Page 59 of From Ice to Home (The Heart of a Ranger #1)

“No,” he says, pausing for a minute before continuing in an even more serious voice.

“There’s a position opening up with the player development team.

It’s not glamorous, and it’s part-time. But it involves mentoring some of our juniors, especially the ones who need mental health and emotional support as they transition to pro-level. ”

My eyes widen. “And you thought of me?”

He shrugs one shoulder like it’s not a big deal. But it is.

“I know you’ve got the background,” he says simply. “I don’t know what you and Lucas decided on your position in Durham. Like I said, this is nothing like that. But his future is with the Rangers, so I thought I’d give you the option.”

I blink, caught off guard. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything right now,” Harry says, already stepping away. “Just think about it.”

“I will. Thank you, Harry,” I manage before he turns away and walks off in the direction of the door. He barks an order at someone near the bus. He’s clearly rough around the edges, but he has a heart for his team and his players and that’s something about him I can respect.

“What was that about?” Lucas asks, coming back into the hotel lobby, where I’m still frozen in place. He searches my expression, concern flickering in his eyes. “Is everything alright?”

I look up at my husband, relief flooding me as I realize the opportunity and gift I’ve just been handed.

“More than okay,” I say, still wrapping my head around what just happened. “Harry kind of…offered me a job.”

Lucas looks back over his shoulder to where the GM is standing outside the bus, watching as the rest of the team gets on.

“You’ll have to tell me about it on the plane,” Lucas says, slipping his hand in mine, leading me to the bus that’s going to take us back to New York.

To game six. To whatever we have to face next.

“I could get used to this,” Essie says, stepping into the VIP Lounge at Madison Square Garden.

Her wide eyes take in the private buffet, leather seating, and giant screens.

My little sister’s face is a picture of awe and excitement.

“No wonder you wanted to seal the deal as quickly as possible,” she adds teasingly.

“With perks like this, I’d rush to Vegas too. ”

“You’re the worst,” I tell her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. “But I’m really happy you’re here, Es.”

She leans into me for a second before pulling back with a smirk. “I’m just happy you came to your senses and made me your maid of honor. Best decision you’ve made all year.”

“Better than marrying a pro-hockey player?” I tease, nudging her gently. “Sounds like I’ve been a stellar sister if you ask me.”

“Don’t worry,” she says, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder. “There’s still plenty of time for you to mess things up.”

I laugh, even though her words land closer to the truth than she knows.

When she arrived yesterday morning, there was still a lingering chill toward me. A cold shoulder, a short answer…But it lasted a whole hour. As soon as I told her we’d be having another wedding ceremony in the off-season, Essie’s anger was forgotten and her excitement became real and palpable.

My mom’s excitement might be more quiet, but it’s no less intense.

She’s already planning the rehearsal dinner in her backyard, and the ceremony at Camp Grace.

I’m leaning toward the idea of maybe doing the rehearsal dinner on Lucas’s family farm instead.

It would be a great way to mend fences and to include his dad in our life, in our future.

That’s if he’s ready for that.

My parents trail behind us, followed by Zach, who’s already tugging at the hem of his Rangers jersey like he’s getting ready for warm-ups himself.

“When can we meet the players?” Zach asks, practically bouncing on his toes. He’s wearing Nikolai Petrov’s number and ever since he got here, he hasn’t stopped talking about how Nikolai is the best goalie in the league. “I want to see if Petrov will sign my jersey.”

“We’ll see how things go,” I say, ruffling his hair. A grin splits his face as he joins Micah and Noah getting their seats against the glass at the front.

It’s a full house tonight, not just in the VIP lounge but the entire arena.

Before we even came through the entrance we were met with a sea of fans.

Thousands of fans chanting for the Rangers, their voices echoing down Seventh Avenue like a battle cry.

Staffers stood near the door, handing out rally towels and foam fingers.

Even my dad took one with a slightly amused smile.

Inside, the Garden pulses with energy. The cheers of fans, flashing lights, and palpable anticipation fills the arena.

Game six.

If the Rangers win tonight, they take the Cup.

I’m hoping the Rangers are able to play the game we all know they’re capable of, because we’re all here watching…hoping. Somewhere in this building Lucas is getting ready with his team, lacing up his skates, pulling on his jersey, praying that everything will go well tonight.

