Page 405 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I turn it over in my hands. It looks ordinary enough, but I know it’s not.

Around us, puzzled smiles spread through the group. Everyone knows Annette and I had a surprise planned. No one seems quite sure what it is.

Annette slips her fingers through mine. "You ready?"

I look at her, not at the puck, not at our family gathered around us. Just her.

I grin. “Let's find out.”

Caleb points toward the small shooting pad he'd quietly placed in the grass.

"No slap shot."

Coach snorts. "He wasn't listening until you said that."

"I heard every word."

"I don't believe you."

Laughter ripples through the group, exactly as Caleb intended.

The nerves disappear as I lay the puck on the pad, take one step back, settle my stick behind it, then glance once more toward Annette.

She nods.

I draw the stick back just enough.

The puck jumps forward.

Cracks cleanly against the shooting board.

For one heartbeat...

Nothing happens.

Then the puck splits neatly in half.

A cloud of soft pink powder drifts into the summer air.

Silence.

***

For one stunned heartbeat, nobody moves. Then the realization sweeps across the deck all at once.

Both of our moms press their hands over their mouths.

Becca lets out the happiest little squeal. A very pregnant Sadie throws her arms around Colby while Jillie dances around them both.

Coach claps me hard enough on the shoulder to remind me that I probably shouldn't have stood quite so close.

"A granddaughter," Dad says quietly, his smile reaching all the way to his eyes.

I don't think I hear anyone else after that.

I just turn. Annette is already looking at me. Her eyes shine with tears she isn't trying to hide.

"So..." she whispers.