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JONAS

I take a deep breath. The smell of the ice fills my nose, along with the scent of popcorn and hot dogs. The roar of the crowd fades into the background as Mateo hunkers down for the faceoff. I take my position behind him, ready to back him up and finish out the third period.

Now that the pressure’s off me this year, I can relax and enjoy hockey.

Announcing to my friends and family I didn’t want to go pro was easier than I thought—no one was all that surprised and everyone was supportive.

I might play in a beer league for fun someday or coach pee-wee but knowing this is my last season has made it sweeter.

I can come out on the ice and support my guys and see what happens this year, but it’s not on me alone.

The new C on my jersey feels good, too. Not something I have to live up to, but a challenge to help everyone be their best self.

Silence descends as we wait for the ref to drop the puck.

I grip my stick through my gloves, my body coiled tight.

The UConn player snags it first, and we dash down the ice towards our goal.

They make an attempt, but John keeps it out of the net with ease and sends it to Brody.

He loops behind the goal, and I check a Huskie into the boards to give him an opening.

I don’t know why Brody is playing on the first line with me instead of Evan.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good forward.

But as a senior, I was sure Evan would start in the home opener game tonight.

Coach pulled him into his office and said something right before warm ups; Evan has been sitting on the bench staring into space ever since.

When I asked him what was wrong, he shook his head and wouldn’t say anything.

Maybe he will open up later, but I’m not gonna push him during a game.

For now, Brody rushes down the ice, and I get in position.

He passes to me. I connect and send it back to Mateo.

Tanner and Zack block the UConn players trying to intercept the puck, and we put the biscuit in the basket, making the score four to two.

Exhilaration flows through my veins as I pump my fist in the air.

Nothing’s better than helping my team play excellent hockey.

Except maybe being with Hadley. My eyes connect with hers across the crowded arena.

In a row full of family and friends, she blows me a kiss, bouncing on her toes.

She’s wearing my jersey. I can’t help but smile.

It’s been three weeks since she surprised me at the animal shelter, and I’ve never been happier.

When we were a couple before, something was always hanging over my head—Hunter finding out about us or the end of the summer.

But now, Hadley and I can relax and enjoy being together.

We volunteer with the dogs once a week, we work out, watch terrible reality TV, and don’t have to hide how we feel from anyone. It’s a dream come true.

The ref blows his whistle, and I focus on the game.

We hold the Huskies off for the next fifteen minutes, thanks to John’s awesome goaltending, and win our home opener.

Strains of “All I Do Is Win” fills the arena as I’m surrounded by my teammates.

Everyone piles out onto the ice to celebrate and slap each other’s backs.

I’ve earned this—there’s no guilt about savoring it, either.

I’m going to enjoy an afterparty celebration too. I wave at Hadley as the team skates off the ice and heads into the locker room to change. I can’t wait to kiss her senseless.

Since my family is in town for the game, we bypass the team celebration at O’Bryan’s and get a late dinner at Jackie’s. They squeeze all seven of us around a long table tucked in the back room, and I sigh with contentment as I slide into my seat.

“You played great tonight, Jonas,” my dad says, sitting across from me. My mom is next to him, beaming.

“Seriously.” Hunter nods his approval, on his other side. He and Natalie came from Chicago for a quick visit around his travel schedule. “Three assists on four goals? Those are awesome stats. Congrats, Captain.”

“Thanks.” I rub the back of my neck, letting the compliment sink in.

There’s no pressure for the future. I’ve been used to it for so long, it’s hard to let that habit die.

But they aren’t saying I need to play hockey forever because I had a good game, I remind myself.

They are trying to encourage me, like I’d do for any of my teammates.

I’m learning to accept that. It feels good.

“No matter what happens this season, it’s going to be fun,” Hadley says, squeezing my fingers under the table. I lean into her, inhaling her cotton candy scent. She’s right, and that’s my goal. Hockey is fun—no more stressing about it.

Beside me, my sister Emma scoffs. “Getting tackled by huge men? I don’t think so.”

“Tackled?” I turn to Emma and shoot her a teasing smile. “Do I play football or hockey?”

She glowers. “I know you play hockey.”

“Don’t worry, Emma.” Hunter takes a sip of his water. “We’re tough. We can take it.”

“As long as Jonas is okay.” She links her arm through mine and lays her head on my shoulder. “I’m ready for him to graduate and move home already.”

I pat her hair, glancing over at Hadley. “Maybe in a few years, sis. I want to have some adventures first. Besides, I have plenty of time to figure it out.”

I haven’t said anything to her, but my plan is to stick around the Lafayette area while Hadley is at Harrison.

Hospitals and doctors’ offices always need nurses.

After that, who knows? I’ll follow her to the ends of the earth if she’ll let me.

I want to settle down close to my family someday, but if I’m with Hadley, I’ll have everything I need.

“You’re thinking about kissing Hadley again, aren’t you?” Emma asks, voice tinged with disgust. She scoots away from me and shakes her head. “Gross.”

When I FaceTimed my family to tell them Hadley and I were dating, my mom danced in the kitchen and my dad shook with laughter. Emma stuck out her tongue in disgust. She loves having Hadley around but not the kissing part. So I tease her every chance I get.

“Of course I’m thinking about kissing her.” I lean over and plant one on Hadley’s cheek with a smack. “She’s my Cinderella.”

Hadley giggles. “Are you really going to keep calling me that?”

“For ever and ever,” I promise, staring into her deep blue eyes. I barely notice when my sister punches me in the arm.

“I’m with Emma.” Hunter exhales, nostrils flaring. “No more kissing.”

“Well, I think it’s sweet.” Natalie grins from ear to ear. “Took you long enough.”

She’s not wrong. We faced a lot of challenges to get here, and I’m not letting go any time soon. Will we have a fairy tale ending? I don’t know what the future holds, but if I have anything to say about it, I’m going to be with her forever.

“I love you,” I whisper in her ear.

“I love you more,” she whispers back.

Is that even possible? I’m not sure, but I love the challenge. I wink at her, and proceed to make Emma yelp as I kiss my girlfriend.