“I love you, Angie.”
She presses a kiss into my bare chest. “Not as much as I love you.”
“Doubtful.”
Angie brushes a finger over my jaw. “Do you think it’s always going to be like this? Just the two of us?”
Her eyes are drifting closed.
“It might be hard, but I promise you, I will do everything to give you the life you deserve.”
“All I want is you, Troy.”
Her heavy breath ghosts over my chest and I know she’s asleep. Having her here in my arms puts a sleepy smile on my face.
I don’t know how I got so lucky. I never thought I would find this. I figured I would go through college, going through the motions. Maybe find someone who I wanted to date.
But Angie?
I never expected her. She’s everything I ever wanted in life. Getting drafted is both exciting and scary. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know with her by my side, it’s going to be easier. The scary times less hard. The good times even better. That’s what our love is.
It’s that thought that carries me off to sleep.
A future with Angie.
I can’t fucking wait.
Epilogue
TROY - FOUR MONTHS LATER
“You look great, son.” Dad brushes an imaginary piece of lint off of my shoulder. “Any team would be lucky to have you.”
“I know.” The smile I give him is nervous.
I can’t help it.
The big night is finally here.
Night one of the NHL draft.
I’ve talked with a few teams, but I still have no idea where I’m going to end up. The dream?
Denver. The Colorado Black Diamonds are the top team. The one every player dreams will draft them.
“Is it wrong to say I won’t cheer for you if you play for Nashville?” Lydia asks, scrolling through her phone.
Since she arrived, my sister has done nothing but look at the stats and which team is likely going to pick which player. Thankfully, she finally stopped saying it to me. Which is good, because I can only handle hearing about other players so much.
“Lydia, you will cheer for your brother wherever heends up,” Mom interjects and then shushes her. “Just like he cheers for you.”
“Shows what you know,” she whispers.
“Ifyou go to Nashville, then we’ll all get jerseys and wear them at your first home game. Right, Angie?” Dad turns to Angie, who’s been standing in the corner of our hotel room.
“You couldn’t keep me away.” Her smile is beaming.
“Can you guys give us a minute?” I ask my family.
