Page 47 of Ice-Cold Truth
Relief floods through me at his support. He’s more than just my teammate and roommate—he’s my brother in every way that matters. In the future, he could officially be my brother-in-law, if things work out the way I’m hoping.
“Thanks, Sammy. That means everything.” I pause, gathering my thoughts. “I’m going to take the surgery and get this fixed upright. No more half-measures or playing through the pain. It’s time to put my health first.”
Sam’s approval is evident in his voice. “Smart move, man. You’ve got one body, you gotta take care of it. I’ll let the team know you’re out for a while to recover.”
“Appreciate it, and hey…” I hesitate, knowing what I’m about to say next. “Keep an eye on Elyse for me? I don’t want her worrying too much.”
A low chuckle comes through the line. “You know she’s going to be glued to your side through all of this, right? Good luck keeping her from worrying.”
I smile at the truth in his words. Elyse’s fierce loyalty and caring nature are two of the things I love most about her. “Yeah, you’re probably right. Still, I’d feel better knowing you’ve got her back too.”
“I have since she was born. You’re just her boyfriend, but I’m her brother.” He sounds serious for a moment before his tone lightens. “I’m glad you’re getting yourself fixed up so you can get back out there and kick some ass next season.”
Ending the call, I’m surprisingly calm. This is just another challenge to overcome on my journey, and when I do, I’ll come back stronger than ever before.
I make my way home, my steps a little lighter despite the weight I’ve been carrying. Elyse looks up from the couch as I enter, her eyes instantly locking onto mine.
“Well? What did the doctor say?” she asks with an edge of worry.
I cross the room and take a seat beside her, lifting her hand in mine. Her thumb strokes over my knuckles in a soothing gesture as she waits for me to speak. “It’s a full tear, along with some fractures,” I say quietly. “I’m going to need surgery to repair the damage.”
Her eyes widen briefly before her expression settles into one of acceptance. “Okay, then that’s what we’ll do. Whatever it takes to get you healthy again.”
God, how did I get so lucky to have this amazing woman in my life? Her strength and support bolster me. “It’s going to be a long recovery process,” I say. “Months of rehab and no guarantees I’ll be the same player after.”
She holds my gaze steadily. “I know you, Jack. You’ll pour everything you have into getting back out on that ice, and I’ll be right there with you every step of the way.”
Pulling her into my arms, I bury my face in her hair and just breathe her in for a long moment. Cinnamon, vanilla, and something uniquely Elyse. When I finally pull back, her eyes are shining, but there’s fierce pride in her expression that makes my heart swell.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you, Elyse.”
She cups my cheek tenderly. “Same, Jack. I’m in this for the long haul.”
Leaning in, I kiss her, trying to convey everything I feel for this incredible woman without words. She returns the kiss with equal fervor. How did I get so lucky?
Epilogue: Elyse
The roar of the crowd envelops me as I take my seat in the stands for the first exhibition game of the pre-season. My heart pounds with excitement, the anticipation building as I eagerly await the start of the game Jack waited for so long to play—nearly eighteen months of physical therapy and recuperation. Jack and Sam glide onto the ice, their skates carving paths in the freshly smoothed surface. A surge of pride swells within me at the sight of my husband and brother, both looking every inch the professional athletes they are.
My hand instinctively rests on the swell of my belly, feeling the gentle flutters of our unborn child. A warm smile spreads across my face as I envision Jack cradling our newborn, his eyes shining with pure adoration. This moment feels surreal. Not so long ago, the idea of having a family with the man I love seemed like a distant dream. Yet here we are, on the cusp of welcoming our greatest adventure yet.
The game commences with a faceoff, the puck zipping back and forth across the ice as the players battle for control. Jack’spowerful frame cuts through the opposing team’s defense, his movements fluid and graceful despite his size. Sam mirrors his intensity, his lithe form a whirlwind of motion as he anticipates every play.
With each thunderous check against the boards and each shot on goal, the crowd erupts in a frenzy of cheers and jeers. I’m on the edge of my seat, caught up in the electrifying atmosphere. Jack scores the first goal, his fist pumping in triumph as he skates past the glass, his gaze finding mine. A surge of love and pride courses through me as I return his smile, my heart swelling.
The game rages on, the lead shifting back and forth as the teams trade blows. Jack and Sam move in seamless synchronicity, their years of friendship and teamwork evident in their effortless communication on the ice. I can’t tear my gaze away, captivated by the raw power and skill they exhibit.
As the final seconds tick away, Jack secures the winning goal with a blistering slapshot that leaves the opposing goalie no chance. The arena explodes with cheers and applause, and I’m on my feet, whooping and hollering along with the rest of the fans.
The moment the buzzer sounds, I make my way down to the edge of the rink. Jack spots me immediately, his face splitting into a radiant grin. He skates over, enveloping me in a fierce embrace as he lifts me off the carpet edging the rink, spinning me around in a dizzying circle on the ice before putting me back down on the floor.
“You were incredible out there,” I say against his lips as he sets me down, my fingers catching in the damp strands of his hair.
“All for you, baby.” His calloused hand cups my cheek, thumb tracing the curve of my smile.
Our lips meet, the world around us fading away as we lose ourselves in the moment. His touch is reverent as he cradles theswell of my belly, his palm splayed protectively over my belly. In a few months, we'll be trading peaceful nights for 3 a.m. feedings and diaper changes. I picture Jack, bleary-eyed but grinning, trying to change a diaper while I warm up a bottle and try not to fall asleep on my feet. It'll be chaos, but it's a chaos I can't wait to embrace.
I’m excited for my professional future, too, although I'm sure there will be plenty of days when I question my decision to start law school with a newborn. I'll probably end up bribing Sam to babysit while I study. But I know I'll make it work—we will.
When we finally part, breathless and flushed, his eyes shine with pure joy. “I love you, Elyse,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. “You and this little one are my whole world.”
“I love you too, Jack.” I lean into his embrace, basking in the warmth of his love and the promise of the beautiful life we’ve built together. In this moment, everything feels perfect—a dream come true from which I never want to wake.
THE END
