EPILOGUE TWO

HOPE

"Catastrophizing. I like it."

The arena buzzer blasts through the air to signal the end of the second period. A sea of blue and silver fills the bleachers, the Guardian Valley High School's mascot decorating most fans, including myself.

Samuel and I are wearing matching blue hoodies to support Ryan at his team's first hockey game and his first official test as head coach. So far, the boys are doing well—scoring two goals to the opposing team's zero.

"They look good, right?" Ryan's sister and one of my best friends, Brooke, claps her hands in time with the hype music currently playing. Travis and Samuel are busy grabbing hot cocoa for our group.

"I'm not a hockey aficionado, but yeah, I think so. I mean, they're winning, so that's encouraging."

Brooke nods and bites her lip. "You're right. I don't know why I'm so nervous. It's not like this stuff is new to me. I've attended hundreds of Ryan's games, but it's different watching him coach rather than play. I want this to work out for him, you know?"

"It will." I wrap an arm around Brooke's shoulders and hug her to my side. "Even if this game takes a turn, there are plenty more on the schedule. And based on what he's shared about the team's past, I doubt he can do much worse."

"Catastrophizing. I like it." Brooke grins. It's reminiscent of her brother's, and I glance down at the ice to see the boys huddled around him as he goes over strategies for the next period.

I've known Ryan for as long as I've known Brooke, and there's no doubt in my mind that he'll be fine.

Ryan is great with kids of all ages. They're usually in awe of him because he used to be a professional hockey player, but he's also really easygoing. Even with my history of awkwardness with men, I never felt that way with Ryan. He made it easy to be friends.

"See #47?" Brooke points to a player sitting on the team bench. "Ryan says that kid could be the next Crosby."

I have no clue who that is, but if Ryan can take #47 under his wing and make his dreams come true, then I'm here for it.

After all, that's what Guardian Valley has done for me—made my dreams come true by gifting me with a rugged cowboy who's obsessed with me and a found family of people who are always in my corner.

The third period starts after the men return with our drinks, and I feel a kiss on the top of my head. Snuggling into Samuel's side, a wave of gratitude washes over me.

Life doesn't get any better than this.

***