Page 204 of Slap Shot

Every time I think Hudson can’t get any better, he does something so selfless and so profound, my heart nearly falls out of my chest.

What a lucky girl I am to be loved by someone as beautiful and wonderful as Hudson Hayes.

The puck drops, and the Stars come off the face-off with aggression. They’ve been battling a three-game losing streak after trying to find their rhythm with a new starting lineup, and I know how badly they want a win tonight.

Lucy and Duke sign about the plays, pointing out areas of improvement and who’s a half second late to the puck. I watch Hudson, still in awe of his skating abilities and how effortlessly he glides across the ice.

The first period ends with a 0-0 score, and when intermission starts, my phone dings in my purse. I pull it out and find a text from Hudson.

Blond Bombshell

Can’t see you, Galloway.

Can you stand during the next period and show off my jersey? Please and thank you.

Me

Are you allowed to be on your phone right now?

Blond Bombshell

I won’t tell if you don’t.

I laugh and make sure I’m on my feet when the players come back out for the second period. When Hudson glances at me from down on the ice, he pulls off his glove with his teeth and gives me a thumbs-up.

He doesn’t seem to mind the ribbing the guys give him after.

Maverick scores, and the crowd cheers. He finds the camera after he does and pulls out the necklace tucked into his jersey, proudly showing off the little charms with the initials of Emmy and their daughter to all of America.

With two minutes to go in the third and the score tied, Ethan breaks up a play and steals the puck from an Austin Rockets player. He passes it ahead to Ryan Seymour, who slaps it across the ice to Hudson. Evading one defender then another, Hudson circles the goal before making his way back toward center ice. Before he can cross the line, he rears his stick back. He lines up a perfect shot and flicks the puck into the net, just to the left of goalie’s pads.

His teammates surround him and congratulate him with helmet taps and one-armed hugs. When he breaks free from the celebration, he skates over to our side of the arena. He takes off his glove and holds up anI love youthat makes me put a hand on my chest.

Lucy waves and jumps up and down. She answers with anI love youof her own, and I’m still not sure how I ended up in love with a man who publicly acknowledges my daughter.

I couldn’t dream up a better partner if I tried.

When the buzzer sounds at the end of the game and the Stars win, Duke hugs Lucy and me tight. He promises he’ll be back upfor Christmas in a few weeks, and he whispers in my ear how much Hudson is going to love his gift.

I’m nervous on the drive home. When Lucy and I get back to the condo, she heads straight for the dogs while I fix the pillows on the couch next to the Christmas tree.

Mommy, Lucy asks.What’s that?

I look up to where she’s pointing and smile.That’s mistletoe, baby.When you stand under it,you have to kiss whoever is near you.It’s a Christmas tradition.

She walks over to me and plants a kiss on my cheek.I love you.

I love you too.Want to get your gift?He’ll be home soon,and we can have it ready for him.

Lucy runs to her room, and I smile as I watch her go. My smile gets even bigger when the front door opens and footsteps echo down the hall.

“Merry Christmas,” a voice says from behind me, and I grin at Hudson over my shoulder. “You found my surprise.”

“Looking for an excuse to kiss me, Hayes?” I walk to him and trail my hands down his suit jacket. “You know it’s only the first of December, right?”

“Guess that means I have twenty-five days to kiss you. Any objections?”

“Not a single one. I think I’m going to like spending Christmas with you.”

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