Page 83 of Seal the Deal

“Thinking about Charlotte again, huh?” Eli’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

I chuckle, pulling out my pads. “My girl’s never far from my mind.”

“I’m happy for you, man. She’s a catch.”

His words warm me, but they also stir up that lingering worry in the back of my mind. I keep thinking about the kids, too. They’re a package deal, and I’m not just falling for Charlotte, I’m falling for them just as much.

“So, what’s next?” Eli asks, catching my expression.

I shrug,but there’s a smile playing on my lips. “I don’t know. We’re taking it slow, especially with the kids. But I’m in this, all the way.”

Eli nods, his expression serious. “Good. If anyone deserves happiness, it’s you, Brooks.”

I laugh, knowing he’s right but still feeling the weight of it all. “How did you know Tamara was the one? I mean, when did you know you wanted to marry her?”

Eli’s face softens, his gaze distant for a moment. “There wasn’t one big moment, you know? But I remember this time after a rough game. I was beat up, felt like I’d let the team down. Tam didn’t say much, just showed up with my favorite takeout and a movie she knew I loved. Didn’t try to fix it, just sat with me. That’s when I realized I didn’t just want her around when things were good—I wanted her there when things were tough, too.”

The words hit home. Charlie did something similar recently, showing up after a rough game when I’d felt like shit. She just slipped into the condo, made me tea, and let me know she was there. That’s how she’s always been—quietly present, like she sees the parts of me I’m not always sure are worth seeing. And she makes me feel like they are.

I nod and turn back to my locker, the familiar mix of sweat and adrenaline thick in the air. My eyes land on the small, crayon-drawn unicorn taped to the door—Meadow’s masterpiece.

Reaching out, I tap the picture lightly, almost unconsciously. It’s silly, but it centers me.

“Touching the unicorn for luck, huh?” Ryan calls from the bench.

“Can’t mess with the routine,” I shoot back as I grab my helmet.

The banter continues, but I’m already slipping into game mode. I close my locker, my mind focused and ready. Tonight’s game is going to be a battle, but I’ve got more than just the win on my mind.

“You ready for this?” Ryan asks as I take a seat beside him.

“Always,” I reply, tightening the straps on my pads. “But it’s gonna be a tough one.”

“We’ll handle it. Just stick to the plan.”

When we finally hitthe ice, the roar of the crowd is deafening, and it’s like flipping a switch. The nerves disappear, replaced by the fierce focus that comes with game day.

The arena is buzzing as the national anthem plays, the crowd on their feet. I’m standing in line with the team, dialed in. But as I scan the stands out of habit, something catches my eye in the WAGs box.

Charlie. She’s sitting with Tamara, Claire and Zoe, looking like a damn miracle. Dressed casually but still mesmerizing, her face is lit with excitement. Meadow is on her lap, bouncing with the same energy thrumming through me, and Noah sits beside her, wide-eyed at it all.

She brought the kids.I’m so caught off guard, I almost miss the start of the anthem, barely catching myself in time as I grin like an idiot.

Charlotte meets my gaze, her eyes lighting up as she realizes I’ve spotted them. I can’t help but smile wide, a silent acknowledgment that I’m glad they’re here.

I make a mental note to get them all jerseys with my name and number on the back. They’re part of this now, part of me. As the anthem finishes and we take our positions on the ice, I keep that image in my mind: Charlie and the kids cheering me on.

The puck drops, and the game begins.

Right from the start, it’s clear this is going to be a battle. The other team’s aggressive, throwing everything they’ve got at us, and we’re not backing down. There’s a lot of chirping on the ice, guys trying to get under each other’s skin, but I’m locked in and keeping my cool.

Both teams are playing hard, but I’m on fire tonight. When I finally get the puck and see an opening, I don’t hesitate. I charge forward, weaving through the defense, and with a powerful shot, I send the puck flying into the net. The red light flashes, the horn blares, and the crowd erupts in cheers.

As my teammates swarm me in celebration, I glance up at the WAGs box, locking eyes with Charlie. She’s cheering, her face lit with pride, and I give her a wink and a grin.That was for you, Charlie girl.

Midway through the second period, things start to heat up. We’re tied, and the tension is thick. I’m digging hard in the corner for the puck when I feel the hit. Hard and fast. The glass rattles with the force, and my helmet smacks hard against the plexiglass. The sharp sting in my shoulder makes me suck in a breath as the world tilts for a second. The roar of the crowd becomes distant, muffled by the blood rushing in my ears.

“Brooks, you good?” Chase’s voice cuts through the fog, and I nod, even though my vision blurs slightly as I push myself up.

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