He’s the best brother I could have ever asked for. He slaps me on the shoulder as he pulls back, wiping at his own eyes.
“Whatever you need, I’m here for you.”
“Thanks, Troy.”
“And look, your family already loves her.”
I look to the dining room to see what he sees. Bexley laughing with my dads as they set the table together. It’s like she’s always been here. I don’t know why I ever worried about how easily she slotted herself into my life.
Bexley is the perfect person for me. She accepts me for me and all my quirks. Having weathered the storm, I know that the two of us can face anything that comes our way. That’s all I can ask for.
Bex and I together. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.
And now? I have it.
Epilogue
BEXLEY - FOUR MONTHS LATER
“Your Colorado Black Diamonds are Stanley Cup Champions!”
The crowds erupt into madness. I’m hugging everyone that I can reach in the box. We did it. We fucking did it.
Back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions.
The ice is a blur through my tears as I watch the team celebrate. As I watch Nick celebrate. It’s a strange feeling, winning it this year compared to last.
Last year was incredible, winning it for the first time as the GM of the team. Now though?
It feels different winning when it’s not only your team but also the person you love down there. The pride I have for this team and Nick is unmatched.
After everything that happened, the team rallied. They were able to push all the noise out of their locker room and focus on the only thing that mattered.
Hockey.
“Congratulations, Bex!” Alex pulls me in for a hug. “Well done.”
“Thanks. That means a lot coming from you,” I tell him.
“Is it going to be a competition of who has more trophies now?” Angie comes up beside her dad. “Because I don’t think I can handle that with you three.”
“Nick and Troy might, but Ineverwould.” He laughs.
Carter pushes him ahead of us as I smile after them.
I laugh as I follow our team rep who has come to get us to go down onto the ice after the celebration. One perk of being the GM? I get to go out on the ice for the presentation of the cup.
As soon as the suite is empty, I take a breath. Tears flood my eyes as I take in the weight of this moment. It feels different than last year. Almost like I appreciate this win more because it was hard fought. I had to make some hard decisions this year with the team, and while the fans might not have seen it at the time, it got us here.
This team is my life. My found family. The place where I spend the majority of my time.
To see the success of that with the win being celebrated by Colorado fans everywhere? I don’t know if I’ll ever get over that.
Heading down toward the elevator, the only person waiting for me is my dad. He’s bursting with pride in his navy blue Black Diamonds pullover and vest.
“Well done, Bex. I am so proud of you. Your mother would be too.”
I squeeze him tight to me. “Thank you for believing in me.”
