Let’s get back to more pleasant topics. The players’ families and friends are now on the ice.”

“That’s right, Luis. And joining them is Sinclair’s husband, Parker Sinclair, and their two children, whom they adopted last year. Watching the little ones glide across the ice at three years old, you can expect a great career ahead of them. One that their father, Parker, likely won’t have himself. Oh. There I thought he was going to fall.”

“Before you get carried away again, Lloyd, let’s cut back to you, Melinda, with a shot of the little family marveling at Papa Evan’s Cup.”

“Thanks, everyone. What a fantastic evening for the hockey world. I’m glad I got to be here with you all.”

THE END