Lance motioned for Irie. “Now I wanna take my daughter for a skate.”
He took Irie securely in his arms and skated a lap around the rink.
Paige watched the sweet moment—father and daughter slowly gliding around the ice—through a watery veil.
It's really going to work out.
Chapter 38
Lance
Lance was the last Brawler off the ice and into the dressing room. He told Paige he'd meet her in an hour.
The second he stepped into the room, the boys sprung into action. They'd been lying in wait, armed with bottles of champagne, which they shook and pointed at Lance, dousing the star player with sparkling wine while they yelled at him:
“Congrats!”
“Quite a scene out there, Coots!”
“Happy fuckin' engagement, you sappy fuck!”
Drenched with sweat and champagne, Lance laughed. “Thanks, guys.”
“Hey Lance, what would you have done if she said no?” Brooksy asked.
“Looked like a giant idiot,” Lance answered. “I was prepared for that, by the way.”
“So we're going out to celebrate, right?” Ilya asked.
Lance rolled his eyes. “Ha. No.I'm going home to be with my fiancée and daughter.”
“Of course,” Ilya grumbled. “After Radar settled down, I knew it was only a matter of time until Lance caught the bug …”
Mr. Tremblay entered the room. “Good game tonight, boys. Lance, got time for a quick word?”
Lance draped a towel over his bare shoulders. “Sure.”
They stepped outside, into the hall.
“Congrats, kid. You gave those fans a hell of a show.”
“Thanks.”
“I mean with your proposal, but during the game, too. Great night for you. Love to see that kind of passion.”
“Thanks, Mr. Tremblay.”
“Mr. James loved it, too. I told him you weren't willing to work with Kip anymore. He was upset at first, but once he saw the proposal at center ice, he saidto hell with it.He's willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, Lance. Can't promise you the captaincy. We'll just have to cross that road when we get there.”
“Whatever you guys think is best. But I won't let you down.”
Mr. Tremblay nodded. “I appreciate that. And Lance?”
“Yeah?”
“Don't let those girls of yours down, either.”
“I won't.”
