Page 186 of Cold As Ice

“Don’t forget your new headphones.” Harper pulled them out of her rucksack.

“Oh, wikes Scottie has.”

“Yes, just like Scottie.” Harper helped Imogen fit them, fluffing out her hair around the headband. “Perfect.”

“And I gots my special gloves that Austins gots me.” She made little fists as we approached the gathering crowds.

I was so nervous.

Not only for Austin and the team but also the surprise we’d put together for him. The girls insisted it was perfect, but I wasn’t sure.

Things were great between Austin and me, but it was still new.

We were still finding our way.

“Everything okay?” Dayna asked me as we joined the line.

I’d gotten to know her better in the last few weeks and she was just as nice and kind as Harper and Rory.

“I’m fine.”

“It’s okay to be nervous,” she said. “It’s a big night for them.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you think he made a mistake not talking to Vancouver?”

Austin was one hundred percent sure of his decision. But there were still moments when I wondered if he would come to regret it.

“Madi, if there’s one thing you need to know about the Lakers,” she said, “it’s that they don’t hesitate. And they don’t do things unless they want to. Austin loves you, and I don’t think there’s a single person who knows him well that thinks he made the wrong decision.”

I nodded, desperately wanting to believe her.

Imogen dropped back from Rory and Harper and buried herself into my side.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

“There’s lots of peoples, Mommy.”

“There is.” I scooped her up and held her on my hip. “But once we’re inside we’ll get our seats okay. Then you’ll be able to watch Austin and the guys.”

“Is Connor Morgans playing?”

“No, baby. Connor can’t play but he’ll be on the bench, cheering the team on.”

“Do you think Austins will like our surprise?” She tugged at her jacket.

“I hope so, baby.” I kissed her hair.

I really hope so.

AUSTIN

The air rippled with anticipation as Coach Tucker entered the room.

“This is it,” he said, preparing to give his final pep talk of the season. “It all comes down to this moment.

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