Epilogue Elyse

T he 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's powerful 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 the swell 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