Page 122 of Cross-Checked

“Okay.” Now isn’t the time to dig into how he absolutely was not looking at her like she was his sister, much less his best friend. When I think about it, though, she was cool and detached. Nothing she did made me think she had feelings for him. But I am absolutely giving him shit about it later, because nothing will ruin their friendship faster than him pining after her.

We take our seats next to Colt and Jules. Colt is receiving the Goaltender of the Year award tonight, and I don’t envy him having to make his way up the stairs to the stage on those crutches. Luckily, he doesn’t need surgery, but he’s going to be on crutches for another week and in that knee brace for a couple more weeks after that. He’ll be out of the brace just in time for Jameson’s wedding later this summer.

All things considered, he’s damn lucky. In his mid-thirties, a knee injury could have ended his career, and I know he really wants to finish out the last year of his contract next season. Afterthat, I wouldn’t be surprised if he retires. He’s already one of the longest-playing guys in the league.

As the lights dim and the program begins, I think about how I normally hate shit like this. Unlike other awards shows, everyone already knows who’s won each award. There are no surprises; it’s simply an opportunity to celebrate people’s accomplishments.

Nine years ago, when I won the Rookie of the Year award, I hated every minute of the experience—getting dressed up, everyone congratulating me, having to go up on stage to accept the award, and having to give a speech. The only thing that made it tolerable was sharing that evening with Sloane and Grandma.

For a guy who spends a couple of days a week playing hockey in front of twenty-thousand fans, I really don’t like being in the spotlight. But what I do really love is seeing AJ get the recognition she deserves. Which is why I love being here with her. And why, when her name is announced as the GM of the Year, I stand with her in celebration and pull her into a huge hug, whispering, “Good job, Sunshine,” into her ear and watching the goosebumps rise across her neck.

I clap and cheer for her as she takes the stage, the red soles of the sexy heels I bought her catching my eye with each step. And when she stands at the podium, facing a sea of hockey’s biggest supporters and holding her award, her eyes land on me before she looks out at the audience.

“For someone who’s known they won this award for a few weeks now,” she says, “I still find myself struggling to find the words to explain how much it means to me. It’s impossible to stand here as the first female GM of the Year without saying that, while I might be the first, I won’t be the last.”

The thunderous applause is a shock in the best way possible. She’d been worried how people would respond when shebrought up her gender, and the role of women in hockey, but I’d encouraged her to mention it, no matter the response.

“The road to this stage wasn’t easy, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the women who helped me get here—whose friendship, assistance, and advice allowed me to grow and flourish both in this role, and as a person. This year, especially, I’ve come to realize the importance of friendships between women who want to see each other succeed in all aspects of life. The world is stronger when women work together instead of against one another, and I’m working hard to surround myself with these types of women, in my personal life and at work as well.

“I also owe a particular debt of gratitude to three men in my life. First, Joey Connelly, the other nominee for this year’s award, who was the most amazing mentor I could have hoped for. He took a chance on me when I was coaching D1 women’s hockey, bringing me on as a scout and then promoting me to being the first female assistant GM in the league. And then, he encouraged me to spread my wings, to look for a GM position when he could have easily kept me exactly where I was, working for him.

“Second, Frank Hartmann, the owner of the Boston Rebels, who gave me the opportunity to lead this organization. He’ll tell you I deserved the job, but when I started at the Rebels, there wasn’t a single woman in upper management, and I know he took a leap of faith bringing me on, knowing I’d shake things up, and trusting me to do so. I wouldn’t be standing here without him in my corner for the past six years.

“And finally, Ronan McCabe, who has steadfastly stood by me through some of the most trying times in my life.” Her eyes are back on me, and I wonder what she sees reflected back on my face. I didn’t know she was going to say anything about me tonight. I didn’t expect it, and I’m not sure I deserve the adoringway she’s looking at me right now. “I might still be standing on this stage even if it weren’t for you, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today. And for the first time in my life, I really like that person—the one who understands that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. I’ll forever be grateful that we took a chance on each other, when it would have been easier to walk away. This award means so much more to me because you stood next to me when I won it.”

I’m not sure why my eyes are all wet like this, but as I shake my head at her, I can’t stop smiling. The woman I love just accepted the most important award in her field, and I couldn’t be happier for her, or for us.

If anyone had told me before this season started that it would end this way—me navigating fatherhood, AJ and me living together, a new agent and a contract for three more years with the Rebels making more than I’ve ever made, and being here with AJ as she accepts the GM of the Year award—I’d have been certain they were crazy.

And maybe that’s what this life is...crazy, but beautiful. Maybe the beauty is in the unpredictability—in accepting changes you weren’t ready for, and being open to possibilities you couldn’t imagine. Because I never could have envisioned being this happy.

AJ

“God, you were so fucking amazing tonight.” Ronan’s breath is hot against my ear, his head dipped to whisper as I stand, leaning against the wall of the hotel elevator with myeyes closed. I’m exhausted in the best possible way, after what is quite possibly the most amazing night of my life.

Getting to stand on that stage tonight, to thank the people—especially Ronan—who helped me get where I am, and knowing that I’m paving the way for other women to do the same...it was everything.

“I hope you know I’m going to marry you someday,” I mumble, not even able to open my eyes because I’m so tired.

“I was already planning on it, remember?” His low chuckle fills the space, and his chest shakes against my arm as he reminds me about how he said he was going to ask Frank for my hand when the time came.

“Oh, related to that,” I say, cracking my eyes open. “Guess who texted me about an hour ago?”

He lifts an eyebrow. “Who?”

“My father.”

To his credit, Ronan doesn’t say any of the things he’s probably thinking. Instead, he traces my jaw with his thumb and says, “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. He congratulated me on the award and said he and my mom would like to see me again sometime soon.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“Worried.”

“Why?”

“Because either he’s extending an olive branch, or it’s a trap. And I’m not sure I want to explore either option.”

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