He saw the coaches and the trainers and equipment staff. Dylan found himself searching for Blair among the sea of bodies on the ice even though he knew she wasn't there.
She should have been.
He pulled back and got the guys to line up to shake hands with the Edmonton players. As they finished, a team associate handed them baseball caps emblazoned with the Bedlam logo and the words Cup Champions. He tugged on his hat, saw the rest of the guys doing the same, and smiled again.
They truly had a special group. Vince and Celek, Kreider, Slater, Leo, and of course Rod. All the rest of the guys too. Forever bonded by the experience they'd shared.
A fresh round of cheering rang out when the three-foot-high silver trophy was wheeled onto the ice. The crowd quieted as the league commissioner made a speech about the series and how hard both teams had worked.
Then the commissioner called him forward. Dylan's heart pounded as he skated to the table. He wiped sweaty palms on his jersey and finally, finally, picked up the Cup.
The trophy was engraved with the names of every player who'd ever won the championship. He turned it until he saw his dad's name, then Blair's dad's name, and then Rod's name from when he won it the previous year with his old team. Before the summer's end, his name would be added too.
Dylan lifted it high above his head and skated one lap around the ice.
The moment he'd been dreaming of and working to for years was finally here. It was thrilling and amazing, almost surreal.
He passed it to Rod and then joined his buddies. Celek, Vince, and Leo, all sporting grins, welcomed him into their huddle. They stood together, arms thrown over each other's shoulders as the celebration continued around them.
The realization of a dream, and the teamwork that had got him there, should have left him satisfied.
But something was missing.
His gaze skated once again to the spot where she should have been.
There was a hole in his heart that could only be filled by Blair.
CHAPTER TWELVE
"ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT to go to the Cup parade?" Blair glanced at her dad before turning her car into the football stadium's parking lot. She didn't want to go, but he did, and she couldn't say no when he'd asked her to take him. Even if she really wasn't ready to see Dylan.
"It's not the full parade. They're going to end up at the stadium and give some speeches. I should be there. And you should be too for that matter. You do work for the team."
The knot of nerves in her stomach swelled. "I don't know for how much longer. Peter said the GM wasn't too happy about my letter. The team hasn't liked the negative attention."
"The GM can stuff it. Your phone has been ringing non-stop with interview requests. If he lets you go, something better will come along."
"I'm starting to look, just in case. I'm not sure I want to be there anymore anyway." She climbed out of the car and slammed the door.
"Does your decision have anything to do with Dylan?"
"I don't really want to talk about him."
"Why not? I know you're upset."
Breath came out in a huff that didn't fully release her frustration. "It's more than just Dylan."
"But he's a part of it."
"You don't understand—"
Dad held up his hand as they walked. "I think I do. You don't want him to end up like me. But sweetheart, there's no guarantee he will."
"He's had all those concussions so close together. And then he played in game four anyway. Did you see him? He didn't look right." Picturing his face wincing in pain and his slower pace, something in her chest squeezed.
He reached for her arm as his footing faltered. "All I know is I would've played if I were him. Yes, he took a risk, and yes, it might not have been the smartest thing, but twenty years down the line, if he didn't play, he would always regret it. Trust me on that."
"I guess..."
They joined the crowd by the stage that had been set up in the middle of the football field, but Dad didn't let the swell of people stop him from talking. "Take what you're doing with the concussion protocol. You want to see changes and you're not backing down. It's not so different. You're both going after things that matter to you. Yes, his has a higher risk of bodily injury, but none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow, let alone another twenty years."
"I know."
They made their way to the front section, and the folding chairs that had been reserved for the team's alumni members. "You should talk to him now that you both aren't so caught up in the drama of the moment. If you love someone, you'll make compromises for each other."
And when she looked at it through that lens, she had to rethink everything. He'd wanted this moment, the Cup win, ever since he'd been a little kid. Quitting on that dream so close to reaching it... she could see why he didn't. But she wanted him to realize the damage he'd already suffered to his body, and the dangers of playing when he clearly wasn't well.
"If winning the Cup once wasn't enough, if he decides to keep playing, I don't know if I could deal with that."
"That's why you talk to him. He needs to listen to your concerns too."
Dylan's father waved from his seat in the section. She returned the wave and her stomach clutched when he stood and headed her way.
Smiling, he extended his hand. "Good to see you, Blair."
"You too, Colin."
Then he bent and hugged her dad. "Glad you could make it today, old friend."
"I wouldn't miss it." Dad grinned and clapped him on the back.
Colin stood again. "Blair, I read your letter."
Uh oh.
"And you made a number of good points. I've expressed my support of it to the team and to my contacts in the league."
The vise gripping her stomach eased. "Wow. Thank you."
"We need to be doing more, and we need to be doing better. Not just for my boys, but for all the players." He leaned down again. "But I do want to thank you for all of the care you've given Dylan. You're good for him. I'm glad he has you in his corner. You'll have to come to the next family breakfast. They're a lot bigger now that Rod has Arielle and Kelsey has Leo, but there's a spot at the table for you too. I told Dylan last night that he should bring you."
