The team and staff file out of the room, with everyone giving me a handshake or a back slap on the way out. I then hustle to leave the arena ahead of the team bus, heading straight to the airport for the charter flight Stone arranged for me. I may not know yet what’s going to happen in my hockey future, but I’m as clear-eyed as ever about my priorities, and right now, it’s all about supporting Elise.
Once I land in Ottawa, I get a text from Shay directing me to the Arts Foundation building. We coordinated the timing so that I’ll be waiting outside when they exit the building after the interview.
When I see Elise, she’s beaming. The interview must have gone well. And when our eyes meet, I know I’m where I’m supposed to be. Wherever she is—that’s where I’m supposed to be.
After saying our goodbyes to Shay, Elise and I take a waterfront walk along Rideau Canal, which interestingly enough, becomes the world’s largest ice skating rink in the winter months. There’s no ice today, just plenty of sunshine and row after row of tulips.
“Did you know that Ottawa is the home of the largest tulip festival in the world?”
Elise tells me that we missed the Canadian Tulip Festival. There’s no shortage of the colorful flowers now, as almost one million stems are in bloom all over the capital region. Apparently, the people of the Netherlands originally brought tulips to Canada as a thank you to our troops for their role in liberating the country during World War II. That informationfills me with a spirit of patriotic pride for my home country’s military.
Elise squeezes my hand. “It means the world to me, you being here.”
“There’s no place I’d rather be. Even though the team is in the middle of the conference run, I’ve had plenty of chances at chasing a championship. Time to leave that to the younger guys. I’ve got enough money that I can retire and I’m pretty sure I know what I want to do next.” I stop walking and pull her in for a kiss. “Besides, I’d rather chase you.”
She responds with a smile. “I might just let you catch me.”
“When are you supposed to hear from the committee?”
“They said I should know something within three days. That gives us some time to explore more of the city, if you’re up for it.”
“Oh, I’m up for it, all right. And we’ll have time to discuss the logistics of a long distance relationship if you’re going to be living here for six months.”
The next day, we return to our hotel room after touring the Canada Museum of History. After scanning the key card, I step aside so that Elise can enter the room first.
“Oh my gosh!”
She’s jumping up and down with excitement. On the table in front of us is a bouquet of flowers, an envelope, and an ice bucket containing a chilled bottle of champagne.
I pop open the bottle and fill two glasses, handing one to her.
“Congratulations, Princess. Looks like you’re moving to Ottawa.”
We return to Florida in time to support the Golden Blades in their quest for the Cup. Witnessing their triumph as a spectator with the woman I love gives me an unexpected feeling of peace and pride. For the first time in my life, I’m not dreading a future off of the ice.
EPILOGUE
Epilogue
Six months later
Elise
Jax and I are back in South Florida for good. Instead of splitting time between Canada and Florida as we did during my residency, we’re now splitting it between my cottage in Pelican Point and his condo in West Palm. It’s the best of both worlds. When we want some downtime, we spend it by the beach, and when we’re both in work mode, we stay in West Palm for close proximity to our primary “office,” the Huffman arena. I’m the curator of permanent ice displays at the arena, including an interactive experience for children and adults that has become an in-demand tourist attraction, as well as a source of ice therapy for sensory-challenged persons. Since the holiday season is upon us, I’m currently working on creating Christmas-themed ice displays.
I’m so proud of Jax. He’s now a valued member of the Golden Blades management team, serving in a position created just forhim, as their Director of Player Development and Community Outreach. He’s still mentoring players, helping young athletes balance the pressures of competition with personal growth and development, while studying for his sports psychology certification. He seems happiest when he’s working with kids, whether it’s coaching the next generation of hockey players or helping to provide structure and a safe environment to underprivileged youth in a local community program.
Even though our professional passions are vastly different and we give each other the space to maintain our separate identities, we enjoy working together to support causes we believe in and projects that benefit the community, both in West Palm and Pelican Point. One example is the black-tie affair happening tonight to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County. The dress Desirae sent over for me to wear is gorgeous and I always enjoy seeing Jax in a tux. I have a feeling something magical is going to happen tonight.
Jax
“Are you sure she doesn’t suspect anything? She always knows when something’s going on with me. I swear she’s a mind-reader. I’m nervous as hell I’m going to screw this up.”
I’m on the phone with Desirae, but I can hear Stone’s laughter in the background. His voice comes through the line clearly as he yells, “Listen to my wife, man. She knows what she’s talking about.”
Desirae continues. “I sent over her dress for the benefit, and Shay just picked up the ring from the jeweler and will hand it off to you tonight. Everyone except for Elise knows what the plan is and what they’re supposed to do.”
“Oh, hell.” I suddenly feel like I’m going to barf up my lunch. “What if she turns me down? My misery will be documented for all the world to see.”
