Page 68 of Cross Checks

A huge smile appeared on my face as soon as we crossed the Cold Pines town limit sign in our rental car. I imagined that the sleepy streets were welcoming us back like old friends. The air was crisp and salty from the ocean.

“Can you believe we’re back?” Hank asked as he steered the car around a corner.

“It feels like coming home.” The town shaped me into the man I’d become, and I was returning to confirm my appreciation, love, and support.

We arrived at the Cougars arena an hour before the press conference was scheduled to begin. It all looked familiar. Coach Z and Hoss were waiting for us.

“Look who decided to grace us with their presence,” Coach Hoss announced. He stepped forward and affectionately pulled me into a headlock. His grip was strong, but not painful, and I couldn’t stop myself from laughing.

A few other familiar faces joined our small group. One of those, my buddy Jensen, stepped forward with a big smile on his face.

“I’ve got some news, too, guys. I’m retiring from life as an active player, but I won’t be going too far. These two guys have hired me as an additional assistant coach.”

I was stunned into a silence for a moment, but then I stepped forward to offer Jensen a fierce hug. I held back tears as I thumped his back, thinking how lucky the Cougars were to keep him as part of the team.

As we stood there, chatting about the upcoming conference, Lyle, one of Hank’s oldest friends at the Cold Pines firehouse, joined us. He had news to share, too.

“Hank, you’re not gonna believe this. I’m gonna be the new Fire Chief here in Cold Pines. When Chief Newton, they hired someone from outside, and that didn’t work out. This time they decided to look inside the force, and the spotlight fell on me.”

“Wow, Lyle!” Hank exclaimed. “Sounds like they were smart this time. You’ll make an outstanding Fire Chief.” I watched as Hank hugged his friend fiercely.

"Damn, Lyle, that's incredible!" I exclaimed, my heart swelling with pride for my friend's accomplishment. Hank, who had been Lyle's partner-in-crime since childhood, hugged him fiercely, their strong bond evident in every slap on the back and hearty laugh they shared.

We were missing one very important person, and he rolled in at the last minute. I would recognize the shock of blond hair and riveting blue eyes anywhere.

“Eddie! It’s about time you showed up.”

He jogged up to us. “Sorry, guys, they delayed my flight to Portland. I leaned on the driver all the way from the airport.”

Coach Z looked at his watch. “You made it with ten minutes to spare.”

Eddie exhaled and then made the rounds, offering hugs.

I glanced around at our group, a motley collection of athletes, firefighters, and childhood friends. We’d all managed to work together to mold ourselves into successful adults, rooted in our shared love for Cold Pines.

“Okay, everyone,” Coach Z called out, “let’s get this press conference started.”

We gathered at the front of the rink, and Coach Z stood behind a podium with a mounted microphone. The Cold Pines Cougars team banner hung behind him, easily visible to any cameras.

In addition to a respectable group of reporters, we drew an impressive crowd of locals to celebrate the news of Eddie’s trade with us.

Coach Z didn’t waste time in introducing me. He praised my young career in the sport, and I walked up to the mic.

“Thank you all so much for coming,” I began. My voice started to shake when I said, “This is a great day for me and the entire hockey world. I’m here to help you all celebrate a reunion. I’ll get right to the point. My team, the Florida Panthers have acquired the next guy to play at my side like we did over three years ago here in Cold Pines.”

The gathered crowd applauded as Eddie strolled to the podium. Before he could say anything, I said, “I know I speak for both Eddie and me when I say that none of this would be possible without the ongoing support and guidance of Coach Z and Coach Hoss. They took us in as cocky rookies and transformed us into the guys that are now NHL veterans.”

“Only got one thing to say,” Eddie announced. “Here’s to the future!” He raised his brand new Florida Panthers high to a massive round of applause.’

The crowd started to disperse, but I grabbed the microphone. “Wait, everybody! I’ve got one person I have to thank.”

I gestured for Hank to join me at the podium, and the crowd parted to let him through. He had a rosy blush on his cheeks as he stood at my side.

I wrapped an arm around him to steady both of us. “Without this man, I wouldn’t be standing here today. Hank, you are my anchor in life, and I’m eternally grateful for your unwavering love and support.”

Cameras flashed wildly as I dipped him into a searing kiss. The cheers erupted again, echoing throughout the arena.

“Okay, folks, that concludes our conference,” Coach Z announced. “It’s time for these guys to head home to the Sunshine State, but don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll be back. They know they always have a home here in Cold Pines.”

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