Epilogue

F rom Coach to Legend – A Lifetime of Winning

By Kara Paige

June 15

Kara : Coach Morgan, congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award. Quite the accomplishment for someone who isn’t retiring.

Tom : leans back, smirking Helluva way to say I’m old, kid.

Kara : That’s not what I meant—though you have been coaching longer than most people have been alive. What made you stay with the Titans instead of taking the Seagulls’ offer? I mean, the NHL is the dream for most.

Tom : shrugs I don’t give a damn about most people’s dreams. Got my own, and they don’t involve chasing glory. I’ve got what I need right here. Titans are family. pauses Plus, I can’t coach my brother. The guy’s a prick.

Kara : I mean…fair. Okay, switching gears. Ally—your lovely wife —tells me you weren’t exactly thrilled about doing this interview.

Tom : deadpan You kidding me? I’d rather bench press a bus. But she batted those pretty eyes, said, “Do it for me, baby,” and I folded like a cheap suit.

Kara : narrows eyes Speaking of Ally, she’s been my best friend since we were 12. I don’t care how many trophies you have—you mess with her, and I’ll bury you under the ice.

Tom : leans forward, grin sharp I like you, kid. Got guts. But you can relax. Ally’s my queen, and I’d burn down the whole damn rink before hurting her.

Ally : from off-camera Tom! Be nice!

Kara : mutters I’m keeping an eye on you. Anyway, the Lifetime Achievement Award—what does it mean to you?

Tom : shrugs again Means some committee thinks I’ve done a decent job yelling at kids with sticks. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to be recognized. But at the end of the day, the banners hanging in the rink and the people I’ve coached? That’s the legacy I give a damn about.

Kara : scribbles notes That’s almost sentimental, Coach.

Tom : Don’t get used to it.

Kara : Fine. Let’s talk about the wedding. You married Ally, who—just to remind readers—used to date your son.

Tom : glares You’re pushing your luck.

Kara : smirks Just doing my job.

Tom : sighs, rubs the back of his neck Yeah, it’s unconventional. But life ain’t a straight line, is it? She makes me a better man, and I’m lucky as hell to call her mine. Anyone got a problem with that can take it up with me—preferably outside.

Kara : softens slightly Fair enough. Ally’s happiness is the only thing that matters to me. If you’re the one making her smile like that, I guess I’ll allow it.

Tom : mock offense Oh, well, thank you so much , Your Highness.

Ally : poking her head into the room Kara, stop antagonizing my husband.

Kara : grins at Ally I’m just making sure he knows the stakes.

Tom : gruffly Stakes? Woman, I know damn well. Trust me—there’s no world where I mess this up.

Kara : smiling slightly Good. Last question, Coach. What’s next for Tom Morgan?

Tom : Same as always—hockey, winning, and making sure my girl stays smiling. What the hell else is there?

Kara : laughs Not bad, Coach. Not bad.

Tom : Damn right. We done? Ally’s got me trying some vegan lasagna tonight, and I need to brace myself.

Ally : from off-camera You love my lasagna!

Tom : sighs fondly Yeah, yeah. Let’s wrap it up, kid.

Kara : shaking her head You’re impossible. But thanks for the interview.

Tom : grinning Pleasure’s all yours.

Kara : mutters as he walks off And they say I’m difficult.