Page 88 of Unrivaled Love
“Dad,” I turn toward the man I’ve looked up to my entire life. Still do. “How did you know Mom was the one?”
“When she didn’t sue me for totalling her car.” He deadpans.
“Wait really? How have I never heard this story?” I ask, flabbergasted.
Behind me Mason sputters a laugh out between his lips.
“You’re fucking with me?” I narrow my eyes at my dad and he grins. Mason slaps my back and walks away chuckling.
“Yeah. I can’t really describe it but I knew in my bones she was the one for me when we met. And every day since we’ve chosen each other.”
“How?” I ask.
“Big and little ways. Getting her coffee when I’m out running errands and bringing it home. Giving her space when she’s upset but staying nearby so I can catch her when she crumbles. Telling her I’m proud to be her husband.”
“And it works?” I ask as I look across the yard at Jo.
“Yeah. You never know what’s coming. We look back and laugh at how we blindly made it through some of our toughest times. But when things are good we make a point to really feel them together.” He says as he lays a hand on my shoulder, pulling me into a side hug.
“Thanks Dad.” I say quietly.
“We’re proud of you Bryson. For the man you’ve become. For the person you’ve always been. And I can’t wait to celebrate with the whole town tomorrow.”
With another clap on my shoulder he walks away to join my mom as she talks to Felix.
I stand alone in the middle of a party being thrown in my honor and my head swims with the pressure to be everything Jo needs. Be the player, and friend, my teammates rely on. And be the star the crowd expects.
Jo makes her way over and offers me a can of sparkling water. "This is pineapple and it's gross." She says as I take a sip.
"Aiden hates the pineapple ones, too." Harper says as she joins us with Aiden on her tail. "I love this dress, Jo." She adds.
"Umm, thank you. Bryson picked it out." She says and I roll my shoulders back proudly.
“Who knew Bryson Svoboda had such good taste in women’s clothing?” Harper jokes.
“I can’t take the credit. Jo looks incredible in everything.” Or nothing I add in my head.
Jo blushes again and it's my new purpose to keep her this pretty shade of pink as long as I can.
"Jo, tell me about Salt Lake City!” Harper says. "I've never been and Aiden and I are traveling to new cities together. We won't get to go anywhere until next summer now that the season is starting up unless I decide to travel with the team somewhere."
"Yeah, you ready to get back to the grind?" Adien asks me as the girls continue talking.
"I guess so." I shrug. I'm saved from elaborating when Felix lets out a wolf whistle from the patio.
"Can I get everyone's attention?" Felix calls and the party turns towards him. "Thank you for coming out to celebrate, Grand Junction’s own, starting forward for the D.C. Renegades Hockey Club, Stanley Cup champion, and MVP Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Bryson Svoboda!"
Everyone starts clapping and cheering and I raise my pineapple sparkling water in the air to acknowledge them as my ears start to ring.
"We'll hear more from him tomorrow after the parade but, Boba Tea, can you say a few words to your nearest and dearest now?"
"Yes I can, Cap," I announce. I clear my throat. "Thank you everyone for being here. You've all been a part of this journey and I'll never be able to express what it means to me." I turn to Jo. "Some of you have been a part of it almost my whole life." I turn to my pee wee coach. "You’ve encouraged me and taught me the value of hard work. And that putting in the effort will always pay off and that 'the legs feed the wolf,' right Coach Brooks?"
"Best line from a hockey movie!" He calls out and the group laughs.
"Nothing is better than ‘Quack, Quack’!" Felix calls out.
"Close second, Fornier." Coach Brooks replies.
