I got dressed while Doc studied his notes, and rivers of sweat poured from my palms as I tried to think positive thoughts.
“You’re cleared for practice.” I exhaled, and Stan and I shared a look. “Light drills to start, nothing contact-heavy for the first week.” He swiveled his chair. “And I want to see you again in a week.”
Stan squeed, and we hugged. My wolf was overjoyed because he said it was his fault that I hadn’t recovered.
“And what about games?”
“Not yet.” Doc rolled his chair toward us which was intimidating, but I sat up straight, ready for whatever he had to say. I half expected him to waggle his finger at me. “Let’s see how this practice goes first.”
Doc peered at me over his glasses. I never understood why he wore them, because as a shifter, he didn’t need them. But perhaps they gave him an air of authority.
“I don’t want you to push yourself. I need to see consistent improvement before I clear you for game play.”
“How long?” My heart was thumping so loudly and echoing in my ears that my wolf complained.
“If the next checkup goes well, two weeks after that. But I can’t make any promises.”
A total of three weeks. It felt like an eternity, but I had an end date.
Stan and I hugged, but we didn’t speak until we left Doc’s office.
“You did it.” He wrapped an arm around my waist.
“Almost, and we all did. You, me, and Clarissa.” I patted his belly. “And baby makes four.”
We were heading toward the exit when someone called my name.
“Chartris. Are you back?” Angelo jogged over with an equipment bag slung over his shoulder and clapped me on the shoulder.
“Not back yet, but I’m cleared for practice.”
“That’s huge. I’m so happy for you and us. We missed you. Defense has been a mess without you.” He took note of Stan at my side. “Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
I introduced Stan to my teammate. Angelo was human, and my mate and I had agreed we’d called each other husband when around humans.
Coach appeared and said in his usual gruff tone that I was expected on the ice at nine a.m. I saluted, and he took Stan aside and thanked him.
Angelo whispered that Coach would probably work me hard tomorrow. I wouldn’t expect anything less.
Angelo’s loud voice had two more teammates appearing. There were more handshakes and questions about my recovery. There were comments about how the power play had fallen apart without my coverage and speculation if I’d be ready for the playoff push.
“We’ve got Riverton Rangers in a few weeks,” Angelo told me. “Their left wing has been on fire. We could use you shutting him down.”
I said I’d do my best to be ready.
The guys talked for another few minutes about line changes and penalty kill strategies. They also mentioned a new backup goalie who was still finding his rhythm.
But I needed to spend time with Stan because tonight was our last evening together. I made our excuses and guided my mate outside where we waited for the ride share.
“Sorry that took a while.” I kissed his brow.
“It’s fine. I forget how big your world is sometimes.”
When I unlocked the door to my place, Stan wandered in, saying how nice it was.
“It’d be even nicer if we lived in it together.” I put a finger to his lips and continued before he thought I was guilt-tripping him. “But I understand. Your career is as important as mine.” I just wished we wouldn’t be doing long distance while he was pregnant.
He rested his head on my chest. “We talked about this. This is what you’ve worked toward your entire life.” He tapped my chest. “I’m not going to be the reason you give up that dream.”
