Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Alex

Five months later…

Alejandro Benito Cruz Jr.'s birth was all over the news and social media.

Everyone and anyone heard about my incredible woman giving birth on the side of the mountain, and I couldn't be prouder.

Or more in awe of her.

I thought watching Elliot give birth was a highlight, but the real highlight is watching her be a mother. She loves my son with everything inside her. She knows what he needs in an instant, she changes diapers faster than I can stop a puck, and even when she's dog-tired, love shines in her eyes. She is everything I'd want in a mother.

In a wife.

I married Elliot a week after Benito came crashing into our lives. It was at the courthouse, but I didn't care. We didn't need all the wedding crap; we only needed each other—and our son. Our families were annoyed that we went without everyone, but it's kind of our vibe. We do things how we want, and everything else will just be.

As long as we have each other, nothing else matters.

Skate, skate, slide, slide, skate, skate, slide, slide.

I warm up my hips as the crowd goes insane. The new arena for Utah hockey is super fucking cool. Everyone is stoked and ready to see what the newest team in the NHL has to offer them. I love the roar of the crowd, the lights, the excitement, and knowing that my wife and son are here.

Skate, skate, slide, slide, skate, skate, slide, slide.

I move back and forth, really stretching, as I let the roar of the crowd fill me to the brim. I used to think this was all I needed. My pads, my stick, a goal, and the fans, but as I look over my shoulder to where Elliot stands with our son in her arms, her in a Cruz Utah jersey and Benito in a Daddy Utah jersey, I don't need anything but them. Elliot points to me, and I don't know if Benito is really looking at me, but I wave just the same. I make a goofy face as I skate toward them, loving my two favorite people wearing my number.

Elliot's eyes are set on me, love and excitement in her gaze. Her lips are curved up so widely, emotion hits me harder than any slap shot could. She's doing so much better since being able to get back on her previous meds. She still has some self-doubt, but I make sure to remind her that I love her and think she is perfect. I can't get enough of her, and the pride I feel when I look at her is overwhelming.

Elliot Bea Cruz is my wife.

Is the mother of my son.

What could be better than that?

I tap on the glass that is between us, sending goofy looks to Benito, and I'm rewarded with a gummy smile. I love his smile. It reminds me of Elliot's. Hell, everything about my son reminds me of the love of my life. He is a little carbon copy of her, though she says he's my mini-me. I don't care. I'm just thankful he's here. Safe and healthy, as she is.

When he laughs, we both follow suit, so in love with the little dude we made. I open the door between us and tuck one glove under my arm before wrapping the other around my family. Elliot beams up at me, her eyes so bright as Benito messes with my jersey.

"Hey there."

"Hey," she says softly, gazing up at me.

"I saw you eye-fucking me out there," I say softly to her.

Her lips quirk. "It's a habit I refuse to give up."

Desire burns through me for this woman. "It's one of my favorite things you do."

"Oh really?"

"Yup. It's up there with smiling, having my baby, using your mouth on me, and being at my games."

Her eyes sparkle as she cups my jaw. "I'd never miss a game. I'm just so proud of you."

My heart swells as I squeeze her hip. "Wouldn't be here without you."

Her lips curve, her eyes shining with tears. "I love you."

"Oh mami , I love you more," I tell her, kissing her sweet lips. She smiles against my lips right before I pull back, and Benito chooses that moment to take ahold of my chain and yank. We laugh as we unfist his little hand, and I kiss it before kissing his cheek loudly. In Spanish, I say, "Daddy loves you, yes?"

Benito looks at me like I'm dumb, but it's cool; he'll learn Spanish soon enough. I kiss his cheek again, blowing raspberries, and he laughs loudly, making us do the same. I lean back, looking down at my family, and I know I am complete.

When Elliot takes my jersey in her hand, bringing me to her, I lean my head to hers. "Go win," she demands, her eyes dancing with mine.

I kiss her nose. "Of course. You know I only win for you."

And I'll continue doing so, on and off the ice.

Whatever battles come our way, we'll face and we'll win.

Together.

THE END