Page 17 of Soulmates and Slapshots (Love in Maple Falls #6)

WESTON

I t’s game day, and for some reason, the nerves are hitting harder than usual. I always get a little anxious in the hours leading up to a game. Honestly, any player that says they don’t is probably lying. But today it’s more intense, like there’s a weight pressing on my chest I can’t seem to shake.

I head to the arena earlier than normal, hoping that a little extra time on the ice will settle me. Sometimes just skating and the sound of blades cutting through the rink is what I need to clear my head.

Honestly, I’m ready to have my moment. The one that proves to everyone including Coach Hauser, the Ice Breakers organization, the fans, and my teammates that I belong on this team. I want to feel like I’ve earned this jersey and my place in the league.

Not being enough has always been my biggest fear. And as every game passes without that defining play, the pressure builds.

Moving to Maple Falls was supposed to be just another stop on the journey.

But it’s been more than that. This place is my home now, and meeting Fiona has added to that feeling.

I didn’t see her coming, and now I can’t imagine this chapter without her in it.

Still, even with her in the stands, I know I need to do something on the ice that tells me I truly belong.

I change into my gear, going through the motions I’ve done more times than I can count. Before heading out to the ice, a message from Fiona pops up on my phone.

Good luck tonight. You will be awesome. I’ll be there cheering the team on.

I exhale, which releases a bit of the tension. Her message is a reminder that people believe in me even when I’m not sure I believe in myself.

Thanks. I needed to hear this. Not feeling very confident at the moment.

The truth is, I’ve never cared about being the star . It’s not about having the spotlight or the headlines. What I need is to stop feeling like I’m constantly playing catch up. Like I’m always one step short of the player I should be.

When I was called up from the minors to the Wolves, I thought that would be my moment. But it never quite came together there. Then I was traded, giving me another chance to prove myself. And here I am, still waiting.

But I think I’m done waiting. I know I’m a good player because I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. It’s time to show everyone I’ve got what it takes.

My phone buzzes again. As I read the message from Fiona, a massive grin stretches across my face.

You got this. It’s your night.

Somehow, it’s exactly what I need to hear. How does she always know? It’s like we’re always in sync no matter what’s happening around us. She has this uncanny ability to show up right when I need someone .

I stare at the screen, her words echoing in my mind.

I almost can’t remember a time I didn’t know her.

And the thought that she might not be here much longer makes my stomach twist into knots.

I want to ask her to stay in Maple Falls, to take a chance on the small-town life, and the connection we share.

But I haven’t…yet. I know her aunt would back me up, but I can’t expect her to make that decision for me. As much as I want her to stay, she needs to want it too. She needs to choose what’s best for her future. So I’m holding back and hoping her heart is leading her in the same direction as mine.

I drag myself out of my thoughts and type a response.

When you say it, I believe it. Thank you.

It’s time to get into game mode. I drop my phone into my bag and make my way out to the ice with a bit more hope than I had earlier.

Tonight we’re playing against the Saskatoon Titans, and as expected they came ready for battle.

The tension intensifies from the first drop of the puck.

With each pass and move it feels like they are pushing harder.

This isn’t just a game for my teammate, Asher; for him this is personal.

He’s locked in a fierce rivalry with one of their top players, and it’s clear neither of them plans to back down.

Every time they cross paths, they look like they are ready to brawl.

I spot Fiona in the crowd sitting in the front row, right behind the glass, wearing an Ice Breakers sweatshirt. A simple glimpse of her grounds me in a way I needed. My pulse slows, my grip tightens on my hockey stick, and I remind myself of what she said before the game, It’s your night.

I want to believe that. And knowing she’s here to support me makes me want it even more.

The clock’s winding down in the first period, and the Warriors are on a power play, down by a goal.

Their desperation is starting to show, and every move they make is meant to break us.

Suddenly it happens. Something in me shifts and I feel my adrenaline take over.

I see the play unfold in slow motion, like I already know what's coming.

The puck slides across the ice to their star forward. He’s open and winds up for a slap shot aiming straight at our net. Without thinking, I launch myself into the line of fire, throwing my body in front of the puck. The impact hurts, but I push through the pain.

The puck rebounds off me and spins across the ice. One of their players lunges for it, but I’m already scrambling to my feet. I get there first, just in time to steal it. I whip it down the rink, sending it flying past the red line as the clock ticks closer to zero.

The arena explodes. My teammates are shouting, banging their sticks, slapping my back as I make it to the bench where the guys are on their feet waiting for me. I did it, just like she said I would.

I glance up into the stands at Fiona. She’s hopping up and down, exchanging high fives with everyone around her. Seeing her so happy only magnifies this moment for me.

Yep. This is my night.

