And he would’ve adored her.
She presses closer, resting her chin on my chest. “I wish I could’ve met him.”
“Me too.” A ghost of a smile twists my lips.
“So even though you’re earning a degree, it’s hockey all the way?”
“That’s the goal.” I rub my jaw. “If I don’t make the draft cut this summer…”
She hugs me when I trail off. “You can still get there after college if not, right? Ryan never shut up about it before we found out he was drafted after last season.”
“Yeah, as a free agent. The contracts aren’t as good, though. First round picks have it made, then for each one after it’s less money and a lower chance of ever seeing game play. Out of seven rounds of picks from the pool of players within the eligible age range, it’s only about sixty players that go all the way every year. Even less that actually go on to have an NHL career.”
“Wow. That’s more intense than I realized.”
“Yeah. I still won’t give up on it, though. My dad built this dream with me.” I rub my chest. “I always feel like I have him with me when I play. I want to make it there for me and for him. So I can take care of my mom and my little brother.”
My gaze shifts to her. I want to take care of everyone important to me.
“I still have a chance this year. For some guys it still works out, like Elijah’s older brother was a third round pick. He was traded after his team didn’t make the playoffs. Now he plays for the Seattle Kraken and he’s gone from two minutes of game time with his previous contract to a regular on Seattle’s roster. And you know Alex Keller.”
“So Heston has produced choice players.”
I lift a shoulder. “We’re definitely up there with the top schools draft picks tend to come out of. I just have to keep working hard to get there.”
She hugs me again, resting her cheek on my arm. “I’ve seen how you play. I believe in you with my whole heart.”
Something loosens in me knowing I have her support.
It doesn’t matter what we face. I’ll work to keep this because she’s too important to let go. It’s not her or my dreams. There’s no choice to make between the two—she’s become part of my dreams.
If anything, I have more to fight for to earn my spot on NHL ice. One more important person in my life to take care of.
I turn to her. “There’s something else I learned because of my dad.” My heartrate kicks up in anticipation. “I love you.”
It comes out simple and easy.
Her lips part. “You?—?”
“Yeah.” Smiling, I cup her face and brush my lips against hers. “I love you, Maya Donnelly.”
She blinks rapidly, beautiful hazel eyes glimmering. “I—why now?”
“Why not? It’s how I feel. When I lost my dad, all I wanted was to tell him I loved him one more time. After that, I decided to always make sure the people I care about know it. I don’t need to wait to tell you when I already know.”
Her expression melts. She throws her arms around me with a strangled noise.
“You are the most infuriating, stubborn, ridiculous guy I’ve ever met. You drive me crazy.”
My embrace tightens at the affection filling her tone. “That’s a funny way of saying you love me.”
“Yeah, I guess it is.” She laughs thickly. “Because somehow you barreled into my life whether I wanted you to or not and made me fall for you. I need you.”
I hover my mouth over hers, unable to stop grinning. “You have me, baby. Now and always.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
EASTON
