Page 38 of Snowed in with My Pucking Ex
I’d been moving to my locker, but my steps falter with the weight of his words. “Wait, what?” I ask, flashing my gaze around the room. Several guys have been here for years, so I must’ve heard him incorrectly. I just got here, and some of these players I’m meeting on good terms for the first time. Hell, a couple I could probably be their father, it seems, with their fresh baby faces staring at me.
“Yeah. We talked about it, and none of us is ready for that type of responsibility, or we don’t want it. Especially with someone like you coming on the team, with all of your experience. Every single one of us looks up to you. We’re getting the chance to play beside a hockey legend. We took it to Coach and our GM last night, and they agreed with us. You deserve to wear the C. To start your career here the right way.”
“But I haven’t earned it with you all.”
Checzok steps forward, lightly smacking my shoulder as he says in his thick Russian accent, “You will. We believe in you. Lead us, man. You’ve earned this with your career.” He gestures to the brand-new practice jersey hanging in my locker, and I notice straight away that it already has the captain's patch sewn in place.
They’re completely serious about this.
I swallow, feeling a bit choked up. Not only is it an honor that the team and upper management would consider me fit enough to be their team captain, but it’s a lot of added pressure. I’ll get a lot of clout if we win, but if we lose, well, it’ll be my fault too.
“Speech!” A young player named Johnson chants a few times, making our teammates laugh and join in.
“I don’t have a speech; in fact, you guys have made me go mute,” I admit, shaking my head. This means more than I can express; it’s something I didn’t think I’d be rewarded with in my career.
“You stole the words from him, fellows, be shocked!” Jake shouts, and then everyone is laughing and giving me a bit of ribbing. I’m jostled around as affectionately as a bunch of rough hockey players can manage.
Raising my hands, I say, “I’m honored. But,if I’m going to be your captain, then there’s only one thing I need to be saying right now. Let’s get out on the ice, boys, it’s our time!”
“Couldn’t have said it any better, Spruce,” My new coach says from the doorway and offers an encouraging nod. The guys cheer and shout, amping each other up, then we’re all hustling out to the rink once we’ve finished lacing up and taping our skates.
I take in the arena, my new home away from home. It’s decorated for the holidays right now, but I’m not looking at them, no, I’m staring at the banners hung from the ceiling. I know it then and there; I’m going to give this team the best years of my career. I’m going to put a banner up there that when the fans look up, they remember my time and dedication here. They’ll remember how I came in and made this a team of champions once again, that they can be proud of.
My blades slice across the fresh ice, and as the cold air of the rink hits me full force, everything feels right. No, it’s better, in fact. If I can get Winter to agree to stay with me, then every oneof my Christmas wishes will be coming true this year. A feat I never thought I’d see happen, but here I am.
We run drills, getting ready for the next game, and I’m pleased to find that I instantly gel with a few of the other players. I’ve been studying everything I can about the team in between my packing and moving, ever since I signed my new contract. I’m vibrating with excitement to put on the new jersey, play in the next game, and see how everything turns out. I have a great feeling about this team and this season, because with me wearing the captain's patch, I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure we’re a playoff team.
Champions.
Marrying Winter and winning the Stanley Cup are the next two things left on my list to accomplish. I hope these guys are ready to work, because motivation like I haven’t felt since I was a rookie is right underneath my skin, pushing me forward. As I slam a puck into the net, all I can think about is how excited I am to tell her all about the new team and my move.
Jake slides to a stop beside me, his hand landing on my shoulder. “Patch looks good on you.”
I nod, “Thanks. Means a lot coming from you. And that you took whatever they offered you to be here. It would be weird doing all this without you here.”
“Aw, man, they were good to me. I’m happy, plus they opted for a possible extension when my time is up. They want to keep us playing together if they can afford it. So, what’s next? You're back home, you have the team behind you, and a woman right down the road. Are you seriously going to hang around here all day and not go see her?”
I meet his stare, shaking my head, because no way am I not going to go see my woman. “What about you? Do you have someplace to stay?”
He shrugs, waving my question off like it’s no big deal. “I got a room at the hotel down the road.”
It’s the holidays, and he’s my best friend; he’s not staying at a hotel if I can help it. “No way, you can stay at my mom’s. She won’t mind. She’s always asking me about you anyway.”
He wiggles his brows, “Moms love me.”
I smack his chest with the back of my hand. “Shut up, bro.”
His loud laugh follows me as I skate to the edge of the rink and head for the locker room to shower and change. It’s time I saw the woman I can’t seem to get off my mind, and let her know just how serious I am when it comes to me and her.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Winter
I’m set up for the week of the holiday festival, and my booth is looking a little sparse compared to what I’m used to. It’s okay, though. I have time to make more gift baskets and candies each day before I have to be here, so that will help some. Mom and Calla have helped me decorate, since Samantha is on kid duty. Her daughter has come down with something, and she’s hoping it’s just a bug and goes away quickly. I swear, being sick during the holidays is the worst, especially around here when there are so many activities planned for the community.
I wave as a few little kids run through the designated walkways, calling hello. They must be in kindergarten by now. I went to school with their parents, and now it’s surreal to see those same people having children of their own. It makes me feel like I’m behind schedule somehow. When I’m in the city, I don’t notice it as much because there are more people my age without kids, busy working and having fun with friends. Here, it just makes me realize what else I’m missing out on.
A shiver wracks through me as I watch everyone stroll by. It’s cooled down more today since it’s gotten dark out, and I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling it. With all the twinkling lights and mini-Edison bulb stands strung everywhere, it’s turned the park that we’ve all set our booths up into something out of a fairytale. There’s a tent in the center with heaters, large wood picnic tables, and chairs so people can get warmed up while eating their food and treats they’ve bought from various vendors, and visit with friends. The festival is always held here because it’s right next to the small ice rink that the chamber of commerce sponsors each year.
