Page 387 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Across the lawn, Noah races over carrying the painted sign one last time.

"I didn't want you to forget it."

"I don't think that's possible," I tell him.

Jamie kneels beside him. "We're hanging it by the front door tomorrow."

Noah beams with unmistakable pride. "I knew you would."

Jamie quietly hands it off to Caleb to slide it behind the truck seat.

One by one the children from the foundation gather around us for one last picture.

Someone jokes that we'll need a bigger cabin if they all decide to visit at once.

Jamie smiles.

"They'll always be welcome."

No one doubts he means it.

***

Outside the tent, a line begins quietly forming. Long silver sparklers appear from somewhere.

Liam, naturally.

Coach shakes his head. "I specifically told you not to buy fireworks."

"They're sparklers."

"Details."

"They're festive details."

Coach sighs.

Within minutes two glowing rows stretch toward the gravel drive leading to the truck.

Tiny lights flicker against the deepening blue evening while laughter drifts across the lake.

Jamie reaches for my hand.

"Ready?"

I look back once.

At the tent.

At the people still smiling.

At the families who have become one.

At the life I never expected to find.

I turn back toward Jamie and smile. "I'm ready."

Together we step between the sparkling lights.