So we’re going to Colorado to play against my father’s team for the championship.
I expect some form of contact, and the text comes through just as Cam’s skating around the ice half-naked, waving a red and blue flag that says “Conference Champions” over his head. The Climax crowd is going crazy, and my phone beeps.
Well done, Vannah. See you in Denver.
My fingers hover over the screen, and I type back,See you then.
* * *
Per team rules, Cam and I have separate hotel rooms. But since the entire team knows we’re together now, we don’t plan to stay apart all night.
After we’ve settled into our rooms, we all take the bus to the practice rink downtown. It’s a beautifully clear late morning in Denver, and the mountains are breathtaking.
They’re big. And majestic. They’re gorgeous.
“Are there mountains like this in Missoula?” I ask Cam as we reach the arena.
“Different but still beautiful,” he says. “You’ll understand when you see them.”
“I would love to,” I say as we step off the bus. “I can’t imagine actually visiting Montana when I’ve been imagining it for so long.”
“Have you given any more thought to living there?” he asks me as he grabs his hockey bag from under the bus and we make our way into the rink.
I glance at him. “That’s the second time you’ve hinted at living there.”
“Why not? I can take my business. It would probably do even better than Climax with the style of furniture I make.”
“You’re serious about this.”
“Your dream to dance is there,” he says. “And my dream is to be with you. But it’s more than that. Brayden lives in Montana, and he’s not moving. Who knows—when Colt and Dylan retire, they may move back home too. Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved visiting.”
“It does sound amazing,” I admit. “I’d miss my sisters and mom. But maybe they’d visit us. Or even…”
“Move there?” Cam grins. “Maybe so. That would be awesome.”
* * *
Cameron
Declan’s in town and insists he’s coming to the game tomorrow.
“I’ll keep Dad calm,” he says even though we both know that’s not possible.
“Sure, I’d love to see you at the game,” I say.
He invites me over for dinner tonight.
“Okay if I bring my girlfriend?” I ask him.
I’m met with silence.
“Declan? You there?”
“Girlfriend. You have a girlfriend?” His tone is incredulous.
“I do.”
“I just saw you a few weeks ago, and you didn’t have one then.”
