“Grow up, brother.”
Connor laughs, but our sibling bickering is interrupted by the announcer’s voice introducing the two teams competing today for the gold medal.
Connor and I hoot and holler as Team USA is announced. He doesn’t look at us, but I swear I see the corner of Luke’s lips twitch.
I was right when I said this match would be a barn burner. It’s tied 6–6 in the final end and Luke is getting ready to throw the last rock.
I’m literally sitting on the edge of my seat, nibbling on my fingernails as anxiety consumes me.
Connor grabs my hand, pulling it away from my mouth.
“Breathe, Charlotte. Luke’s got this. He’s been dialed in all day.”
Easy for him to say. I’m sitting here with my gold medal around my neck and want more than anything for Luke to know what this feels like. Especially after everything that’s happened in his life—losing his sister, giving up hockey to follow this dream. He deserves this. He deserves everything.
Brendan and him are discussing something down at ice level. We’re too far to make out any of their words but Luke finally nods his head then takes his place at the hack.
The arena is dead silent. So much on the line.
As of right now, Canada is closest to the button, but by mere inches. If Luke can connect with Team USA’s other stone that’s just in front of Canada’s, and hit it at exactly the right angle, it can push Canada’s away from the button. If he hits it too hard, Team USA’s rock could potentially slide out of play as well.
It’s an intricate throw, but if anyone can do it, it’s Luke.
Luke pushes off the hack, rock in hand, and I hold my breath. He releases the stone and I grip Connor’s hand with all my might.
“Hard!” Luke shouts, indicating he wants Wyatt and Zack to sweep faster.
The two of them work in tandem, moving their brooms back and forth in front of the stone.
“Whoa!” Luke and Brendan yell at the same time, causing Wyatt and Zack to halt their sweeping.
We all watch in anticipation as Luke’s stone connects with Canada’s. Their rock slides to the outside of the house in slow motion, while Luke’s stone stops dead in its tracks, directly on top of the button.
I leap out of my seat, hands raised in the air, screaming at the top of my lungs.
“Let’s fucking go!”
Turning, I find Connor on his feet, and we throw our arms around each other, bouncing up and down in excitement.
Because I’m apparently an emotional mess, tears spill down my cheeks. When I finally pull away from my brother, I see a lone tear trickling down his cheek as well.
Wiping my face with my hand, I laugh. “God, since when do us Smiths cry so much?”
Connor laughs and wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side.
“Since my two favorite people just won gold at the fucking Olympics. Give me a break would you?”
I laugh and give him a side hug. He rests his chin on top of my head as we watch Luke celebrate with his teammates.
Luke pulls away from the group hug first and immediately turns to find me.
Our eyes connect and I raise my fist in the air in celebration. Luke raises both of his in response, with the biggest smile on his face.
I’ve never been to a gold medal curling match, so I’m not sure if celebrating down with them on the ice sheets is allowed.
Bouncing on my feet, I wait in anticipation as the announcer invites Switzerland to join them for the medal ceremony.
Team Canada and Team Switzerland are awarded their medals, then it’s time for Team USA.