My dad is talking quietly with Lucas’s dad, a miracle in itself.

Mr. Walker decided to come after all and there was no hiding Lucas’s relief and gratitude that his father showed up for this.

Since he’s been here, things have been civil.

That’s all we hoped for. It made Lucas feel like he isn’t carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders anymore.

Everything might not be ironed out, but tonight is a step in the right direction.

Looking over my shoulder, I catch Avah’s gaze, giving her a smile. She’s joined by her parents and tonight they’re all sitting toward the back of the lounge. She’s been a wonderful friend since I’ve been here, and I can’t wait for her to meet my family too.

My heart pounds as I scan the rows, taking it all in.

This is more than a game.

This is his moment.

Everything he’s worked for since he was a kid…every injury, every practice, every goal…it all leads to this.

He must be feeling all of this in overdrive.

But even as the arena roars, something quiets down inside of me. A stillness, a tug…not exactly nerves or fear. But a need to be with Lucas, to be near him.

To pray for him.

I glance at Essie, watching as she sips on her mocktail, cheeks glowing with excitement.

“I’ll be right back,” I say, touching her arm gently.

I don’t have a reason, not one I can fully explain anyway. I just know the familiar tug when the Spirit is leading me to do something.

I slip away, weaving through the corridor that wraps around the arena.

The sound of the crowd is muffled, now replaced by the sound of the lights humming overhead and my boots against the floor.

I know I’m not technically supposed to be down here, but I also know that I need to see Lucas before his big game.

Just as I round the tunnel that leads back to the locker rooms, I hear the clack of skates on the rubber. Lucas and his teammates are heading back to the locker room, sweat still glistening in their necks, after their warm-up skate. His head is down, stick in hand, until he glances up and spots me.

He stops mid-step, the familiar grin spreading on his face as he steps out of the line.

“This is a new pre-game ritual,” he says, side-stepping a trainer who casts a skeptical frown in my direction. “At least until Coach sees you.”

He pulls me close, giving me a hug. His scent envelopes me…ice, adrenaline, and playoff hockey.

“I just…” I’m not sure what to say, so I just reach for him.

Rising up on my toes I press a kiss to his mouth.

It’s meant to be a small kiss, an extra token of good luck.

But Lucas slips his hand out of his glove before sliding it behind my neck, deepening the kiss.

His fingers thread gently through my hair, his kiss reaching every corner of my body and soul.

For a moment, everything else melts away…the noise, the nerves, the stakes. It’s just us. Lucas’s kiss is slow and sure, like he’s grounding himself in me, in this moment.

When he breaks away, his forehead rests against mine as we’re both left breathless.

“I love you, Hannah,” his voice low and sure.

For those words alone, I pull him in for another kiss, fierce and full.

“I love you more, Lucas.”

He gives me a grin laced with mischief as he slowly retreats back to the locker room.

“Not possible,” he tosses over his shoulder.

He lets out a victorious whoot before slapping the wall above the entryway with his open palm. “God is good!” he shouts.

I can’t help but smile as he walks back to his teammates. The tug is still in my heart and my soul reaches out to God, silent and strong.

Father, please keep Your Hand over Lucas tonight. Strengthen him, strengthen his body and keep him safe. Cast out any fear and replace it with Your joy. Let him know that no matter the outcome, he’s already won. Because he’s Yours.

Getting back to the VIP Lounge Avah gives me a knowing smile before getting back to her parents.

I’d love to invite them over for dinner when the playoffs are over.

EJ is someone who’s important to Lucas, while Avah quickly became a wonderful friend to me.

I grab my own mocktail from the bar before taking a seat between Essie and Mr. Walker.

We haven’t really spoken since they arrived in New York this morning.

It’s been busy at the house with everyone there, so finding a quiet moment felt impossible.

But I want to make an effort because they’re only staying the night.

Mr. Walker said he doesn’t want to leave the farm for too long, so he’ll be heading back early tomorrow morning.

He gave Noah leave to head back to Georgetown with my parents the day after tomorrow.

“Everything alright?” he asks, without looking at me. It dawns on me that he must’ve seen me leaving and maybe assumed something was wrong with Lucas.