Chapter 24

Iran out onto the ice as soon as I could.

There's sadness in my heart for my brother, so I find him first. When he's done with a quick interview I catch his attention, pulling him into a hug before he can refuse me.

I may be mad at him, but he's my big brother, and I'm always going to be here for him. He's always looked out for me, even if it's been a little too much. I know he means well.

"I'm sorry," I say as I squeeze him. He's sweaty and smells of musk.

"It's fine." His voice is flat, and emotionless as he barely hugs me back. "I'll catch up with you later." Ace goes to pull away, backing out of my hug. I notice him glance down at Duke's jersey as it hangs from my body. There's disgust in his eyes.

My heart hurts a little at the rejection, but I understand his bad mood. He just lost the biggest game of the season, and in addition to that, he's upset at me for everything that's happened. There's pain in his eyes as he turns away, trying to leave the ice.

"I love you," I offer him, gently smiling with a quick wave of my hand.

He gives me some hope when he returns the smile with a weak one of his own, and says, "I love you too, Aspen. I'll text you later."

"Okay," I nod, accepting his need to be alone right now.

He skates off the ice, leaving with the rest of his teammates as they hang their heads low.

People rush by me everywhere, sliding around as they try to celebrate with the Makos. I scan the crowd, looking for my friends and Duke. Ashley and Brynne are right up there with the team, chanting and roaring as they celebrate. Ashley has her arms in the air, reaching out for Jace as he skates toward her. He picks her up off the ice, embracing her in the warmest hug I've ever seen a man give Ashley. It almost makes me wonder if he's actually going to stick around and not break her heart.

Brynne is cheering with several other girls, a few of whom I recognize as people we've gone out with in the past, but no one I'm particularly close with.

Duke and I see each other at the same time, and he immediately skates to me. He scoops me off the ice, and I wrap my legs around him as I pull him into a celebratory kiss. We're both smiling so wide our kiss is mostly teeth, but I don't care.

I'm happy.

Truly, wholly, happy.

A deep voice clears beside us, catching our attention. We end our kiss to find my dad standing a few feet away, not wanting to make eye contact while I'm wrapped around Duke. Duke senses this too, so he sets me down gently, only letting go when he knows I'm balanced on the ice.

My dad eyes us for a moment, then looks at Duke and says, "I saw a video of the bar fight, and a few of the guys on the team explained the entire situation."

Duke wraps his hand around the back of his neck, rubbing it as he visibly tenses. "I'm sorry about that," he apologizes.

Holding his hands up, my dad stops him. "There's no need to apologize. Any man willing to give up his future at hockey and get into a fight over my daughter must be good enough to be with her. If that's what she wants," he adds as he turns to me, watching for my expression.

My eyes light up, realizing he's not here to scold either of us. He's giving us his approval, something I thought I'd never receive.

Duke is nearly as speechless as I am, but he manages to form a few words. "Thank you, sir." He holds out his hand for my dad, and my dad takes it, shaking firmly.

"Be good to her, or I really will end your career," he threatens with a half smile.

I'd like to think he's kidding, but I know he's not. My dad will go to great lengths to protect my happiness. Although, sometimes he's the one in the way of it. I'm just overjoyed he's actually moving out of my way and allowing this to happen without a fight.

"I won't let you down," Duke smiles, wrapping one arm around my shoulder.

"I'll let you celebrate," my dad gives us a thumbs up. "I've got a team to lift up."

"Good luck," Duke and I say at the same time. He's going to need it. I know how depressed my brother gets when he loses a game, and this was the biggest one of them all.

My dad nods, then walks away, exiting the ice.

The Makos, their friends, and their families are all that's left on the ice, and it's one big celebration. There's confetti everywhere, still falling from the ceiling as cheers ring out across the rink.

Everyone is smiling, overjoyed by the Makos win.

Ashley and Jace are kissing in the middle of the rink while Brynne is still screaming and yelling with the fans.

I look away from them to find Duke staring down at me, lust and sparkle lighting his eyes. There's a sweet smile spread across his face as he watches me.

"What?" I ask, beaming up at him.

"I'm glad you're here," he says as his lips curve upward. Leaning down, Duke wraps his hand around the back of my neck, using his thumb to stroke my jawline. "You're mine."

Pressing his lips against mine, Duke draws me into a low, passionate kiss. Our lips are one, gliding against each other as we smile.

"I'm yours," I echo his words, gripping his jersey with my fist. "All yours."