Page 115 of Love so Cold

"Keep it up, team!" I encourage, my voice hoarse but full of pride. "We're still in this!"

I hold my breath as Olivia receives a pass. She darts between two defenders, her face a mask of concentration. She's got that look in her eyes—the same determined glint that drew me to Avery in the first place.

"Go, Olivia!" I yell, my hands cupped around my mouth. "You've got this!"

She feints left, then cuts right, leaving a defender stumbling. The crowd gasps. I'm on my toes, willing her forward.

"Shoot!" I shout, my voice cracking with excitement.

Olivia winds up and lets loose a powerful shot. The puck arcs through the air, and for a moment, time seems to stand still. Then—swish! It sails past the goalie's outstretched mit and into the net.

The crowd erupts. I'm jumping up and down, pumping my fist in the air. "That's my girl!" I holler, then catch myself. When did I start thinking of her as 'my girl'?

Olivia's teammates swarm her, their faces beaming. I can see her grin from here, wide and proud. She looks over at me, giving a thumbs up. I return it, my chest swelling with pride.

The clock ticks down, each second feeling like an eternity. I'm on my feet, heart pounding, as my teamfight to keep possession. The opposing team's striker breaks free, darting past our defense.

"No, no, no," I mutter, willing Sophia to make the save.

But it's too late. The ball sails past her outstretched stick, hitting the net with a finality that silences the crowd. The whistle blows, signaling the end of the game.

My heart sinks, but I force a smile. "Heads up!" I call out. "You played your hearts out!"

The team trudges towards me, a mix of disappointment and pride on their faces. Olivia's eyes are red-rimmed, but she's holding her head high.

"We almost had it, Coach," she says, her voice wavering.

I pull her into a quick hug. "You were incredible out there, kid. All of you were."

Suddenly, I'm surrounded by not just the team, but supporters from the stands. They're patting me on the back, shaking my hand.

"Best season we've had in years, Coach Stone!"

"You really turned this team around, Victor!"

I'm overwhelmed, unused to this kind of praise and affection. It reminds me of that foster family, the one that almost kept me. But this... this feels different. Real. Permanent.

"Thanks, everyone," I manage, my throat tight. "But it's these kids who deserve the credit. They're the ones who never gave up."

As the crowd continues to cheer, I look around at these faces - my team, this community. For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong somewhere. Like I'm home.

I take a deep breath and step forward, grasping the microphone someone's pushed into my hand. "It's the end of the season," they say. "Say a few words?"

My palms are sweaty, and my heart's racing faster than it ever did on the ice.

"I, uh..." I clear my throat. "I can't tell you how proud I am of this team. You kids played your hearts out today, and all season long."

The crowd cheers, and I catch Olivia's beaming face in the front row. She gives me a thumbs up, and suddenly, I know exactly what I need to say.

"When I came to Worcester, I thought I was just here for a job. But you all... you've given me so much more." My voice cracks, and I swallow hard. "This season, we've become more than a team. We've become a family."

I lock eyes with Avery, standing off to the side. She's watching me intently, a soft smile on her face.

"And speaking of family," I continue, my voice dropping, "there's something I need to say."

The crowd hushes, and I can feel the weight of their anticipation. But all I can see is Avery.

"Avery, you and Olivia... you've shown me what home really means. For a guy who grew up without one, that's... everything."

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