"I... Thank you. But, I..." How did she tell him that she and Dylan weren't seeing each other anymore? And why hadn't Dylan informed him of that last night?
"He said he'd talk to you about it." He glanced at the stage. "I'd better get back to my seat. They're about to start."
He patted her shoulder and then walked away. She stared after him. Dylan had said he'd talk to her?
All of the players filed on and stood in two groups. After the GM and Coach LeClair spoke, Dylan commanded the microphone. He looked good in dark jeans and a black t-shirt. "For the past few years, this team had been building toward this moment. Everything we did, every move we made, brought us one step closer toward bringing home the Cup. We can't thank you, the fans, enough for all of your support."
He raised the Cup above his head. "This is for you."
Deafening applause and cheers rang out.
Then Dylan set it aside. "It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as your captain for the past five seasons, and to play for my hometown team for the past ten years. You've embraced my family from the moment my dad joined the team over thirty years ago and all the way up to today. Buffalo will always be my home. My teammates and you fans will always hold a special place in my heart."
More cheers rang out.
Dylan's brow wrinkled. His lips pressed together for a moment, and he took a deep breath. "As you know, I took a few hits to the head this season. You supported me throughout my recovery and I can't thank you enough. The coaching staff, the medical team, and our trainers helped me return to the ice so that I could continue to live out my dream of not only playing hockey, but winning the best trophy in all of sports with my teammates and for this city. I've wanted to hold the Cup ever since I saw my dad hoist it over h
is head when I was a little kid. Sharing this with him and with my brother is even more special than I'd imagined."
He wasn't smiling. He glanced at Rod. The younger Fraser patted Dylan's shoulder. "Not only that, but I'm getting a brother-in-law out if the deal too. Leo Brennan made this team stronger and tougher."
The crowd cheered again as Leo rested his hand on Dylan's other shoulder.
"But the time has come for me to hang up my skates. I can't deny that I've been worried about my health. Concussions are scary things. Long-term effects are even scarier. Scary enough that it's making me stop playing a game I'd hoped I could have played for another ten years." His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat.
Blair's heart hurt for him.
"Life is more than just hockey. It's spending time with the people you care about." He held onto the mic. "I hope my decision is going to give me that time. Blair, if you're listening, I want to tell you that I'm sorry."
Her dad nudged her shoulder and nodded.
Dylan continued, "When I was standing on the ice, holding the Cup, it was supposed to be everything I'd ever wanted. But my heart was empty. Broken. Hollow. Because I didn't have you to share it with me. I love you. I hope it's not too late for us, or for you to love me too."
Tears burned behind her eyes. She pushed through the crowd until she stood in front of the stage. Dylan's eyes widened. He motioned for security to help her climb up.
"You're here. I wasn't sure if you would be."
She brushed away the tears from her cheeks. "Dad wanted to come."
He glanced at the crowd and then pulled her over to the mic. "So, thank you again for all of the support over the years. I'm handing the puck off to alternate captain, Anton Celek."
As applause rang out and curious questions bombarded the stage, Dylan beckoned for her to follow him. Too many people milled around. He flagged down a security guard in a golf cart, and within minutes, they were dropped off next to Dylan's car in the player's parking lot.
She tucked her hair behind her ear, unsure of where to begin. "So."
Dylan's gaze blazed with intensity as it searched her face. He took a step toward her, then stopped and shoved his hands into his pockets. "You heard my speech?"
"The whole thing."
"What did you think?"
"Over the past few days, I've had a little time to think, and I talked to my dad too. I know that if I wanted something badly enough, I'd go for it no matter what. I can't fault you for chasing something that you've been set on your whole life, especially when it was so close to finally coming true. I understand how much it means to you, at least I think I do. I understand why you went out there on that ice."
"I thought it would be everything. It is special. And I'm glad I shared the experience with Rod. But I know you were right. Playing while having symptoms wasn't smart. I don't want to be messed up and suffering with problems later in life."
The regret in his gaze prompted her to brush her hand over his. "I'm even prouder of you for retiring."
His brows rose and his eyes filled with hope before doubt clouded them again. "In the interest of full disclosure, I've been having some headaches since that game, and some dizziness and headaches off and on for a little while before that too. My reaction time has been just a shade off for weeks. I'm worried I have post-concussion syndrome. And that scares me. I made an appointment with a neurologist who specializes in concussions for Monday morning, which can't come soon enough."
She laced their fingers together and squeezed his hand. "Whatever you need help with, I'll be there."
His hand tightened around hers. Then he lifted his other hand to cradle her cheek. "I know what you go through with your dad and I don't want to become a burden or cause you stress. So before we go any further here, if I messed us up too much, or if I'm messed up too much, I don't want you to feel like you're obligated to stay."
"Dylan." She stepped closer and linked her other arm around his neck and carefully pulled him into her embrace. "I love you. And I want to be with you. We'll face whatever happens together."
