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After leaving the surgeon’s office, we make a quick stop at Donut Worry before heading back home where I pack my bags for the Pittsburgh trip, and get ready to head to the training facility for a workout with the team. After the appointment this morning, I feel more comfortable leaving Francine to go on the road; I know she’s in good hands with Rachel here, but she’s also able to get around on her own now too. Even knowing that? I hate leaving her.
“I’ll be fine,” her hands are pressed against my chest as I lean against my front door, my hands gripping her hips. “Rachel will check in on me. Gladys and Walter, too. And my parents are home now, so they’re nearby. Stefan, I’m going to be fine.”
“If you say so.”
“Stefan. I don’t want you worrying about me. I want you worrying about Pittsburgh and the game on Saturday.”
“Easier said than done.”
“I know.” Francine softly kisses my lips. Once. Twice. A third time.
“Stop making it harder for me to walk out this door.”
“Sorry.” She offers a cheeky smile and I squeeze her hips in response. I really do have to get moving. “I’ll be here when you get back.”
We make quick work of Pittsburgh, and then we’re on the plane back to Detroit. Alex and Gabriel sat themselves on either side of me and much as I try to ignore them, they pepper me with questions for the whole plane ride.
“How’s Francine?”
“What’s next?”
“Are you bringing her to Union Day at the Mustangs game?”
“Would you two shut up and let me sleep?” I ask, closing my eyes and leaning back in my seat. “It’s been a long few days, we just beat the Miners and are looking at a potential playoff run. Leave me alone for a few hours. Please.”
Peace and quiet lasts for about five minutes before Gabriel and Alex are talking over me again.
“Francine is fine. Physical therapy is harder for me than it is for her. What’s next? I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it, but I hope there’s something in the cards for us. I’m planning to talk to her about it when I get home. I will also be asking her about Union Day. Now please leave me alone.”
“Yeah Alexander,” Gabriel laughs. “Leave him alone.”
I don’t sleep. I’m not surprised. Once the plane lands, I leave my idiot friends behind me and drive home as quickly as I can. I find Francine in the backyard tossing a ball to Stevie. She stops when she sees me, and I meet her in the middle of my backyard, sweeping her into a kiss.
“Hi,” she laughs, breaking the kiss as Stevie runs around our feet. “How’s it going?”
“Good. We beat the miners. How’ve you been?”
“Good. I uh…got a job offer while you were gone.”
“Oh.” My heart sinks to my feet. I know she’s been hoping for a call from USA Hockey. I don’t want to lose her, but I also know that she’s made for so much more than what she’s been doing here in Detroit. “What’s the offer?”
“The professional women’s league is expanding. I’ve been asked to be a part of the front office of a new team.”
“Where?” I whisper, holding her closer, afraid to let go.
“Detroit.”
“Stats!” I lift her into my arms and crush my lips to hers. “That’s incredible! Congratulations. This calls for celebration.”
“Donuts?”
“Donuts.”
EPILOGUE
STEFAN
I love opening day.There’s electricity in the air. The arena is buzzing, and everywhere I look, I see little girls wearing Detroit Women’s Hockey jerseys. My own is perched on my knee, her jersey several sizes too big because they haven’t started producing anything smaller than toddler sizes yet.
