Page 43 of From Ice to Home (The Heart of a Ranger #1)
LUCAS
T he game was brutal. It was fast, physical, and relentless from the first puck drop.
Toronto came at us like a team with nothing to lose, and they didn’t let up for a second.
But seeing my girl jumping up everytime I scored, wearing my number, gave me just the boost I needed to keep fighting.
The hits didn’t matter, or the chirps…I was flying high.
And everytime I faced off with Toronto, the verse Hannah gave me stared back up at me:
“If God is for us, who can be against us.”
She remembered our pre-game ritual and it gave me more strength to secure the win for the Rangers.
I have no idea how I played without her here before.
It’s by God’s grace alone that I made it this far while playing with a hole in my heart.
A void that I’ve felt so strongly every time I thought about her, a void that God filled with His presence and His silent promises.
Now, I’m here. My team is going to the Stanley cup finals and my wife is at my side.
God is good. God is good. God is good.
The restaurant management secured for us tonight is nothing like our usual celebration spots.
The entire top floor has been reserved for us, floor-to-ceiling windows frame an amazing view of Central Park, the city lights flickering like fireflies in the night.
A soft golden glow from the chandeliers bathes the room, reflecting off the sleek black tables set with crisp white linens and polished silverware.
It’s high-end but not stuffy—there’s an energy in the air, a current of excitement running through the place.
This place feels different. Maybe because I’m different.
There was a time when post-game celebrations involved the club scene.
The endless revolving door of loud noise, women and drinks did nothing but dull the ache for a few hours.
It was a time spent with the guys after practice and games, searching for something to fill the void.
It was only later that I realized that the answer wasn’t in women who weren’t Hannah, or even a drink.
I only found comfort in God and the hope that He had a plan for me.
Entering the restaurant with Hannah tucked beneath my arm, I take in the black leather furniture, the warm wood paneling, and the hum of conversation.
Waiters in crisp black vests weave between tables, balancing trays of perfectly plated dishes.
Laughter and the occasional pop of a champagne bottle mix with the subtle background music.
It looks a lot like the restaurant in Vegas. The dim lighting, the cozy yet upscale vibe—it tugs at something in me, bringing back that night I saw Hannah from across the room.
Leaning down, I touch my mouth to Hannah’s ear, the scent of lilies hitting my senses.
“It reminds me of that night in Vegas. When I saw you in the restaurant, I couldn’t believe it.
” My eyes drop to the dress hugging her frame, the soft white dress feeling familiar and surreal.
“And you’re wearing your wedding dress.”
She looks up at me, her cheeks flushing as she tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. “It was either this or jeans…my stuff’s still in Durham. ”
“I won’t mind if you wear that dress every day,” I say, brushing my fingers against the bare skin of her back, my touch sending a visible shiver through her.
The memory of slipping a ring on her finger, of calling her my wife and kissing her as such, crashes over me in full force. “You look absolutely beautiful in it.”
She turns in my arms, placing her hands on my chest as she gently tugs at the collar of my dress shirt. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Mr. Walker.”
The look in her eyes, the dip in her voice…I can’t help but groan. “Are you sure we need to be here,” I say, teasing.
Maybe only half teasing.
We won a spot in the final and still the best thing that could happen to me tonight is being able to go home with Hannah. And knowing that she’ll be sleeping in my arms and I get to wake up to her tomorrow morning.
She smiles, standing on her tiptoes and pressing a light kiss against my lips. “Yes, this is your big night. You’re going to the finals.”
“I know, but with you in my arms it’s hard to remember that.”
I lean down, needing another kiss, almost as much as I need air to breathe.
I linger a bit longer, a war ensuing inside of me.
The need to give in to my desires, to pull Hannah off to the side and kiss her the way I want to kiss her.
But I can’t. Not here, not now, not when we decided to take things slow for now.
“I didn’t think you’d meet up with us tonight!
” Declan calls, cutting through the moment and thankfully making the choice a bit easier.
Looking over her head, Declan’s smile widens as he looks at both me and Hannah.
His left eye is swollen and already darkening to an ugly shade of blue from another fight he got into during the third period.
“I thought you’d be skipping out on celebrations now that you’re old and married.”
