by Barbara Gee
“Okay. I’ll come find you if you’re not done before I leave.”
A half hour later Jolene decided she’d better stop. She felt good, but didn’t want to overdo it. She went upstairs to the kitchen and got a glass of water. When she heard Boone’s footsteps coming down the stairs she went to meet him, then stopped in her tracks at the sight of him.
Hockey players wore suits a lot—to and from pretty much every game. Jolene knew that. She’d also seen Boone on TV plenty of times wearing a suit, but nothing could have prepared her for seeing it in the flesh.
The medium grey suit he wore was tailored to fit his powerful body to perfection. The fabric hung in perfect lines, and his white shirt and pale green tie emphasized the golden hue of his skin and the color of his eyes. His hair was slicked back away from his face, his strong jaw dark with the stubble she loved.
He came toward her, his head tilting curiously when her lips parted but no words came out. “You okay? You didn’t overdo it down there, did you?”
She shook her head. “Oh, um, no. I’m fine, but holy cow, Boone. I can’t even—words just can’t—” she shook her head again. “You look really, really good in a suit.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners as his lips curved up. “Oh yeah? Glad you approve. I’m stuck wearing them a lot during the season.”
“That’s definitely not a bad thing,” she told him, slowly regaining her poise. “I guess I’ll see you after the game. I’m going to shower and change, then head for the airport.”
“Okay. Drive safe.” He slung his bag over his shoulder and hugged her. “I feel like a million bucks after that massage. No way we can lose tonight.”
“Good. I don’t want my first time seeing you play to be tainted by a pesky loss.” She smoothed his lapels, her fingers lingering on the fine fabric. “You smell good. Very manly.”
“No more peaches?”
She grinned. “Nope.”
“You wearing the number 15 tonight?”
“Of course. Along with almost everyone else there.”
“We’ll see about that. Coach hasn’t announced that I’m playing yet. The opposing team saw me on the ice this morning, though, so there’s plenty of speculation.”
“The crowd’s gonna go wild,” she warned him.
He kissed her hard. “I’ll get someone to escort you guys down to the locker room hall after the game, and I’ll meet you there.”
“Okay. Good luck.”
Jolene went to the window to watch him leave again. He’d parked the Jag in the drive, and she watched as he threw his bag into the trunk before sliding into the low leather driver’s seat—the confident athlete heading off to a big game, so handsome and poised. It was a picture she knew would stay with her for a long time.
After a nice hot shower in her luxurious bathroom, Jolene dried her hair and applied light make-up, then put on skinny jeans and a white tank, ending with her beloved jersey on top. At the last minute she added a pair of spiky heels, for a little pizazz. She left for the airport in plenty of time, just in case traffic proved to be a problem. She could hardly wait to see the Desmonds and introduce them to the greatest sport in the world. The one their son played so very well.
“Jolene! Can you believe we’re here?” Kay asked an hour later, wrapping Jolene in a bear hug. “Sorry our plane got in a little late. We’re not going to be late for the game, are we?”
“No, we’ll still get there in plenty of time, but we won’t be able to go down to the ice level to watch the pre-game skate.” Jolene hugged Virgil when Kay finally released her. “Did you guys check any luggage?”
“No, we have everything here,” Kay said, hoisting her carry-on, which matched Virgil’s.
The three made their way out of the airport to short-term parking, where Jolene had parked Boone’s car.
“What a lovely car,” Kay said as they loaded the bags in the trunk.
“It’s your son’s,” Jolene said with a smile. “He has a lovely house, too. He said you’re welcome to stay there tonight, if you want. There’s plenty of room.
“But you two are heading to Chicago tomorrow, right? Isn’t that what Boone told you, Virg?”
They discussed it as they drove to the arena, deciding in the end that it would be easier for the Desmond’s to keep their hotel reservation, which offered a shuttle to the airport. Plus Kay was afraid that coming to Boone’s game on a whim, and then staying at his house, would be a little too much all at once. She didn’t want to scare him off.
