Page 57 of A Match Made In Fall

“I am.” I kiss the top of her head. “And no matter what happens, we’re celebrating afterward.”

“Celebrating what?”

“It doesn’t matter. You deserve a celebration for putting up with the boot.”

She snuggles up against my side. “That sounds good to me.”

Our conversation slowly drifts to different topics, everything except hockey.

For the first time since being on the ice, the sting of tonight’s loss has faded. All the frustration, the embarrassment, the endless replay of mistakes is a problem for tomorrow. Tonight, all that matters is spending time with Isabella. Being curled up on the couch with her, talking to her, gazing into her eyes, and kissing her.

For now, this is enough to make me forget everything else.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ISABELLA

Ireach for my phone and see that it’s six o’clock. I’m so tired because I spent most of the night tossing and turning, unable to shut off my brain. Most of my thoughts revolved around my doctor appointment, but that wasn’t the only thing keeping me awake. I was also thinking about Austin.

Lately, it feels like I can’t stop thinking about him and about how much I enjoy being around him. Everything feels complete when we’re together, like a puzzle with all the pieces. And there isn’t a doubt in my mind that he feels the same way.

Being with Austin is different from anything I’ve experienced before. We understand each other in ways I never expected. Hockey and ballroom dancing couldn’t be more opposite, but what comes with these careers is very similar. We both know what it’s like to perform under pressure while people watch, judge, and critique every move we make. We both understand the sacrifices, the demands, and the expectations. It’s a constant feeling that no matter how well you do, we need to do better, work harder, and never fall short. I’m sure a lot of people feel this way when it comes to their careers, but they don’t have to do it all in front of the world.

And yes, we chose these paths, but that doesn’t mean they’re always easy. There have been moments when I’ve questioned whether all the pressure and sacrifices are worth it. I felt that way after my injury, when everything I had worked for suddenly felt uncertain. When it seems like your whole world is crumbling around you, doubt has a way of creeping in, no matter how strong or determined you are.

I felt so terrible for Austin last night.

I’m still learning about hockey, but even I could tell the game had been a disaster. The team seemed to lose all momentum, and by the end of the night the disappointment in the arena was obvious. Austin tried to put on a brave face afterward, but I could see how much it bothered him.

More than anything, he felt like he had let people down. And I have felt this many times.

I did my best to lift his spirits, but I also encouraged him to let himself feel. Pretending losses don’t hurt doesn’t change the reality. He’s paid to perform to his best abilities and falling short cuts to the core.

Eventually, we stopped talking about hockey altogether. He didn’t want it to consume our evening, and thankfully it didn’t. We laughed, teased each other, and talked about other things. By the time he drove me home, the frustration that had been hanging over him seemed lighter.

At least, I hope it was. If I made him forget about the game for a few hours, I consider that a win.

It’s very early, but I send him a quick message. He told me he was expecting a rough day ahead, and afterward the team is heading out of town for some away games.

Good morning. I hope the coach isn’t too hard on you today. I’ll let you know what the doctor says.

I hit send and smile to myself.

Austin asked for a full update as soon as I leave the doctor. He was so cute when he told me he was going to miss my boot. And maybe I will too, which is wild.

I can’t deny that I never would’ve met him if this hadn’t happened. And I guess that’s one of the bright spots in an otherwise difficult experience. I’ve always believed things happen for a reason, and maybe this is one of those situations. Maybe one stupid injury led me exactly where I was supposed to be.

I stay in bed for a few more minutes before finally accepting that I’m not going back to sleep. I’m too anxious about the day to stay still.

As soon as I hear baby babble, I hop out of bed. I love when Jude comes to visit in the mornings.

After quickly brushing my teeth, I head to the kitchen.

“Hello, everyone,” I call. “Hello, baby boy. Auntie Isabella is so happy to see you.”

I kneel next to his highchair and cover his chubby cheeks with kisses.

“Good morning. Today’s the day. How are you feeling?” Sammy asks.