"I need you with me." His arms wrapped around her and held her close. "I love you too. So much."
Seeking his kiss, she rose onto her toes and smiled when his lips touched hers. Warm, real, and right.
What had started off as only friends had grown to a lot more. She had Dylan, and Dylan had her, and they'd figure out everything else together.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
RAYS FROM THE LATE afternoon sun filtered through the trees, scattering patterns across the backyard and driveway. Dylan tipped back the beer in his hand, and the cold brew chased away the heat of the day. Sitting on his deck with his family and friends, enjoying the warm breeze that late August brought to the Buffalo suburb, he could almost forget that the upcoming hockey season was only a few weeks away.
Almost.
But the gear littering the driveway and the Bedlam logo he'd painted onto the deck were reminders that the more things changed, the more they stayed the same.
He would be returning to the Bedlam as an assistant coach. He was happy to serve the team and thrilled he could still be a part of the sport he loved. Most of the players from the Cup-winning team would be returning. He couldn't wait to see what they accomplished next.
"Dylan?" Rod tapped his shoulder. "You still with us?"
He dragged his gaze away from the blue and white logo. Rod, Kelsey, Leo, Ben, and Jacob were looking at him. "What's up?"
"Do you want to play a quick game before Blair gets here?"
"Yeah!" Jacob scrambled off Ben's lap and grabbed hold of Rod and Dylan's hands. "Uncle Dylan, you're on my team."
He laughed and followed them down to the driveway. Rod set up the two nets, then pointed at Dylan and Ben. "You two can be on Jacob's team, and the newlyweds over there," he pointed to Kelsey and Leo, "can be on mine."
Rod and Arielle had gotten married in late June, and Kelsey and Leo had followed with their own wedding in late July.
Dylan nodded at Ben and then got in face-off position against Kelsey.
"Aren't you supposed to be wearing a helmet?"
The clear, firm voice, filled with warmth, brought Dylan up short. He turned.
Blair stood with her hands on her hips. Her long, pale blonde ponytail swayed in the breeze. Her hazel eyes met his gaze. As always, his heartbeat quickened and his skin heated, and his body tightened.
He smiled as he walked toward her. "It's only a driveway pickup game."
She arched her brow. "Still. I'm pretty fond of that head."
"Thanks." He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her against him. "How was your day?"
The league had hired her as a part of their player safety committee, to help develop and enforce a better concussion protocol policy. She kissed his jaw. "Pretty good. We're almost ready to roll out the new guidelines."
"I'm so proud of you." He really was. She'd worked so hard, and she cared so passionately.
She laid her soft hand on his forearm. "And you're feeling okay today?"
For a moment he couldn't think past anything except how good she felt in his arms. She asked him the question every day, and he'd promised to always answer honestly. The headaches, head pressure, and dizziness were much less frequent, but he still suffered occasionally. "I'm feeling pretty good right now."
The two and a half months since the season's end had been the happiest of his life. He'd been right when he'd thought that no one could compare to Blair. She was his perfect match in every way. Maybe they hadn't been dating all that long, but they'd been friends for a lot longer and in his heart he knew it was time to take that next step.
But was she ready too?
Only one way to find out.
He spied Arielle walking onto the deck. "Hey, Arielle, can you come here and take my place for a minute?"
Her eyes widened, but she nodded. Only she and Rod knew of his plan.
Blair tilted her head. "What's going on? You do
n't have to stop just because I'm here."
"There's something I want to show you." He tugged her hand until she walked with him toward the deck.
Feeling six pairs of eyes on him, he turned around. "We'll be back. Play your game. Winner takes on Blair and me."
They walked into the house, and he led the way to his bedroom. Carefully marked boxes lined the walls. "What you do think?"
She let go of his hand and turned in a slow circle. "You made a lot of progress today."
"I'm pretty much ready for moving day." Leaving the house he'd shared with Rod and Arielle was hard but he was excited for a new future with Blair.
"Is everything packed?"
"Just one thing left." He opened the top dresser drawer and took out the small black box he'd stowed weeks earlier. Heart beating in his throat, he turned toward her and opened it. The simple diamond ring gleamed.
Her breath caught, and she raised her hands to her chest. "Is that..."
"It is." He removed the ring and set the box aside. "I love you. You've been there for me for years. You're passionate and caring and my best friend. There's no one else I'd rather have by my side. Will you marry me?"
"Yes." She held out her hand, and he slipped the ring into place. Smiling, Blair studied their joined hands, then she cupped his face. "I love you too. You're everything I wouldn't let myself have for the longest time. But now that I have you, I'm never letting go."
Happiness lit up his heart, warm and bright as sunbeams. He lowered his head and his breath caught at the love shining in her gaze. He kissed her softly, slowly, drawing her against him until there wasn't an inch of space between them.
Long moments later, he lifted his head. "Let's share our news with everyone."
"I can't wait."
They walked through the house and out into the sunshine.
Dylan couldn't stop smiling at all of the promises the future held.
Taking His Shot Page 8