The Proposal

Chapter 8

Jame's perspective

The rink was buzzing with the usual post-practice energy as the team wrapped up their warm-down with a grueling ten laps around the ice. I could feel the cold bite of the air and the rhythmic scrape of skates against the ice, a comforting reminder of the hard work we put in every day. Even though the laps were exhausting, it was a crucial part of our training regimen, helping us build endurance and cool down after an intense practice session.

"Hey, James!" Luke's voice cut through the noise, drawing my attention. He was skating beside me, matching my pace as we rounded the corner. "When are we going to get our suits?"

I glanced at him, trying to catch my breath as we continued our laps. "How about tomorrow after practice? We don't have a game until Saturday, so it should work out well."

Luke nodded, his expression brightening. "Sounds good. I'll message the group chat to let everyone know."

We skated in silence for a moment, the only sounds being our breathing and the rhythmic thud of our laps around the rink. The team had been incredibly supportive throughout the engagement planning, and I was grateful for their enthusiasm in being a part of the wedding. I'd asked them to be part of the wedding party, and they were all eager to get involved.

"Thanks for helping with the suits, by the way," I said, giving Luke a friendly nod. "It means a lot that you're all making an effort to be a part of this."

Luke grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Hey, it's not every day one of us gets hitched. Plus, it'll be fun to get dressed up and show off our moves on the dance floor."

I chuckled, appreciating Luke's humor. "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I've heard the wedding's going to be quite the event."

As we completed our laps, the rest of the team gathered around, stretching and chatting about the day's practice. I could see their anticipation about the upcoming wedding, and it made me smile. The thought of sharing this special day with my teammates, who were like family to me, was something I truly looked forward to.

"So, what's the plan for tomorrow?" Ryan asked, his breath visible in the chilly air.

"We're heading to get fitted for our suits after practice," I explained. "Luke's going to message the group chat to confirm the details. We're aiming for around noon."

"Got it," Carter =said, nodding. "Can't wait to see what we'll be wearing."

After the last lap, we all gathered in the locker room, still buzzing from the workout. I was relieved to see that everyone seemed excited about the suit fitting. It was one more step toward the big day, and having the support of my team made the whole process even more special.

As we finished up and started heading out, I caught Luke's eye and gave him a thumbs-up. "Thanks for handling the arrangements, man. I owe you one."

"No problem," Luke said with a grin. "Just don't forget to save me a dance at the wedding."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I replied, clapping him on the back.

With that, the team began to disperse, heading off to their various post-practice routines. I lingered a moment, savoring the camaraderie and feeling grateful for the support surrounding me. As I made my way to the parking lot, thoughts of the wedding mingled with the anticipation of the upcoming game, making for a busy but exciting week ahead.

It wasn't just about the suits or the wedding plans; it was about celebrating this next chapter in my life with the people who mattered most. I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, having my team and my soon-to-be wife by my side made everything feel right.