Page 304 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

When I open my eyes, she’s still there. Waiting. Trusting. I draw a slow breath.

“There’s something about my life almost nobody knows.”

Her fingers tighten around mine.

“And tonight…”

I meet her gaze.

“…I don’t want there to be any more secrets between us.”

***

I don't say anything for a long moment.

Annette has always been patient with my silences. She never rushes to fill them or mistakes them for distance. Instead, she simply stands beside me, our hands linked, watching the lights of Frostholm shimmer beyond the glass.

Finally, I nod toward the sitting area.

"Come here."

She follows me to the sofa without a word. We sit facing one another, knees almost touching. The room is quiet except for the faint hum of the city beyond the windows.

"I've wanted to tell you this before," I admit. "I just couldn't figure out how."

Annette smiles gently.

"You know, most people start with, 'There's something you should know about me.'"

"I considered that."

"What happened?"

"I realized it sounded like I was about to confess to murder."

She laughs, the sound instantly easing some of the tension knotting my shoulders.

"That's probably fair."

"I figured I'd save the dramatic opening."

"I'm grateful."

Her smile fades into something softer. "So... tell me."

I lean forward, resting my forearms on my knees.

"You know my family owns the Walker Foundation."

She nods.

"And you know my parents have spent most of their lives building hospitals, rehabilitation centers, scholarships...all of that."

"I do."

"What most people don't know is where all of that comes from."

She waits quietly.