“Nervous, but ready, I think.” He smiles. “She’s been waiting for this for a while.”
My girl, the fucking warrior.
Hannah spent six months in retirement, then got the itch to skate again. She kept things easy at first. No pressure, no goals, just focusing on her strength and conditioning before diving into the technical aspect of her program. I know she was hesitant, afraid those same feelings might start to claw back the more time she spent on the ice, but they never came. We had a conversation about how far she wanted to take her training, and when she said she wanted to fight for a spot on the Olympic team, I supported her every step of the way.
There was the Dallas Classic. The Cranberry Open and Eastern Sectional. Skate America and the Grand Prix Final.
They all lead us here: minutes away from her free skate after a beautiful short program two days ago allowed her to advance.
Hannah is the tenth woman to skate. She makes her way onto the ice, scanning the crowd. I lift my hand in a wave when she spots me, and a smile bursts across her face.
I can’t believe I get to see her smile like that for the rest of my life.
Grant won’t stop fidgeting when the music starts. He covers his eyes. Gasps when she lands a jump safely and squeezes my hand so tight, I’m fuckingcertainmy fingers are broken.
Her blades touch the ice with precision, and I can see the steely glint of determination in her eyes, even from up here. Every move, every spin, every element is goddamn perfect. I count through the sections of her four-minute program I memorized months ago, on the edge of my seat every time she launches herself in the air.
“If she gets this quadruple Axel right, she’ll only be the second skater to land one in competition,” Grant whispers.
“Sh. I’m trying to channel her good energy,” I whisper back, and she takes off. “Come on, baby.”
Hannah moves into it, setting up the entry she’s nailed perfectly before. I stop breathing when she lifts off the ice, counting each rotation until she lands. It’s half a degree off, a slight bend in her knee, but she’s upright, and Grant screams.
“Oh my fucking god. She did it. SHE DID IT,” he whisper-shouts.
My eyes fill with tears, so fucking proud of how hard she’s worked to get here. The second the music ends I’m on my feet, whistling and cheering with the rest of the crowd.
“What do you think?” I ask Grant.
“Has to be at least good enough for a bronze. No one else is going to try that move. I’ll riot if she doesn’t medal.”
He doesn’t have to, because Hannah’s score puts her in position for a silver medal. It’s still early, with fourteen skatersto go, but by the time we shove our way down to where she’s waiting with Tierney, her chances are looking better and better.
“Hi,” she says, running into my embrace when I get close. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“You were beautiful out there. How’s your ankle? Did you land on it wrong?” I ask.
“It’s sore, but I’ll be okay. The skater from Japan is phenomenal, isn’t she? She’s only seventeen, and I officially feel like a grandma.” Hannah laughs. “Everyone is so young and talented.”
“I’ll make sure to sign you up for some AARP discounts,” I murmur, kissing the top of her head and giving Tierney a hug. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. And I love you so much.”
“I love you too.” She throws an arm around my neck. “Do you have something with the team, or can you stick around?”
“Free until dinner. Liv wants us to FaceTime her when we know the results. My phone has been blowing up with texts from her, which means she’s not paying attention in class.” I laugh and touch the ribbon tied in Hannah’s ponytail. The perfect bow, the perfect color. The perfect woman. “She also demanded we bring home a souvenir for her.”
“Already have that covered. I got the girls competing today to sign an old pair of skates.” She pauses to wave to someone from France. “I thought they would look great on that floating shelf in Liv’s room. I can’t wait until June to give it to her for her birthday, so it’ll be an early present.”
“Damn you, Tiny Everett,” I grumble, a hand on her waist. “You’re going to give her the better gift for the second year in a row.”
“Suck it, Saunders,” Hannah teases, reaching up to touch my cheek. “What a dream this is, huh? Both of us at the Olympics. Walking in the Opening Carmony together. We’re so lucky.”
“Okay, lovebirds. Can I say hi to my sister, please?” Grant asks, and Hannah bursts out laughing. “The room we used to share wascoveredin figure skating outfits. I deserve at least a hug.”
“Sorry, G.” She slides out of my hold to give her brother a squeeze. “The Everett siblings take on the Olympics. Is that better?”
“Much better. And I better see you near the glass during our first game next week, cheering us on,” he says. “The woman sitting next to me in the stands asked if I was a figure skater and when I said no, she said that checked out. Apparently, I don’t look strong enough to lift a woman over my head? I’moffended.”
“You’ll survive.” Hannah accepts a congratulations from another skater and tosses her ponytail over her shoulder. “I should get back to my coach while we wait for the last few skaters to perform. I’ll find you all after?”
