Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 130275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 651(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 130275 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 651(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
Cara had joined me at the game and put her arm around me just as the rest of the Harvard team took to the ice, skating in Cillian’s honor too—a team mourning one of their own. I watched as Cael approached where I stood. My hand covered my mouth as he drew closer.
“Cael …” I whispered as he stopped in front of me. His eyes were streaming with tears, and he pressed his hand to the glass before me. I reached out and touched it too, like there wasn’t glass between us, and our palms kissed. He dropped his forehead to it—I did the same. I shed tears for the man I had never met but already missed so much. And I cried for the boy I was madly in love with, who was sharing his pain with the world, to honor the brother he missed so much.
When he pulled back, I mouthed, “I love you. I’m so proud of you.”
“I love you too,” Cael said, then made his way to the tunnel. I kept my hand on that glass as he came out again to play. And I never looked away from him as he flew around the ice like he was born with steel blades on his feet and a stick in his hands.
He played with his whole heart.
He honored the brother he lost.
Cael scored four goals.
And Harvard won.
For Cillian.
* * *
Cael
Adrenaline was surging through my veins as I sat down at my locker in the changing room. I tipped my head back and closed my eyes, hearing the team celebrate our first win of the season. Sweat dripped down my back, and my heart thundered in my chest.
We had won. We had won for Cillian. I turned my head, like he was here beside me. I’d felt him beside me on that ice tonight. After he’d passed, I’d felt robbed of our future playing together. But he was there tonight, I knew it. And one thing I’d learned over this past year was that Cillian would always be with me, as he was a part of me. Not even death could take that away.
I smiled as I pictured him beside me. You did it, little brother. You did it!
We did it, I would say. We did it, like we always planned.
A hand landed on my shoulder. I looked up to see my coach. The whole team was looking at me. Most I knew. They were Cillian’s friends. And by the tears in most of their eyes, they felt him here with us too.
“This game puck belongs to you, son,” Coach said, and I took it from him. I wasn’t one for words, so I simply stood, kissed the puck, and held it up to the heavens.
This one’s for you, Cill. This one’s for you.
* * *
I walked out of the changing room and smiled when I saw Savannah waiting for me. She was huddled against the wall alone making herself as small as possible, her friend clearly having gone home. She would always be my highly introverted girl. The look of relief and pride on her pretty face and bright blue eyes when she saw me nearly knocked me over.
As soon as I went to her, I scooped her up in my arms. She melted against me and whispered, “I … I don’t have the words for tonight, baby. I …” She tipped her head back and said, “I’m just so proud of you. And your new jersey number, how strong you were …” She shook her head when words escaped her.
“I love you too, Peaches,” I said, and she cast me a shaky smile just before I kissed and kissed her, not wanting to ever stop.
“Cael?” A familiar voice cut through me kissing my girl. I laughed when I turned, and my mom and dad stood there, amusement on their faces. Savannah must have seen the family resemblance, as she instantly turned red with embarrassment.
“I take it this is the famous Savannah?” my dad said and held out his hand to Savannah.
“Yes, sir,” Savannah said, melting me with her shyness and impeccable southern manners.
Dad shook her hand, but my mom stepped closer and wrapped Savannah up in a hug. I didn’t miss it when she whispered “Thank you. Thank you for helping save my son,” into Savannah’s ear.
Savannah held my mom back, tightly, then said, “It’s so nice to meet you, ma’am.” She gave me a shy smile. “I love your son very much. He helped save me too.”
This girl …
“We’ll leave you two alone,” Dad said, then hugged me, hard. “I’ve never been so proud of anyone in my entire life, son,” he said, making my throat clog up.
Mom came to me next and said, “She’s beautiful, Cael. So gorgeous and sweet.” I couldn’t wait for my parents to get to know Savannah. Mom stepped back and took tight hold of my dad’s hand. “I’m making dinner this Sunday.” She turned to Savannah. “We’d love for you to come, sweetheart.”