Across the space, I spot Lindgren and EJ raising their glasses, grinning like they know exactly where my mind is.
“Old?” I ask, frowning as we head their way. The cocktail tables are tall and sleek, the small soft lights casting a glow on empty glasses and untouched plates. EJ is already nursing a glass of soda, his younger sister, Avah, right next to him.
“This coming from the guy who shot so wide, the goalie didn’t even flinch? How’s the eye? Not seeing too clearly, huh?”
“My aim was a bit off.” Declan grimaces, touching his swollen eye and wincing. “Plus, I’m not exactly paid to score. Don’t say I never do my part for the team.”
“You’re an idiot,” EJ tosses at him. “That last fight wasn’t necessary.”
“It’s always necessary,” Declan says, tossing back the drink in his hand and gesturing to the waiter for another. “And don’t act like you’ve never gotten into a fight that wasn’t necessary.”
His words may come out light, but there’s an edge to them. An edge we all know very well. It’s not always the case, but usually when he starts drinking scotch, it’s a good indication of where the night is headed.
Megan walks up to him, before draping a possessive arm around Declan’s neck, pulling him down for a kiss that lasts way too long. It’s deliberate and definitely a statement to anyone watching.
“I need the restroom,” Avah says, rolling her eyes before looking over at Hannah with an apologetic look as she walks off. Hannah follows her with her gaze, sighing softly before shifting closer to me.
I lean down as soon as Avah is gone. “Everything alright?”
“I think so.” She shakes her head before turning back to me. “Nothing to worry about. I’ll talk to her in a bit.”
EJ shifts away from where Megan is still busy trying to get Declan’s full attention. She’s looking up at him like he hung the moon, while he looks…bored.
“You and Avah hit things off?” EJ asks Hannah, his eyes filled with a strange sense of hope. “Don’t tell her I said this, but I think she could use a friend here.”
Hannah smiles. “Well, then that makes two of us. Thanks for telling her to look out for me. I really like Avah, I think we’ll get along.”
EJ’s exhales, visibly relieved. “That’s great. She comes to most of the games and events, and rarely goes out with people from work. I don’t know, sometimes I think moving here from Sweden has been harder on her than she lets on.”
Hannah tilts her head slightly, looking over to where Avah is now talking to Nikolai. “It’s a big change, I’m sure it’s been hard for her.”
Avah usually mingles with the team whenever EJ’s involved. But other than that, I don’t know much about her. Hannah looks very interested in getting to know her better and I’m happy that she’s finding a place to fit in.
“It would be great to see more of her,” Hannah says, then looks up at me. “Actually, I thought we should invite the team over some time. I think it would be great to get to know everyone a bit better.”
I smile, loving the idea of her settling into this part of my life. “We can definitely do that.”
My hand rests on her waist and I can’t resist pulling her a bit closer. She leans into me slightly before—
“Walker!” Mitch’s voice cuts through the conversation before his hand connects with my shoulder.
“Great game tonight. Although I think that second goal you should’ve just buried the puck instead of passing.
You were probably too busy thinking about your new wife in the stands instead of finishing the play. “
“You sound jealous, Cap,” I say with a grin as Mitch settles next to me. “I managed to finish the play that counts while you’re still out here trying to catch up.”
“I’m unmarried on purpose,” Mitch says with a smile before looking at Hannah. “This must be the infamous wife.”
Hannah laughs. “I don’t know about infamous, but yes.”
Mitch gestures to the dark-haired woman who’s always been beside him. “This is my fiancee, Charlotte.”
Hannah smiles warmly, reaching out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too!” Charlotte says enthusiastically before leaning in conspiratorially. “You’ve got to tell me how you got this one to tie the knot so fast. I’ve been waiting seven years and still no luck.” She winks, wiggling her left hand, sporting a giant diamond.
My stomach sinks wondering what Hannah is going to say. She’s not wearing her ring and we haven’t really gotten around to talking about it. Maybe it’s because I didn’t get her a giant rock like Charlotte’s, although a part of me thinks Hannah wouldn’t like a gigantic diamond on her finger.
“When you guys come over for dinner, I’ll tell you all my secrets,” Hannah says with a small laugh.