“Congratulations to the Los Angeles Sharks.” The entire arena erupts in applause. I catch a glimpse of Brandon. His jersey is off, and my name is clearly inked on his chest.
He sees me and points, then touches his heart. I pat my heart, reiterating my love for him.
While there are several speeches, I zone out, lookingover the crowd, reveling in their joy.I willneverforget this moment. Iwillfeel the excitement deep in my soul forever.
“And the MVP for the championship series goes to Byron Hendricks.”
My smile almost splits my face, and I clap my hands so hard they sting. Watching my brother receive the top individual award is a dream come true—for him and our family. He holds his trophy in the air as he stands behind the mic.
“MVP,” is chanted through the arena.
“Thank you to the fans and every person who made the game possible. While it is an honor to receive the MVP award, I want to thank Philadelphia, you put up a strong fight. I also want to thank the LA Sharks, the best team in the competition.” The crowd cheers. “My friends and my family. The coaches and everyone behind the scenes that no one sees. But all I can say is about damn time!”
The crowd screams.
The deputy commissioner leans close. “Tell us how this feels different. A few years ago, you suffered a season-ending injury. Did you see yourself standing here? What changed for you?”
Byron beams his smile, and my heart swells for him. “As you know, I have a supportive family.”Damn right you do. “And an amazing wife and two beautiful kids. Having those people love and support you fills you with unimaginable gratitude. As everyone knows, we were a great team, but we needed something extra. I’m so thankful our man, BJ, returned to the Sharks because, without him, none of this would be possible.”
Holy shit. He said it.
I quickly swipe my happy tears.Could my heart be any fuller?
Byron holds up the trophy. “This is not only for me, thisis for everyone. So thank you. Thank you. And we’ll see you back here next year!”
The crowd goes crazy, chanting and cheering. I cover my ears as the noise is deafening. Standing on the stage is something else. The atmosphere just swallows you up, so I jump up and down with the crowd, pointing my finger in the air.
The speeches come to an end, and the excitement slows. The players eventually make their way to the tunnel, jumping around and bubbling with exhilaration. Brandon loops his arm over my shoulders and almost skips toward the locker room.
Inside the locker room, families await the players’ arrival. Families merge with the players and staff, and I can barely hear myself think. Leaning on the back wall, I watch as though it’s a movie playing out in front of me, and my family is the stars.
We’ve had financial success with many businesses. My family is no strangers to fame. Only this feels different—a fantasy come to life.
In front of his locker, Brandon wraps both arms around his mom, then releases one arm and includes his father. I watch as more than love passes between them.
Patience.
Understanding.
Loss of time.
A family unit broken for a dream.
Gratitude.
He lifts his head from his father’s shoulder and sees me watching him. He releases his parents and pulls me into him, bear-hugging me before resting his forehead on mine. I feel the weight of a beautiful moment pass between us. Lifting his hand, he aligns it against mine. He swipes a tearfrom his eye, and my heart swells seeing Brandon this happy.
Beautifully vulnerable.
One by one, the players shout out praise, thanking everyone for all the support.
Brandon looks at me. “Can I please say something really quick?” The players groan in a teasing way. “First, I want to thank the staff for convincing me to return to the Sharks. I always knew this was my home, and I appreciate that you all believe in me. To Byron, the only player I ever wanted to play beside. Thank you for giving me a chance to do that. If we hadn’t met in college all those years ago, I can’t imagine where I would be now. To the Hendricks family for treating me like a son when I was so far away from home.” He looks at his parents. “Mum and Dad, I owe you more than what I can describe for giving me this opportunity, knowing you’d barely see your son for at least ten years. I love you, and I’ve missed you both every day.” He looks at me. “To Lottie. Thank you for believing in me but know this… the next ring on your finger will not be a championship one.”
I can’t hold back the tears. He wraps his arms around me. “I love you, Lottie. I always will.”
“I know,” I whisper, the tears streaming down my cheeks.
“Put a ring on it,” Byron chants from behind as he wraps both his arms around Brandon and me, sandwiching me between the two guys I love the most.
