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"Definitely," I agree, eager for the warmth of the bed waiting for us.
Victor turns off the water and steps out, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around me with a tenderness that makes my chest ache. His hands are careful as he dries me off, not missing a single spot. Then, he shrugs on a bathrobe, its fabric rough against his smooth skin, and leads me back into the bedroom where the sheets beckon invitingly.
"Let's get you warm," he says, tucking me into bed before sliding in beside me.
Under the covers, our bodies entwine naturally, the heat from our skin mingling. His presence is a fortress, strong and unyielding, yet within his arms, I find a sanctuary—a place where I am cherished, protected, loved.
His arm is a comforting weight around my shoulder, pulling me closer into the warmth of his chest. The soft rhythm of his heartbeat is a lullaby that could easily carry me off to sleep, but there's a question that's been nagging at the back of my mind, one I need an answer to before I can fully settle.
"Victor," I start, my voice barely above a whisper, yet he hears me, always so attuned to my every breath. "You still want to spend Christmas with me and Olivia? After... everything?"
He shifts slightly, propping himself on one elbow to look down at me. His blue eyes search mine in the dimlylit room, earnest and unwavering. "Avery, there's nothing I would want more in this world."
Relief washes over me, easing the tension that I hadn't realized I'd been holding onto. We sink back into the pillows, the quiet of the night wrapping around us like a cocoon. The thought of Victor being part of our little family feels like the last piece of a puzzle clicking into place.
"Olivia's going to be thrilled," I murmur, thinking about my daughter's boundless energy. "She's so excited for the first playoff game tomorrow."
"Those kids have all been amazing this season," he says. There's a note of pride in his voice that makes me smile. "They've made so much improvement."
"I'd say it's all thanks to their incredible coach." My words are teasing, but I mean every one of them.
Victor shakes his head, a chuckle vibrating through his chest. "No, it's all thanks to you, Avery. If you hadn't stood up against my development plans, I wouldn't have had any reason to step back onto the ice."
"Guess we make a pretty good team then," I say softly, feeling the truth of it deep in my bones.
"Best team I've ever known," he whispers back, kissing the top of my head gently.
And as his arms hold me close, the steady rise and fall of his breathing lulling me, I let myself drift off, safe in the knowledge that whatever tomorrow brings, I'm no longer alone.
Chapter Sixty-One
Victor
I scanthe faces of my team, their dejected expressions mirroring the scoreboard. We're trailing the champs, but I'll be damned if we're going down without a fight.
"Listen up," I say, my voice cutting through the disappointed murmurs. "I know we're down right now, but that doesn't mean we're out. Remember why we're here: to play our hearts out and enjoy the game."
A few heads lift, eyes meeting mine. I feel a spark of hope ignite in my chest.
"We've come this far, and that's something to be proud of," I continue, my voice growing stronger. "Now let's get out there and show them what we're made of!"
The team huddles closer, their energy shifting. I seedetermination replacing defeat in their eyes. The whistle pierces the air. My team bursts onto the ice with renewed vigor, and I feel a surge of pride.
"That's it! Keep that momentum!" I shout from the sidelines, my eyes darting across the rink. "Olivia, watch your left! Jake, support her!"
My heart races as I track their movements. I never thought I'd care this much about a game again, let alone about these kids. But here I am, more invested than I've been in years.
"Good hustle! Remember your formations!" I call out, my voice hoarse from shouting.
As I watch them play, I realize something profound. This team, this game—it's giving me something I've been missing for a long time. A sense of belonging. Of purpose.
And for once, the thought doesn't terrify me.
A powerful shot rockets towards our goal. I hold my breath, certain it's going in. But Sophia leaps into action. She flies through the air, her mit just grazing the puck, but it's enough. The ball ricochets off her hands and over the top of the goal.
"Yes! Great save, Sophia!" I shout, relief flooding through me.
The game continues, a back-and-forth battle. Each time the other team threatens to score, Sophia stands strong, making save after incredible save. The crowd'scheering her name now, and I can see her confidence growing with each block.