Page 369 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"Ready to make one hockey captain the happiest man in Frostholm?"

I smile so widely my cheeks hurt.

"More than ready."

Coach nods toward the florist waiting nearby who hands me a small bouquet of white roses and baby’s breath. My bridesmaids stand in front of me smiling and ready.

Coach places a hand on the door handle.

The music changes. Every conversation beyond those doors falls silent. Dad gently squeezes my arm. I take one slow breath.

On the other side of those doors Jamie is waiting.

And in just a few moments, he won't be my hockey captain anymore.

He'll be my husband.

The doors begin to open.

Chapter forty-one

Jamie

Full Hearts

I have played in sold-out arenas. I've skated onto Olympic ice.

I've stood beneath national television lights while twenty thousand people screamed my name.

None of it prepared me for waiting at the end of this aisle.

The little church overlooking Briar Cove’s town square has never felt larger. Or quieter.

Sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows, filling the sanctuary with soft shades of blue and gold.

Pastor Ronald stands beside me.

Toby waits on my other side, looking far more relaxed than I feel.

The front pews are already filled with the people who've carried us here.

Our parents. Coach and Becca.

Next to Toby and me, my teammates stand together, looking suspiciously well-behaved for once.

The first notes of the processional begin and the chapel doors open.

Brooke appears first. She smiles as she walks slowly down the aisle wearing a shimmering light blue dress, bouquet in hand. I sneak a peek at Caleb and he looks awestruck. I wonder if today may push him to go to his knee for something other than stopping pucks.

At the front, she slips quietly to the opposite side of the altar.

Paige follows. Then Sadie.

Then comes Keisha as the door closes behind her.

She walks alone. Confident. Steady.

She reaches the front of the chapel and takes her place at the altar opposite Toby and me.