Page 174 of Unraveling Rain
Both teams are cautious, defending rather than attacking.
Xander’s line returns to the ice, and they continue to try to advance into Puma territory.
Matt joins the attack, and the four of them swarm the net.
In the mass of bodies, I’m not sure who scores, but when that horn blares again, the crowd loses it.
People next to me start hugging me. I jump in place, waving my rally towel over my head.
When the announcer says Xander scored, a new wave of energy bursts through me. I scream even louder.
I don’t even notice him skating over until he stops in front of me. He presses his gloved hand to the glass. I do the same, and the crowd cheers for us.
I mouth,I fucking love you.
Xander laughs, pure joy radiating from his whole body.
As he glides back to the bench, he mouthsI love you.
The clock ticks down. Ninety seconds to go.
I push the cuticles of my thumbs back, nerves rattling through my chest. The entire arena is on edge.
When the final whistle blows, the place erupts. Red, black, and white confetti rains down, swirling through the air.
I bolt for the suite to celebrate with the family. I’m not sure what the protocol is for joining Xander on the ice, but I know it’ll be a while.
When I open the door, the suite explodes in cheers, and everyone has a drink in hand.
“To Xander and the Red Wolves!” River shouts, and everyone echoes him before taking a sip.
“OMG, Raindrop. Xander is a beast,” Ruin yells, wrapping me in a hug. “That game was amazing.”
“I know, Ruru. My man is the fucking GOAT.”
We laugh, high on adrenaline. I hug each of my siblings, Granny, Mama, Sam, Kristine, and Gramps. We’re all elated, anxiously waiting for our turn to congratulate Xander.
“Excuse me? What the fuck are you talking about?” River’s voice cuts through the room like a slap.
We all freeze.
I turn to see him on the phone, pacing.
“I left you with a pregnant horse, and now you’re telling me both the horse and the foal are in fatal danger? What kind of vet are you?”
My eyes widen. Ruin meets my gaze and bites her bottom lip.
Is he talking to Carly? She’s the new vet in town, but I’ve never heard anyone complain about her.
River mutters something I don’t catch, then announces, “I’m sorry, everyone. I have to leave now and hope I can make it to Azalea Creek before I lose two horses.”
He rushes out the door, leaving a trail of confusion behind.
Moments later, a man in a team jacket steps inside.
“Xander González’s family?”
I nod eagerly.
