Melting Away The Ice (THE ICE SERIES)

by Smith, Mary

  My mom was telling a story about one of her kids in class when we heard Sara’s phone go off. We all turned and looked at her as she reached for it. Her eyes filled with tears and she looked at me. I was holding my breath when she handed me the phone.

  Karla Thompson: Guilty he will be sentenced in 6 weeks.

  It was the greatest thing I’d ever read. Everyone was staring at me when the waiter brought us our drinks.

  “We also need a round of Canadian Club shots because we are celebrating.” The whole table erupted in cheers and laughs.

  We all did a few shots, even my mom and aunt. Then we had an amazing dinner. It was great conversation and I couldn’t remember the last time we all had this much fun.

  We said good-bye to Max and Rachel, then my family headed back to my house. Everyone was quiet in the car and when we got home everyone disbursed into their own rooms, making me thankful for my big house. Sara and I curled up on the couch watching ESPN.

  “I’m sorry that you missed the game.” She looked up at me with her pouty lips and I couldn’t help but smile.

  “I am not sorry at all. I didn’t want to be anywhere else but with you.” I quickly pecked her lips.

  “I love you, Lucas.”

  “I love you, beautiful.”

  Epilogue

  Lucas

  My legs were burning, fans were screaming and we just had one more minute. We were tied in game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. We were so close. Jonathan passed me the puck and I took off like a bolt and skated faster than ever.

  I didn’t have a clear shot so I passed to Patrick. He missed shooting wide right. Jonathan got the puck back and passed to Max, then Max passed back to me. I still didn’t have a clear shot so I passed it back. Max shot and ……………..

  Sara

  Ava, Rachel, and I screamed our heads off when Max made the goal. Victoria and Elizabeth were next to me clapping like crazy. We still had thirty seconds and knew a lot could happen. Lucas went to center ice to take the face off. All of us grabbed each other’s hands, saying a silent prayer. Lucas won the face off and Max got the puck. The boys skated toward the opposing goal and tried to get one more shot.

  Twenty seconds ……..

  Max took the shot and missed. Patrick recovered and passed to Lucas who took another shot.

  Ten seconds……….

  Lucas missed, but Max recovered and held onto the puck.

  Buzzer………..

  The Chicago Eagles were champions. The crowd was deafening. On the ice, the whole team was throwing their gloves, sticks, and helmets off for a group celebration. I felt happy tears streaming down my face as all five of us headed down to the bench. We had our family badges and were easily on the ice in no time.

  Max skated to us first and kissed Rachel like it was the last time they would ever kiss. Lucas was doing an interview and even though, he was all sweaty, he had an amazing glow.

  The commissioner then announced the MVP. It was Max. The whole team clapped and yelled for him. Rachel never looked happier. She was truly in love and I was so happy for my best friend.

  Finally, they announced for Lucas to come get the Cup. He had the brightest smile on his face. When he finally lifted the Cup up over his head, the crowd and everyone on the ice roared. He handed it off and then skated to us, kissing me like he never did before. He wrapped his mom, Ava and Elizabeth in a huge hug and even hugged Rachel. We all knew that he was busy and he was off to do more interviews. The security guard shuffled us to the tunnel. We knew that it would be a while so we headed out to the parking garage. It was a beautiful night and I could not be happier.

  We all chatted about the game and plays. I understood hockey now and yes, I enjoyed it. I took a moment and thought back to these past several months. So much had changed. I had a family that I talked to daily. I had a man that loved me more than anything. Jake was in jail for the next fifteen years and I knew that I never had to worry about him again. My life was perfect.

  I didn’t know how long we all stood there, but finally Max emerged and tackled Rachel. She squealed as he threw her over his shoulder to the sound of our laughter. The door opened again and Lucas came out. Ava took off toward him and jumped into his arms and he easily caught her. Their relationship was tighter than siblings and they loved each other so much. Lucas put her down and hugged his mother and aunt.

  He finally came to me and kissed me again. It was such a hot kiss that it easily melted the ice away.

  Acknowledgments

  First, I need to thank God. My life is nothing without Him.

  I need to thank my amazing husband, Bret. You encouraged me all the way and I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you in my life. You’re my best friend and I can’t wait to spend my whole life with you.

  Brandon, Jonathon, and Miriah you three are the most incredible people and I love you all so much! Thank you for being amazing step-kids!

  Bailey, where do I even start? You are the most talented, amazing, and greatest author. I am so lucky to have you in my life and to call you my friend. I don’t think I could put in words how much you mean to me. You were the first person I told about my book and you have been with me every step of the way. I could never repay you for all that you have done. I will forever honor my title as your number one fan.

  Kelly S., you have been there for me no matter day or night and I thank you. Thank you for your encouraging words and helpfulness with this book. I heart you.

  Candace and Kathryn, you two have become like my sisters. I don’t think I could put into words how awesomesauce you both are to me. Every day I strived to be as awesome as you two are. Thank for all that you do!

  Kristina Circelli, you have more patience than anyone. Thank you so much for editing my book. Also, I am sorry that I don’t know where a comma goes. I will work on that for the future.

  Charity, you really are the kindest and sweetest person in the world. Thank you for letting me use your name. Wharves!

  Karla and Faren you two are the greatest cousins a girl could ask for. I love you both, bunches!

  Lindsay Paige thank you for being so amazing! I don’t know how to put into words just what a wonderful and outstanding person you are! But you are and THANK YOU! Just for you I will say “Let’s Go Pens!” *cough* And Blackhawks! *cough*. I don’t know what I would do without you, LP! I heart you big time!

  Jenifer, Jeremy, Andrew and Sara thank you for being my family! I love you more than words!

  Thank you Nevermore Press Family for everything and publishing my book.

  Lastly, to my Book Nerds Across America girls: Flo, Jacque and Teri. You three are the greatest people I know and I love you three more than words. We have been together for over two years and I am looking ahead to many more. Thank you for being part of my life.