Riley squeals. Tyler whistles. Connor starts a slow clap that the entire team picks up.
Even Marcus shakes his head with something that might be a smile.
Patricia appears at my elbow, tablet in hand. "The Raptors organization just released a statement. You're officially reinstated. Practice begins tomorrow morning."
The words take a moment to register.
Reinstated. Back on the ice. Back to my life.
I pull Ivy against my side, and she tucks perfectly under my arm.
"We should celebrate," Riley announces. "Dinner everyone. My treat."
"You're a broke art student," Rowan points out.
"Fine. Declan's treat."
I laugh. "Deal."
"And there's more." Patricia's smile sharpens. "Gregory's attorney just contacted me. They're withdrawing the lawsuit."
"What?" My arm tightens around Ivy.
"They're dropping all claims. Douglas Barnes knows that after today's hearing, if this goes to court, Gregory will be eviscerated. The evidence we presented here would destroy him in front of a judge. Plus, with criminal prosecution looming, Gregory can't afford to keep fighting civil battles."
"So it's over?" Ivy asks, her voice small.
"Not quite." Patricia scrolls through her tablet. "They're also offering full repayment of the eight point two million within thirty days, plus interest, in exchange for Declan not pursuing additional civil damages."
My head spins. "He's just giving up?"
"He's cutting his losses," Patricia corrects. "If he drags this out, he faces criminal charges with all this evidence on record, counter-suits from you, potential charges from David Mercer and Carter Mills, and complete destruction of whatever reputation he has left. This is damage control."
"Should we accept?" I ask.
"I recommend it. You get your money back, he disappears, and you move on with your life and career. The criminal prosecution will proceed regardless. That's out of our hands now."
I look down at Ivy. She's watching me with those warm brown eyes, waiting for my decision.
"Accept it," I say. "I want this finished."
Patricia nods briskly. "I'll have the paperwork drawn up tonight. Congratulations, Declan. You won."
Riley bounces over, grabbing my free arm. "Come on! Everyone's waiting. We're celebrating at that steakhouse downtown. The fancy one where Tyler got kicked out last year."
"I didn't get kicked out," Tyler protests from across the lobby. "I was politely asked to leave."
"After you challenged the chef to an arm-wrestling contest," Connor adds.
"He accepted!"
The team dissolves into laughter and friendly arguing. Marcus catches my eye and jerks his head toward the exit. His version of approval.
As everyone files out of the building, making plans and cracking jokes, I hold Ivy back for just a moment in the now-empty lobby. The afternoon sun streams through the tall windows, painting everything gold.
"You okay?" I ask quietly.
"I'm perfect." She reaches up to touch my face, her fingers gentle against my jaw. "You're free. Really free."
