Page 21 of Bradford (Boston Bay Vikings #18)

EPILOGUE

brADFORD - SIX MONTHS LATER

The Zamboni finishes its work on the ice, then gracefully slides across the frozen surface, leaving a trail of shimmering ice crystals behind it.

The scent of freshly resurfaced ice fills the arena, building my anticipation for the upcoming game.

My shoulder and side have been on a long road to recovery.

In fact, my side was more of an issue in the end.

Yet tonight is my first game back, and I'm excited about it.

My excitement might also have something to do with my girlfriend and my dad both being in the crowd.

It's been a long time since my dad came to a game.

As for Florence, this is her first game where I'm on the ice.

Believe it or not, tonight's game is against the Las Vegas Sharks.

Kind of ironic, really. Florence teased me about cheering for them.

She ruined that by wearing one of my game jerseys and leggings.

My dick twitches as I imagine her wearing only my jersey.

I'm sure we can arrange that for later tonight.

I wince when the cup in my pants pinches my skin because it's so tight.

They're not made to accommodate erections.

Nikoli turns and sees me wince, then bursts out laughing.

The asshole. "Fuck." I yank off a glove and reach into my pants to adjust myself.

I let out a sigh of relief once I've rearranged the beast. I give Rhodes the finger as I straighten up.

"Dude, you can't play with your junk in public." Dario punches me in the shoulder.

I blow him a kiss, laughing, only to have Madden sidle up to me. "Have you asked her yet?"

"Asked her what?" Dario frowns and glances between us until the light bulb goes off in his head, and he smirks. "Ah! Asked her the big question, huh?"

"We both have two days off, so I'm taking her to Disney. I have it all planned out." I grin, although I'm nervous about proposing.

"Don't look so worried," Madden says. "She'll say yes. She'd say yes no matter where you are when you ask."

"I know, but I want it to be special."

The sudden noise in the arena silences us, though we wouldn't be able to hear ourselves talk anyway.

I take a deep breath and settle in, mere seconds before we're let out onto the ice.

I don't move quite as easily as the others because of my goalie gear.

Yet, as I step onto the ice, I feel a rush of adrenaline and focus that helps me forget the discomfort I felt moments before.

The sound of skates cutting through the ice fills my ears, and I know it's time to give it my all—after I locate Dad and Florence, that is.

As I scan the stands, I spot Juniper first, holding her and Lake’s two-month-old baby girl, Victoria, who is swaddled in a pink blanket and wearing noise-cancelling headphones to protect her sensitive ears.

My family waves enthusiastically beside her.

Their support gives me an extra boost of confidence.

A huge grin splits my face as I nod to acknowledge them. Seeing my family makes my heart thud.

Florence is now part of my family.

My family.

I turn my attention back to the game, ready to defend the net with everything I've got.

The End