Page 108 of Three Hockey Hotties

I smile. I’ve always been a fan of Danielle, the woman who infamously married Nathan Armstrong, Crew McNeill, and Michael Hughes, the Racketeers team doctor at the time.

I glance at the ice again. Hmm. She’s making it work, very publicly, with three men.

“But Kane made a call, I guess,” Rosie goes on. “And it turns out that Dash has met Blake Wilder a few times and Blake is impressed with him.”

I suppose that makes sense. They’re both goalies within the same organization. And Dash is impressive, if I do say so myself.

It also makes sense that Crew might know who Kane is.

“I didn’t even know they knew them,” I say. “They didn’t tell me they were getting those things.”

Rosie smiles. “I think they just did it for the cause. Not to impress you.” Then she laughs. “And I don’t think Kane knows Crew McNeill. He just kind of goes for it, doesn’t he? He strikes me as the type to just believe you have to shoot your shot.”

I laugh and nod. “Yes, that’s him.”

Thomas eyes me. “Well, it seems to be working out for him. Professionally and personally.”

I watch my men on the ice, and at that moment Kane happens to glance over and catch me watching. He gives me a big grin, and I lift my hand and wave at him.

He is such a good guy.

I am very much looking forward to showing all of my men how much their support means to me tonight.

“Oh, there are some people I need to speak to as well,” my boss says. “Excuse me.” She moves off, and I remember the envelope in my hand. I tear it open and read little card.

My good mood evaporates instantly as I read the note. Then I stare at the photo enclosed.

It’s a photo of Eli Dickerson.

He’s smiling. He’s also completely bald. And very thin and pale.

“Oh my God, Abby, are you all right?”

Thomas reaches out and grabs my arm as I wobble. Rosie is right in my face, trying to get me to focus.

“What’s going on?” she asks, gripping my upper arms.

“He…died.”

Rosie gasps. “Who did?”

I swallow with difficulty. “Eli Dickinson.”

I look up at Thomas and see that he already knew this.

“I’m sorry,” he says. “I thought you knew.”

I shake my head. “No. I didn’t hear.”

I love all of the kids and have gotten to know a few of them through this event, but I felt bonded to Eli. He had the same cancer I did.

“He got sick again about six months ago,” Thomas says.

“This says he passed four months ago,” I say, my voice shaking.

Thomas nods. “It went quickly.”

I shake my head. I feel the tears welling up, but no matter how quickly I blink, I can’t make them disappear. I look down at Eli‘s photo.