Epilogue

Jenner

One Year Later

It had been a long time since I'd set foot on the campus of Glendale State University, but even longer since I'd been inside the hockey arena.

Today, the university would be retiring my number. It was surreal that they would single me out for that honor. From this day forward, no player for Glendale State would be able to wear the number seventy-five, with my name being raised into the rafters as its permanent owner.

Even more mind-blowing was that they'd filled this five-thousand-seat arena for the ceremony.

I wasn't a local kid, and I hadn't played there in over a decade, but the stands were overflowing with students, Glendale State alumni, and those from the community who had tracked my career even after I'd left the desert. There was a split amongst the attendees, with some wearing my old college jersey, but most wore Indy Speed red and black with the name Knight stitched across the back.

Seated beside Evie, I listened to the remarks of the University's President, the Athletic Director, and finally, my old college coach before I was asked to make a speech to those gathered.

Evie gently squeezed my knee, and I rose, walking across the carpeted area over the ice surface toward a podium stand with a microphone. Adjusting it to the proper height, I smoothed my typed speech over the wood surface.

Clearing my throat, I began, "First, I'd like to thank Glendale State University and the Athletic Department for this incredible honor. It was my absolute privilege to have played for this outstanding program.

"I came to Glendale State sixteen years ago with something to prove. Not only to the team that drafted me but to myself—that I could compete, that I had what it took to play at the highest levels and win.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that my biggest accomplishment during my time on campus would be meeting my wife, Evie."

I darted a glance to where my family sat. Evie had Hope in one arm, Hendrix in the other, while Paige sat beside her, holding Hunter.

"Some of my teammates warned that being tied down by a girl would be a distraction and that I should focus on the game to further my future career. But what they didn't understand was that she became my driving force. I pushed myself to be better for her. I wanted her to be proud of me.

"So, I'll thank you again because raising my name into the rafters will go a long way in impressing the girl I like."

That got a chuckle from the crowd, and Evie's cheeks pinkened.

"But all kidding aside, hockey has given me so much—intangible things that have helped me not just in my career, but in life. Skills like teamwork, resilience, discipline, and communication. And that's not to mention the lifelong brotherhood I have with every single guy I've had the pleasure of stepping onto the ice with since I was a kid.

"I've been fortunate to have a career playing the game I love. And my time at Glendale State played a major role in preparing me for the professional stage. I am thankful to each and every one of my teammates, coaches, and trainers for making me better along the way.

"I want all of the current Glendale State players to remember to enjoy their time here. Work hard and have some fun along the way. Because at the end of the day, win or lose, it is just a game. Whether you end up pursuing a future in hockey or other endeavors, you'll always look back on your days here as some of the best of your life. Those friendships with your brothers will last forever.

"I'm incredibly grateful that today I'm able to share this moment with my family, not only my beautiful wife but our three children—Hope, Hunter, and Hendrix. I know they're too little to remember it, but it's my wish that someday they'll look back on pictures and videos of this day and be proud of all their dad has achieved.

"Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. And go, Scorpions!"

The cheers grew in volume as I stepped back from the podium to find my family on approach. I grabbed Hope from Evie's arms. Our little girl's big blue eyes scanned the crowd in awe.

All of this was nice, but my legacy wasn't my name stamped into the silver of a trophy or lifted into the rafters inside arenas. No, it lived on through the three little gingers who would one day take on the world with as much wisdom as I could impart on them.

My life would forever revolve around them and their mama, but at the end of the day, our story had started right here.

Our messy, beautiful life began the day I worked up the nerve to ask a stunning, sassy blonde to come watch me play. The rest was history.

For a bonus scene from Hope's second birthday, you can find it here.

Our favorite golden retriever goalie, Goose, is up next when the Indy Speed series continues with Goalie Goal .

Missed out on Maddox and Bristol's story? You can catch up now with A Bunny for the Bench Boss .

Enjoyed your quick stop in Evie's hometown of Rust Canyon, Oklahoma? The Rust Canyon series kicks off with Festive Faking .