But they were making it work.
And that was enough.
The championship finals were brutal.
Game one went to overtime, the Wolves losing 4-3 despite dominating most of the game.
"We're fine," Jake told the team. "That's how playoffs work. We're going to win game two, tie the series, and take it from there."
Game two was in Burlington—away ice, hostile crowd, everything against them.
They won 6-2.
"This is it," Marcus said afterward. "This is our year. I can feel it."
"Don't jinx it."
"Not jinxing. Just stating facts."
Game three was March twenty-second—the same day as Margaret's official opening.
Jake woke up that morning torn. He wanted to be at Lucy's opening. Wanted to see the culmination of months of work, wanted to support her the way she'd supported him.
But he also had a championship game to coach.
He texted Lucy:Wish I could be there tonight. I'm so sorry.
Lucy:Stop apologizing. You're doing exactly what you should be doing. Go win a championship. I'll be here when you're done.
Jake:I love you.
Lucy:I love you too. Now focus on hockey. I'll focus on food. We'll celebrate together later.
The game started at 7 PM. Jake tried to focus on coaching, on strategy, on the team. But part of his mind was on Lucy, across town, opening her restaurant to the public for the first time.
The game was close. Back and forth, neither team able to pull away. By the third period, it was tied 3-3.
Then, with two minutes left, Owen scored.
The crowd erupted. The Wolves mobbed Owen on the ice. Jake stood behind the bench, not quite believing it.
They held on for the win. And suddenly, they were one game away from a championship.
"Game four is Friday," Jake told the team afterward. "Two days. We rest, we prepare, and we finish this."
After the game, Jake drove straight to Margaret's.
The restaurant was packed. Lucy was visible through the kitchen window, orchestrating her team, completely in her element.
Jake stood outside for a moment, just watching. This was Lucy's dream. And she was living it. Really living it.
He went inside. Mae greeted him at the host stand.
"Jake! You won!"
"We won. How's Lucy doing?"
"Amazing. She's incredible, Jake. The food is perfect, the service is smooth, everyone loves it. She's doing it."
