Page 103 of Flashback for the Forward

The phone fell to my lap, and I blinked at her. Throat closing up, I rasped, “What?”

“It’s a non-profit I started.” Her lips curved into a smile. “With a little help, of course.”

“A non-profit,” I repeated. “In Russ’s memory?”

“Yeah. The plan is for it to serve several purposes. To distribute hockey scholarships to kids in low-income households so that the sport my brother loved can become more accessible. And to offer financial support to families who are impacted by childhood cancer.”

All I could do was stare at the woman I loved in wonder. “Bridget, this is incredible.”

Her green eyes lit up. “You think?”

“Russ would be so proud. I know I am.”

Smirking, she teased, “Can I cash in that feeling of pride for a tax-deductible donation?”

My head fell back, laughter rolling up my throat. “You bet your ass you can.” I leaned over to kiss her again. “I would be honored to be the first to contribute.”

I felt her smile against my lips. “Thank you, baby.”

Cupping her cheek, I whispered reverently, “You amaze me every day.”

And by the grace of God, we had an infinite number of them that lay ahead.

Epilogue

Bridget

One Year Later

“Wanna go for a sunset walk on the beach?” Cole asked as we cleared the dishes after dinner.

Twisting my lips, I pretended to consider his request. “Can we take Cinder?”

He hit me with that handsome smile that never failed to make my heart beat faster. “Wouldn’t want it any other way.”

I clapped my hands. “I’ll go get his backpack.”

Cole had been in a funk the past few days after the Surf missed out on the playoffs by one win. It had been absolutely heartbreaking for everyone involved, but I had faith that next year, they’d snag one of those sixteen spots and get their chance at competing for the greatest trophy in all of sports—at least in my opinion, anyway.

Cinder knew the drill by now. As soon as he saw the backpack carrier come out of the mudroom closet, he began rubbing against my leg and purring.

I unzipped the top, letting him climb in. Pressing a kiss to the top of his furry head, I murmured, “You are such a good boy.”

“Ready?” Cole appeared behind me, already wearing his sneakers.

“Yep!” Handing over the backpack so he could carry Cinder, I slipped into my flip-flops.

The walk to the neighborhood’s beach access was short, and soon our toes were in the sand.

Letting the waves crash over our feet, we walked slowly, enjoying the beautiful show that nature put on for us every night, casting the ocean in brilliant shades of gold as the sun made its final descent.

Ahead, I noticed a pop of red in the surf.

“What do you think that is?” I pointed toward it.

“Huh. Not sure,” Cole replied, his voice sounding strange for some reason. “Guess we should check it out.”

Letting go of his hand, I bent down to snatch the item that seemingly didn’t belong.