Page 114 of Offside for Christmas
ASSISTANT COACH
EVERGREEN COVE EAGLES YOUTH HOCKEY PROGRAM
DIRECTOR: COLE HANSEN
Cole stared at it, reading it three times before the words actually registered.
"What is this?"
"I talked to Coach. And the town council." Ellie's words came out in a rush. "They're starting an official youth program—year-round hockey for kids. Not just clinics, but real training, real teams. They want you to run it. It's paid. Not NHL money, obviously, but it's a real salary. A real job. A real future. Here."
Cole's voice roughened. "You did this?"
"I did. Because you're amazing with those kids, Cole. They love you. And you need something that's yours. Not just playing for the Eagles, but building something. Creating something that lasts." She was watching his face anxiously. "Is it okay? If it's too much, or if you don't want—"
Cole set down the certificate and pulled her into his arms so tightly she gasped.
"It's perfect," he said, his voice breaking. "You're perfect. Ellie, I—"
And then he was crying. Actually crying. Tears streaming down his face, his shoulders shaking, twenty-eight years of never having anyone believe in him like this, except his grandmother, finally breaking free.
"Hey," Ellie said softly, holding him. "Hey, it's okay."
"No one's ever—" He couldn't finish the sentence. "No one's ever done something like this for me. No one's ever believed in me this much. I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll take the job."
"I'll take the job." He pulled back to look at her, not bothering to wipe away the tears. "Ellie, I love it. I love you. So fucking much."
"I love you too."
"I'll stay. Forever. For as long as you'll have me."
Ellie cupped his face in her hands. "Forever sounds good."
THE END
