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That's the beautiful part. He doesn't need to score the hero goal or drag the roster on his back anymore.

Before the players can leave the ice, Big Mike walks out of the tunnel in a suit and dress shoes that have no business being on frozen water, carrying a microphone. His first step onto the rink sends one polished shoe sideways, but Aidan catches him by the elbow, sets him upright and skates away before anybody can acknowledge what happened.

Big Mike straightens his jacket and lifts the microphone.

All around the ice, the players freeze mid-celebration. Coach Dave, halfway to the tunnel, sighs loudly like staying for another five minutes is a huge inconvenience.

"Christmas," Big Mike begins grandly, "is about wonder. About magic. About second chances." He gestures at the Wildcards. "When I built this team, people said I'd assembled a roster of misfits, leftovers, and one man who was just technically here to deliver a tree."

"STILL WAITING TO BE PAID FOR THAT TREE," Hunter calls out. Susan smacks him around the back of the head.

"Invoice my assistant." Big Mike winks. "As I was saying… These men proved that second chances are worth more than keeping things safe. That's what this tournament was always about. That's what this resort is about."

Coach Dave raises his hand. "Does this speech affect our winner's bonus?"

"Your money is safe, David."

"Then continue. Beautifully said. Very moved."

Big Mike turns toward center ice, and my heart climbs into my throat because I know exactly what's coming.

I've been holding onto this surprise all night.

Miles made me swear not to tell his parents about his new role at the Snow Leopards. He wanted it to be a surprise. Even his brothers don't really know why they got invited to this game tonight. They think we just had spare tickets.

But as I look across and see Miles's entire family watching Big Mike carefully, I can't help but bounce on the spot with excitement.

Here we go.

"Which is why it's my genuine pleasure to announce that after this tournament concludes, Miles Stratton will be joining the Chilmore Snow Leopards as an assistant coach!"

All the families around the rink starting cheering from from the edges.

But around me?

The Stratton family lounge has lost it's fucking mind.

"OH MY GOD!" Greg shouts, pumping a fist in the air.

Will and Hunter are jumping up and down, hugging. "He's staying in Chilmore!"

It's chaos, and all around me, Miles's family are in hysterics. Susan’s hot chocolate tips into Greg’s lap. Hunter pounds both fists against the glass while Will waves his upside-down penis tree like a festive battle flag.

Nobody even notices Greg’s trousers are soaked until he begins insisting the warmth near his crotch is entirely beverage-related.

Eventually, Susan bursts into tears and squeezes my arm. "You knew?!"

I smile and nod. "That's why we insisted you be here tonight!"

Greg shakes his head at me and makes a strangled sound, immediately blaming 'the cold air' for the fact he's crying. Hunter and Will start chanting Miles's name while pounding the glass, and I'm on my feet with my hand pressed over my mouth, watching the man I love stand at center ice looking completely overwhelmed while every Wildcard hammers their sticks against the boards.

Miles's eyes find me and he points at me in front of everyone. Like some desperate runaway bride had anything to do with this incredible man finally standing proudly where he belongs.

Nate skates forward holding a gift wrapped in red ribbon. "Since our captain is abandoning us for a clipboard—"

"I have four games left, you idiot—"

"—we've organized a small retirement present for you."