I’m still feeling the high from my big play until the game takes a sudden and shocking turn.

The tension between Asher and one of the Warriors players has reached a boiling point.

That guy has been antagonizing Asher all night with his relentless trash talk, pushing him further until he finally snaps.

They collide at center ice in an explosive fight.

Cade and Lucian are there in an instant, backing Asher up without hesitation, and Clément isn't far behind. It’s pure chaos, and the noise of the crowd only adds to it.

The officials manage to get in and force the players apart, and then everything seems to move in slow motion. Clément is down.

I didn’t even see what happened. One moment he was charging forward, and the next—he’s crumpled on the ice, clearly in pain.

My stomach drops. Coaches and paramedics rush into the rink.

The blur of flashing lights and frantic voices overtakes everything.

The only thing I can focus on now is Clément.

Despite everything that’s happened, we manage to pull out a win against the Warriors, but none of us are in the mood to celebrate.

The locker room is unusually quiet after the game.

The doctors are still checking Clément, and right now, he’s the only thing any of us can think about.

He’s our teammate, our friend…and in my case, my roommate.

Asher is a wreck because he believes this is his fault. Cade tries to talk him down, but Asher isn’t having it. He shakes him off and storms out of the locker room without another word.

I watch him go, feeling helpless. I don’t even know how I’m supposed to feel. We just won one of our toughest games of the season, and I played my heart out. But any pride I might feel is overshadowed by worry. It feels selfish to think about stats when Clément is suffering.

I toss my gear into my bag and make my way out of the locker room. My eyes immediately land on Fiona sitting alone on a bench in the hallway, her hands folded in her lap. As soon as she spots me, she jumps to her feet .

“Hey,” she says, quickly coming toward me.

“Hey,” I reply, exhaustion in my voice.

“How’s Clément?” she asks.

I shrug. “He’s with the doctors. We haven’t heard anything yet.”

“I’m so sorry,” she says softly. “I hope he’s okay.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

She touches my arm gently. “And how are you?”

I let out a long breath. “Honestly? I don’t even know how I’m supposed to feel.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, you played great tonight.”

I can’t help but smile. “Just like you said I would.”

She raises a brow. “So are you saying I was right?”

I chuckle. “I guess I am.”

“Hmm. I like the sound of that,” she exclaims.

I let out a heavy sigh. “So, do you have plans tonight?”

She shakes her head. “Not really.”

“Want to go to Shirley May’s with me?”

She grins. “I’d love to.”

Diner food and time with Fiona. I can’t think of anything better after the crazy evening I’ve had. And this woman has an unexplainable way of making everything better.

I’m convinced that a hamburger and fries might be the answer to all of life’s stress.

Fiona and I are at Shirley May’s Diner, sitting in the same booth we sat in the day we met.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Fiona asks, her eyes full of concern as she sips her chocolate milkshake .

I nod, popping a french fry into my mouth. “I am now.”

She lets out a relieved sigh. “Good.”

I shoot her a curious glance. “What about you? How’s the bird stuff going?”

She laughs lightly. “Surprisingly well. It’s kind of interesting. Oh! Did you hear what happened at the town council meeting?”

I shake my head. “No. I’ve been immersed in hockey.”

She leans in. “A time capsule was found in the basement of the haunted house.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Really?”

“Yes. So the council voted to declare the property a protected historic area.”

“Wow. That’s huge.”

“I know. So at least that area’s safe from that MacDonald guy and his big plans.”

I smirk. “Maybe there are time capsules hidden all over town.”

Fiona’s eyes light up. “Can you imagine? That would be amazing.”

“If not, hopefully the bird will step things up,” I tease.

She laughs. “Yes. Stranger things have happened.”

“What kind of bird is it again?”

“The Blue Rock Thrush.”

“Hmm…never heard of it.”

“Neither had I until Mabel told me about it.”

“We should try to find one,” I say with a grin.

“You mean go bird watching?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah. It could be the date you bid on.”

She laughs. “Is that seriously what you want to do for our date? ”

“I don’t care what we do—as long as I’m with you,” I blurt out.

As soon as hear myself say the words, my heart sinks. I usually think before I speak.

Her smile suddenly fades.

Yep, that was too much.

“Are you okay?” I ask gently.

She nods. “Yeah, fine.”

I give her a skeptical look. The energy has obviously shifted between us.

“Bird watching sounds great,” she says brightly. “After all my research, I'd love to see one in person.”

She’s trying to act like everything’s fine, but something’s off. And I can’t shake the feeling it has to do with her upcoming departure from Maple Falls. Whatever it is, I don’t want to push her to talk about it if she’s not ready.

“Great. It’s a date. We will try to find a Blue Rock Thrush.”

Well that’s something I never imagined myself saying.