Page 120 of Bagging the Blueliner
Holden
Attachment: Hannah Moreau Demo
Why did this have to come in today?
It was killing me that it was her birthday, and she was hurting as badly as me. This recording was her gift, and I couldn’t even give it to her now. She couldn’t bear to see me, so it was unlikely that she wanted to hear from me, even for something this special. Maybe in a few months, I could slip it to Natalie so it made its way to Hannah. She should have it, but the wound was too raw right now.
Because I was a glutton for punishment, I threw in my earbuds, cranked up the volume on my phone, and opened the attachment, pressing play on the first track. Hannah’s beautiful voice soothed my frayed nerves, and I allowed myself to fall asleep, hoping that when I woke, I’d find the events of the past two weeks to be nothing more than a bad dream.
Chapter 29
Hannah
It all came downto this.
The Comets had taken down the Rebels in five games, the Speed in seven, and the Storm in six, landing them a League Championship matchup with the San Francisco Bridgers.
Their final opponent was the same one I’d predicted would be here many months ago. I took no joy in being right about that when I was wrong about so many other things—more important things.
Trudging to the West Coast and back twice had been physically draining on the team, but they pushed through it, stealing Game 5 on the road, putting them only one win away from winning it all.
Game 6 was set in Hartford, and the city was buzzing with the prospect of winning that elusive championship trophy on home ice. Outside the arena, giant projectors were set up so fans not lucky enough to score a ticket inside could watch and celebrate—if it came to that.
Slowly—almost at a snail’s pace—I came out of the fog surrounding me after my breakup with Cal. And while each day it got easier, I still wasn’t myself. I wasn’t sure I would be the same carefree girl ever again.
Thankfully, my best friends gave me the time and space to sort myself out, providing support when I needed it. Tonight, they showed that support by standing by my side as the Comets took on the Bridgers.
Taking the long way up to the suites, everyone was waiting for me when I arrived in the family box. The mood in the arena was electric—you could feel the energy even from where we sat.
Giving Charlie a squeeze from where she was being held in Amelia’s arms, I fist-bumped Jameson and tousled Beau’s mop of curls before making my way to the adults. When Natalie hit rock bottom, she’d had three kids to take care of. If she could find a way to claw back out of that hole, then so could I.
Leo had been a piss-poor opening act for Jaxon. Maybe that’s all Cal was for me. Maybe my great love was still out there, and I just needed to be patient—not exactly my strong suit.
Amy and Natalie were seated at the chairs at the counter, but Lucy stood, her giant belly stretching the Comets T-shirt she’d stuffed herself into. Liam was frowning at his baby sister, but Preston kept a protective arm around her waist.
Leaping into action, I offered, “Why don’t you come and sit down? You look ready to pop.” Everyone was on baby watch—Lucy was due in less than two weeks.
Dismissing me with a wave of her hand as I pulled out a chair, Lucy replied, “I’m fine standing. I’m hoping the excitement will throw me into labor.”
Placing a hand on her belly, Preston chided, “Let’s not get too hasty. She still needs time to finish cooking.”
A mischievous spark entered Lucy’s brilliant blue eyes. “Maybe I’ll jump up and down a little bit and see what happens.”
Paling slightly, Preston warned, “Princess, that’s not funny.”
Gag me with a spoon. Princess? Really?
Liam was still scowling at the pair but chimed in. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to drive her to the hospital when you pass out.”
Preston snorted. “Yeah, right.”
Offended, Liam scoffed. “What? I’m completely cool under pressure.”
Raising an eyebrow, Preston retorted, “You’re also completely unhinged. I’m willing to lay bets that Amy has a female doctor.”
Liam crossed his arms. “So what if she does? That doesn’t mean anything. Amy’s more comfortable with a woman.”
A smug smile crept onto Preston’s face. “Uh-huh. And it would have nothing to do with the fact that you’d be punching out any man who dared to venture between her legs, right? What are you going to do if there’s a male nurse on the floor when the time comes?”
