Still, everyone has a good chuckle over the thought.
Once all of the plates are cleared and the lights are dimmed further, a DJ begins to spin some tunes. He’s playing some really good stuff, so we all decide to hit the dance floor.
Claire and Easton are good dancers, but Lennox and I are too. We’re all sure to include Shane in our little dance circle so he doesn’t feel left out.
When a slow song starts up, though, he bows out gracefully, stating, “I think that’s my cue to take a rest back at the table.”
“You better come back when the next fast song comes on,” Claire tells him.
“I will,” he assures her with a chuckle.
Her arms slip up around Easton then, and I do the same with Lennox. He holds me to him as we move to the slow beat of a beautiful song.
Head bowed, he whispers in my ear, “I love you, Madison. I’m happy I can finally show everyone how much.”
“I love you too,” I reply. And then I add, “No more hiding ever again. We’re honest with the world and honest with each other. Always, no matter what. Is that a deal?”
Leaning back, he smiles at me. “Babe, it is absolutely a deal.”
“Good.”
“So, you’re having a good time tonight?”
“I am,” I reply. “More than you could even know.”
Pulling me back in closer, he whispers, “Oh, I know, sweetheart. I know.”
I think he does.
I’m having the time of my life with this man who I love, and I think he’s feeling the same way about me.
This is so wonderful, how could we not?
Lennox and I are officially a couple, in love, and for the entire world to see.
And you know what?
Now that it’s out, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Two days after the Christmas party, we have a home game against the Winnipeg Jets. Madison and Claire are in attendance, seated in their favorite up-on-the-glass spots.
During warm-ups, I make a point to stop and greet them with a friendly tap on the glass with my stick.
Madison throws me a kiss, and Claire waves.
It’s so cool that Madison and I don’t have to hide our love anymore.
But back to the upcoming game—it’s an important one. We lost the last two, so we need to turn things around…and fast. Every point matters in this league, and competition is fierce.
Once the puck drops, it’s on.
Both we and the Jets are playing strong.
The emphasis for both teams tonight seems to be defense. We’re shutting down their plays, and they’re doing the same to us.
But then, in the final minutes of the first period, things open up a bit.
I get off a great pass to Shane, who makes his way past a defenseman and down the ice. I’m right behind him, and Easton is over on the left.
