One Last Shot

10, Houston

Ten – Houston

Sitting in the locker room with the guys, the first two periods over and we played out asses off and were in the lead. During warm ups I found Brent and Braelynn and tossed them both a puck. Every kid needs a puck their first NHL game. They were so excited, every single time I looked over they were out of their seats cheering. Brent man that kid is amazing, he came back to the locker room with me before the game and was naming everyone with their stats and all, the kid is only 8 and ridiculously smart. His love for Hockey would amaze me if his Father wasn't so good. Addison played when she was younger too, he's got the gene no doubt about that.

Gavin screwed up. We were both in the draft first round and when I was signed first, he snapped. I should have known then about his anger issues, but I was a rookie in the NHL, I got drafted first out of so many guys, nothing else mattered. He blames me, which never made any sense. His flip out on live TV is what caused him to lose out on his chance, his dream, not me. But he still got the girl, so in reality he still won.

Last period of the game we had a 2-point lead and I was going for a hat trick. The clock ticked down quick, there was an empty net on the other end, and I went for it. Slap shot the second I had the chance to steal the puck and time stood still. Cheers erupted in the stadium as it slid into the net hard and the goal buzzer went off a second before the end of the game. As we were celebrating, I took a second to skate over to Addison and the kids, fist bumping the glass as I slid by. They were all smiles and cheers and it felt amazing to have them here with me. For me.

Back in the locker room I showered and changed in record speed knowing they were waiting and when I opened the locker room door after saying bye to the guys they were there. Smiles wide as ever the kids ran over and threw their arms around me. Addison bit her top lip and walked over. I pulled her up against me careful of the kids and kissed her softly.

"You were so amazing!" Brent yelled jumping up and down. Braelynn agreed and was doing the same.

"I only played that good cause you guys were here. It's like you're my good luck charms. Now you have to at least watch every game or I'm going to suck." They both laughed, Addison's eyes haven't left mine.

"When is your next game?"

"Monday night, we leave tomorrow afternoon. I'll only be gone until Wednesday morning." She nodded. "Let's head back I bet these guys are tired."

I was right. The kids passed out within minutes of driving back to my house. It was about 11 by the time we left so it didn't surprise me. I looked down at Addison and I's locked together hands and smiled. She looked like she was dozing off as well.

"You can just stay, you saw for yourself I have the room. I don't want anyone falling asleep on the drive back."

"We wouldn't want to impose. I know you kind of have to pick your truck up."

"You being near me could never be an imposition." I caught her smile, she was so beautiful. "I'm not worried about the truck, I'll get it eventually. I'll send you home with the keys and if it needs moved you can move it if you don't mind." She smiled again.

"I think I can handle that for you."

"We can stay up and watch a movie or something, make sure the kids are settled first?" She nodded her head.

"That sounds perfect."

She nodded off not long after. I'm used to taking this drive alone late at night, so it didn't bother me at all. I was overly cautious about the speed limit this time with my precious cargo, but still made great time since there weren't too many people out tonight. I pulled down the driveway and hit the garage door opener, pulled in, shut the car off, closed the garage door. Addison stirred, looked around for a second before her eyes landed on me. I was trying not to laugh.