I really want the staff to belief me and wish me once more. They preserve telling me that they’re okay with me, however I don’tfeelit. It’d simply be me projecting my very own emotions about this, however I wish to get again on prime as soon as extra, again to the place I was.

As the ultimate seconds tick away, the fun of the sport lingers. We collect at heart ice, our helmets raised in a triumphant salute to the followers who’ve shared in our journey and supportedus by way of all of the ups and downs that we’ve got been by way of. Me greater than anybody else.

That was loopy. However I’ve lastly discovered my footing once more.

I scan the gang, in search of the one set of eyes I must see. It’s exhausting in such an intense crowd, particularly with everybody dancing round and cheering, however I willalwayssearch for her. Now that I’ve Riley in my life and I’ve additionally skilled what life might be like with out her, I’ll by no means waste time looking for anybody else.

There she is!

The second I discover her, the remainder of the stadium melts away into nothingness. I don’t care about anybody else; nothing else issues. I solely see her. She’s my the whole lot.

Thank God I discovered her in Chilly Springs and we managed to make issues work. I actually didn’t know if we might have the ability to, and I used to be anxious that the stress of the whole lot that had occurred earlier than would push her away from me perpetually.

However it hasn’t.

We’re stronger than ever.

I want I might run over to her, scoop her up in my arms, and run away from all of this, however I can’t. I’ve duties right here. We nonetheless have to speak to the press after the sport, particularly me because the staff captain, and I hope that each one goes nicely.

That’s one thing I all the time used to hate, and to be trustworthy, I nonetheless don’t find it irresistible. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to letting the media into my life, however I get it. It’s a crucial evil. Not all journalists are horrible, both. I met the very best one ever.

The earlier I can get out of right here, the quicker I can get again to the love of my life. I don’t know what our plan is for the evening, however I can’t wait to be along with her and maintain her in my arms.

“Come on, Alex.” Benji pulls me alongside, so I am going the place I must. “Let’s do that.”

I handle to keep away from all questions on my private life after the sport. Fortunately, I communicate to individuals who solely wish to find out about what simply occurred, however I’m positive it’s coming. Ultimately, individuals will get used to me and Riley being collectively. Ultimately, there can be another scandal rather more attention-grabbing, catching the eye of the media, and we’ll be forgotten.

That’s what I’ve been convincing Riley anyway, and I’m positive it’s proper. The highlight can’t shine on us perpetually, proper? We’ll must be accepted at some point, I’m positive of it, particularly if we’re going to be collectively perpetually. Individuals will simply alter, proper?

The dressing room is alive with pleasure. My successful shot appears to be the speak of the room, which is fairly superior. I really feel all heat and fuzzy, understanding that I’m successful everybody round as soon as extra. I hope to be cherished once more quickly sufficient.

“We’re going to Vibes,” Benji tells me whereas patting me on the again. “You need to include us, even when it’s only for just a little bit to rejoice the win. Carry that pretty girlfriend of yours together with you.”

Nobody is aware of that Riley is pregnant but. We’re nonetheless simply making an attempt to win everybody round and to be accepted. There’s no must pile on extra stress. Not but. Plus, I believe it’s higher to go away it till the whole lot is additional together with the being pregnant.

However what excuse can I give to get us out of this?

“I don’t know if Riley likes the eye; you know the way it’s been with the whole lot. The cops are nonetheless looking for the one who despatched that creepy package deal to her dwelling with all of the pictures. Do you bear in mind me speaking to you about that?”

Benji nods.

“I don’t know if she’s going to need extra consideration on her.”

“However we’re a household, Alex,” Benjamin jogs my memory. “We’ll all shield her. It’ll be effective. Come on, Riley would possibly wish to come out with us. You need to ask her no less than.”

We deliberate on assembly within the parking zone across the again of the stadium so we don’t must face anybody. I can’t think about Riley being pleased about this, however I’ll ask her.

“Okay, I’ll see what she says. It will be enjoyable to rejoice.”

The staff cheers for me, which makes me much more satisfied that that is one thing I ought to do to maintain bonding with the blokes once more. However I gained’t if Riley doesn’t wish to. She’s my precedence proper now, and she or he all the time can be. Riley and my youngster.

Hockey has all the time been my one real love. I’ve been laser-focused. I haven’t anxious about anything or cared. Now, I nonetheless love hockey, and it’ll all the time be an enormous focus for me, however my coronary heart has grown greater, and I’ve room for thus many different issues.

I dress shortly and head exterior to the place Riley is ready for me. Solely I shortly see that she isn’t alone. A few journalists have discovered her, and so they appear to be asking her a bunch of questions, which isn’t nice. I might need gotten out of claiming something about our relationship, however I don’t suppose Riley will have the ability to.

Shit.

I must get to her now. I must rescue her.

Supply: www.seynovel.com