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On paper, Gerard and I couldn’t be more different. He’s a hockey god, and I’m a bookish nerd. He’s outgoing and charismatic, and I’m introverted and awkward. But somehow, we’vefound each other, thanks to a missing hockey stick. And now, I can’t imagine my life without him.

So, who’s to say the same can’t happen for Kyle and Alex? Who’s to say that their friendship can’t blossom into something more, something beautiful and life-changing?

I’m pulled from my musings by Coach Donovan’s booming voice. “Graham! You’re in. Patterson’s done for the night.”

Kyle nods, his jaw set with determination as he skates onto the ice. The crowd cheers as he takes his position in front of the net.

Oliver wins the face-off, sending the puck to Gerard, who takes off like a bat out of hell. His powerful strides eat up the ice as he weaves through the opposing team’s defense.

My heart is in my throat as I watch him move. He’s a blur of speed and grace, and I find it incredibly hot.

Around me, the crowd is on their feet, screaming his name, but he doesn’t hear them. He’s in the zone, focused entirely on making a shot on goal.

As he approaches the net, the goalie drops into a butterfly stance, ready to make the save. But Gerard is one step ahead.

He fakes a shot, catching the goalie off guard. And in that split second of hesitation, Gerard shoots for real and sends the puck whizzing into the net.

The red light flashes, and the place erupts into chants of “Barracudas” as they cheer on Gunnarson the Great for putting us in the lead.

As for me, I’m cheering on my boyfriend—Gerard Anthony Gunnarson.

34

GERARD

Every year, one lucky player on the team gets to pick out the Christmas tree for the Hockey House.This year, it’s my turn!

I don’t think Elliot knows what he’s getting into when it comes to my Christmas spirit. I hope he won’t run for the hills. I tend to get overzealous, like Buddy the Elf.

After a quick stop at the Hockey House to borrow Drew’s pickup truck, Elliot and I head to the Christmas tree lot on the outskirts of Berkeley Shore.

A fresh blanket of snow covers the roads while flakes fall slowly from the sky, transforming the world into a winter wonderland. I grip the steering wheel and navigate the truck carefully over the slick surface, but even the treacherous conditions can’t dampen my spirits.

I glance over at Elliot in the passenger seat, bundled up like an adorable burrito. His coat is zipped up to his chin, a colorful scarf wrapped snugly around his neck, and he’s wearing a knit hat with a fluffy pom-pom. He belongs on a Christmas card, rosy-cheeked and picture-perfect.

I’m sure I appear just as ridiculous, layered up in my winter gear, but I don’t care. I’m practically bouncing in my seat at thethought of picking out a Christmas tree with Elliot. Our first Christmas tree together. The first of many, I hope.

As we drive, I point out the festive decorations on the houses we pass—twinkling lights, inflatable snowmen, and wreaths on every door.

Elliot shakes his head and smiles, amused by my excessive enthusiasm. “You really love Christmas, huh?”

“What gave it away?” I grin at him before turning my attention back to the road. “Christmas is magical. The lights, the music, the food, the presents. But most of all, being with the people you love. And now I get to share it with you.”

Elliot’s eyes soften behind his glasses. “I’m happy to be a part of your Christmas, Gerard. Even if you are kind of a fanatic.”

“Hey now, I resent that!” I laugh and reach over to squeeze his gloved hand. “Just wait until we bring the tree home. The guys won’t know what hit them.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Elliot chuckles, fiddling with the radio dial until he finds a station playing classic Christmas tunes. Michael Bublé and Shania Twain’s cover of “White Christmas” starts playing, and I grin. I love this song, and I can’t stop myself from singing along.

It doesn’t hurt that my deep voice blends well with Bublé’s smooth crooning. And then, something incredible happens. As Shania Twain’s verse starts, Elliot joins in.

I’m so shocked that I nearly swerve off the road. Elliot is singing…with me!Call everyone you know because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We sing through the entire song, our voices meshing in a beautiful Christmas duet. I’m grinning hard enough to make my cheeks hurt. I want to pull the truck over, haul Elliot into my arms, and kiss him until we’re both breathless.I want to tell him how amazing he is, how he surprises me in the best way possible, how he makes me happier than the happiest man on earth.

Well, Gerard, there’s no time like the present.

We pull up to a red light, and I put the car in park. Unbuckling my seatbelt, I face Elliot.