Page 147 of Forever Wild
I nod then grimace. “Not an image I need of my brother.”
Jack wins the face-off, tipping the puck to Leo. He moves down the ice then passes to Ash. Jack positions himself in front of the goal.Forty-five seconds to go. Ash gets him the puck but two defenders are on him. Always cool under pressure, Jack uses his body and sends it back to Ash who shoots. The puck is blocked by the goalie, and Jack rebounds before I even get eyes on it and the goalpost lights up.
“Oh my god!” I scream as Jack’s arms go up in the air in celebration. His teammates crowd around him and the arena booms with cheers.
It’s hard to see beyond everyone jumping up and down and waving signs and jerseys. When Jack finally skates from the group toward the bench to high-five the rest of his team, his gaze comes back my way.
“You are so getting laid!” I scream and I swear his lips curve up in a smile. Goddamn, I love him.
EPILOGUE
JACK
Lifetime dream
I used to imagine this moment, holding the cup over my head while thousands of people scream my name. Nothing I ever imagined even comes close to comparing. Winning with any team would have been a dream, but I think there’s a reason it’s this year, this group, this moment.
My dad wipes tears from his eyes as I skate by him, and Coach claps and smiles. The arena chants my name. A lifetime dream achieved.
As I circle around to hand off the cup, I see another lifetime dream. One I never imagined but it’s just as sweet.
I give the trophy to Leo and then I head to the gate where Everly is waiting for me. She’s in my arms as soon as I get to her.
“I love you so much! That was incredible. Congratulations! I am so turned on right now.” She screams it all in my ear as I hug her to me andturn in a circle.
When I set her down, she looks up at me, those hazel eyes sparking with fire and love.
“You did it,” she says. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Marry me.”
“What?” She leans in like maybe she didn’t hear me right.
“Marry me, Everly.”
My words finally land but she says nothing, just smirks at me as amusement dances over her features.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without you. I love you, and while I was hoisting that cup in the air, I realized there’s only one thing I want more.”
“Well, you’re just saying that now because you already won it.” Her face lights up as she stares at me.
I laugh. “Is that a no?”
“No.”
“Should I get down on one knee?”
“Dear god, no. You’ll have every camera in this place on us.”
She’s smiling but I swear I can’t read her expression. Is she about to politely tell me no?
“Are you sure you want to ask me right now? It’s the biggest night of your life. You’re all hopped-up on testosterone and adrenaline. You might change your mind later.”
I lean down and let my mouth hover just above hers. “I’ve never been more sure of anything. I’m yours, Ev. Now and always. I’m not going to change my mind, but if you’re not ready?—”
Her lips press to mine and her arms wrap around my neck, pulling me farther down to her. When we break apart, she’s beaming at me.
“Yes! I’ll marry you, Jack Wyld,” she says. “Someone has to keep you in line.”
