Bring it on

Epilouge

It's been some months now since that night-the night we danced together as husband and wife, the night that sealed everything I have always wanted. But even now, each time I think about it, I just can't believe how perfect it was. I've spent so much of my life on the ice, be that fighting for a win or skating through defeat, but nothing compares to holding Natalie's hand, looking into her eyes, knowing she's my forever.

Life since the wedding has been crazy, but crazy good. We've settled into our new life together. I've still got hockey on my plate, but it's different now. It's like I know I'm getting the support from the most important person, and honestly, that's all I need. Having her by my side, it's not so tough to face whatever comes next, whether it be a grueling game or those quiet times when it's just the two of us in the room.

She's still training, still chasing her dreams on the ice, and every time she steps out there, I'm still her biggest fan. It's a miracle to watch her in action-graceful, poised, strong-and with every performance, it's like I'm seeing her for the first time all over again. I just can't help but think how exceedingly lucky I am to be able to call her mine.

Tonight, we're at one of her competitions. The rink is abuzz, while the crowd fills in the seats, awaiting her performance. I stand off to the side, watching her in her warm-up gear, stretching and preparing. There's this calm, focused look on her face that I've come to know so well. It's the same look she's had since before she stepped out onto the ice at her first big competition, but now it's sharper. She's more confident, more comfortable in her skin. And I think that confidence comes from knowing she has me behind her, just as I know I've got her in my corner.

And when she's gliding out onto the ice, I just can't help but grin. She's a vision. Every move is perfect, every spin seamless. She owns the ice, just like she owns my heart.

I'm so proud of her. I always will be.

As she concludes her exercises, the audience gives a big applause. I am louder than anyone, rising to my feet to give her the greatest applause of all. She flashes a smile in my direction; even though hundreds of people are surrounding us, it's like she only sees me. We exchange a look that says everything-this is our world now, and nothing will ever change that.

Later that night, we're back in our hotel room, curled up on the couch with our favorite movie on. She leans her head against me, her hand coming to rest on my chest. I kiss the top of her head, holding her close.

"Do you ever think about how crazy it is that we're here?" she asks softly.

"Every day," I reply, my fingers running through her hair. "I never imagined my life would be like this. But I wouldn't change a thing."

"Me either," she murmurs. "I feel like we've been waiting for this forever."

"We have," I say, a smile tugging at my lips. "But the best part? We're just getting started."

And I know she's right. Every moment in her company has been amazing, but I really am looking forward to what's yet to come. The future's ours for the writing, together. For as long as we both shall live, we're in it together-on the ice, off it, through every win, every loss, and everything in between.
Because we've got forever. And forever's never looked better.

The end <33