Deafening applause and cheers rang out.
Then Dylan set it aside. "It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as your captain for the past five seasons, and to play for my hometown team for the past ten years. You've embraced my family from the moment my dad joined the team over thirty years ago and all the way up to today. Buffalo will always be my home. My teammates and you fans will always hold a special place in my heart."
More cheers rang out.
Dylan's brow wrinkled. His lips pressed together for a moment, and he took a deep breath. "As you know, I took a few hits to the head this season. You supported me throughout my recovery and I can't thank you enough. The coaching staff, the medical team, and our trainers helped me return to the ice so that I could continue to live out my dream of not only playing hockey, but winning the best trophy in all of sports with my teammates and for this city. I've wanted to hold the Cup ever since I saw my dad hoist it over his head when I was a little kid. Sharing this with him and with my brother is even more special than I'd imagined."
He wasn't smiling. He glanced at Rod. The younger Fraser patted Dylan's shoulder. "Not only that, but I'm getting a brother-in-law out if the deal too. Leo Brennan made this team stronger and tougher."
The crowd cheered again as Leo rested his hand on Dylan's other shoulder.
"But the time has come for me to hang up my skates. I can't deny that I've been worried about my health. Concussions are scary things. Long-term effects are even scarier. Scary enough that it's making me stop playing a game I'd hoped I could have played for another ten years." His voice cracked, and he cleared his throat.
Blair's heart hurt for him.
"Life is more than just hockey. It's spending time with the people you care about." He held onto the mic. "I hope my decision is going to give me that time. Blair, if you're listening, I want to tell you that I'm sorry."
Her dad nudged her shoulder and nodded.
Dylan continued, "When I was standing on the ice, holding the Cup, it was supposed to be everything I'd ever wanted. But my heart was empty. Broken. Hollow. Because I didn't have you to share it with me. I love you. I hope it's not too late for us, or for you to love me too."
Tears burned behind her eyes. She pushed through the crowd until she stood in front of the stage. Dylan's eyes widened. He motioned for security to help her climb up.
"You're here. I wasn't sure if you would be."
She brushed away the tears from her cheeks. "Dad wanted to come."
He glanced at the crowd and then pulled her over to the mic. "So, thank you again for all of the support over the years. I'm handing the puck off to alternate captain, Anton Celek."
As applause rang out and curious questions bombarded the stage, Dylan beckoned for her to follow him. Too many people milled around. He flagged down a security guard in a golf cart, and within minutes, they were dropped off next to Dylan's car in the player's parking lot.
She tucked her hair behind her ear, unsure of where to begin. "So."
Dylan's gaze blazed with intensity as it searched her face. He took a step toward her, then stopped and shoved his hands into his pockets. "You heard my speech?"
"The whole thing."
"What did you think?"
"Over the past few days, I've had a little time to think, and I talked to my dad too. I know that if I wanted something badly enough, I'd go for it no matter what. I can't fault you for chasing something that you've been set on your whole life, especially when it was so close to finally coming true. I understand how much it means to you, at least I think I do. I understand why you went out there on that ice."
"I thought it would be everything. It is special. And I'm glad I shared the experience with Rod. But I know you were right. Playing while having symptoms wasn't smart. I don't want to be messed up and suffering with problems later in life."
The regret in his gaze prompted her to brush her hand over his. "I'm even prouder of you for retiring."
His brows rose and his eyes filled with hope before doubt clouded them again. "In the interest of full disclosure, I've been having some headaches since that game, and some dizziness and headaches off and on for a little while before that too. My reaction time has been just a shade off for weeks. I'm worried I have post-concussion syndrome. And that scares me. I made an appointment with a neurologist who specializes in concussions for Monday morning, which can't come soon enough."
She laced their fingers together and squeezed his hand. "Whatever you need help with, I'll be there."
His hand tightened around hers. Then he lifted his other hand to cradle her cheek. "I know what you go through with your dad and I don't want to become a burden or cause you stress. So before we go any further here, if I messed us up too much, or if I'm messed up too much, I don't want you to feel like you're obligated to stay."
"Dylan." She stepped closer and linked her other arm around his neck and carefully pulled him into her embrace. "I love you. And I want to be with you. We'll face whatever happens together."
"I need you with me." His arms wrapped around her and held her close. "I love you too. So much."
Seeking his kiss, she rose onto her toes and smiled when his lips touched hers. Warm, real, and right.
What had started off as only friends had grown to a lot more. She had Dylan, and Dylan had her, and they'd figure out
