Page 167 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

The relief that crosses his face lasts only a second before he covers it with his familiar easy smile. "Good."

"I should probably ask one question first." His expression becomes cautiously serious. "What question?"

"Will there be skating?"

He blinks. "At a charity skate?"

"I've learned not to assume anything where fundraisers are concerned."

He laughs. "There will definitely be skating."

"Good."

"Can you skate?"

"Poorly."

"That's all right."

He slips his hands into his jacket pockets.

"I'll be there."

"I wasn't worried about that."

"No?"

"I've seen you refuse to let a shoulder injury beat you." I smile. "I don't think a pair of skates has much chance."

He shakes his head, still laughing. "I may come to regret inviting you."

"I certainly hope so."

***

The following evening, I park outside Frostholm Arena twenty minutes before the event begins.

The building rises above the surrounding streets exactly the way it always has whenever I've driven past it. Bright banners hang from the entrance, each bearing the Blizzards' storm crest, while volunteers carry boxes of donated equipment through the front doors.

I've been here before for one other community skate night with some of the PTs from work. But tonight feels different. Tonight I'm not arriving as a fan. I'm Jamie's guest.

The realization makes me unexpectedly nervous.

I smooth an imaginary wrinkle from my sweater and remind myself that I'm attending a fundraiser, not walking onto national television.

Even so, my pulse quickens as I step through the main entrance. The scent of fresh ice, popcorn and coffee wraps around me almost immediately. Some smells never change. They simply remind you where you are.

"Annette." I turn toward the sound of my name. Jamie is walking across the lobby toward me. He's wearing dark jeans, polished boots and a navy Blizzards jacket with the captain's C stitched proudly over his heart.

For just a moment... I don't see the man who struggles through shoulder exercises or laughs over coffee after therapy. I see Captain Jamie Walker.

NHL captain.

Face of the Frostholm Blizzards.

Leader of one of hockey's most respected franchises.

He notices me looking at the crest.