“He’s pretty hard to scare, but I understand,” Jolene said. Traffic was worse than she’d expected, and was barely moving as they approached the arena. “You always know when it’s game night.”
“I wish we had jerseys like yours to wear,” Kay said ruefully. “Did you know he sent an autographed one for Hank? It came just yesterday. Talk about a thrilled little boy.”
Jolene smiled. “Doesn’t surprise me. Virgil, can you look in the glove compartment for a parking pass? Boone said we can get in the family lot with it. That’ll save us a ton of time.”
The pass was right on top, and as promised, they were waved through and got a great spot. “We have to pick up our tickets at the main box office. Boone said to ask for Shirley.”
The line was long to get into the arena, but since most people already had their tickets in hand, the box office wasn’t extremely busy. They made it up to the window within a few minutes, and Jolene asked whether Shirley was available. She was directed to a different window, one not open to the public. A cheerful older woman soon appeared, looking the three of them over with bright eyes.
“I handle all the player tickets, so I’m guessing you’re with one of them. But you’re new. I know that because I’ve worked here for twenty years and know most of the regulars.”
“You’re right. My name is Jolene Tolley. There should be three tickets here for me, from—”
“From Boone!” Shirley finished for her. “Goodness sakes, I was wondering when you’d get here. I’ve got your tickets, and something else, too.”
The friendly woman bent down and retrieved a plastic bag. “Now here are your tickets,” she said, sliding them under the glass. “And this here’s from Boone. Don’t know for sure what it is, but if I had to guess, I’d say the number 15 is somehow involved.”
Jolene put the tickets safely in her purse, then opened the bag to reveal two Kendall jerseys.
“Told ya!” Shirley crowed from behind the glass. “You people enjoy the game. I hope to see you around again.”
“Thank you, Shirley.” Jolene held the jerseys out. “Do you want to put them on now?”
“Why of course we do,” Kay said, beaming.
Jolene took them to a corner around the other side of the box office, away from the crowd. “Looks like this one is yours,” she said, handing Kay the smaller one.
“Wait, what’s this?” Kay asked when she unfolded the jersey. A piece of paper was taped over the number. She took it off and unfolded it, holding it so Virgil could also see it. Then she promptly burst into tears, shoving the note toward Jolene as she clutched the jersey to her chest and turned into Virgil’s arms.
Jolene saw Boone’s bold handwriting on the paper. It wouldn’t be right for my parents not to be wearing the 15. Thanks for coming.
That man! Honestly, could he be any sweeter? Jolene dug in her purse for tissues and they all wiped their eyes. When they had composed themselves and the Desmonds had proudly donned their new jerseys, they went in search of their seats. Jolene kept the tissues handy. It was going to be an emotional night, of that she had no doubt.
The whole arena was buzzing about the possible return of Boone Kendall. Even though he hadn’t been out on the ice for the pre-game warm up, people were still hopeful. They stood three deep on the rails at the tunnel from which the players would emerge, everyone anxious for a glimpse of the 15.
Agent Holt arrived soon after Jolene and the Desmonds had gotten settled, his smile wide and
happy as he dropped into the empty seat beside Jolene. “What an atmosphere,” he said. “Everyone’s talking about Boone being at the morning skate. They’re going to go nuts when he hits the ice.”
“Yeah, it’s going to get crazy. Let me introduce you to his parents. The ones he just found.”
“Sure, but I’m not in an official capacity anymore, so call me Linc.”
“Okay, Linc.” Jolene got the Desmonds’ attention and made the introductions. They of course thanked the FBI man for helping to keep their son safe, and Linc nodded humbly before changing the subject by asking if they had any idea what to expect when the game started.
“Well, we’ve seen one game on TV since we learned about Boone,” Kay told him, “but we’re still pretty lost on the rules. I’d have liked to watch a game with Tucker so he could explain what was going on, but we had to leave the ranch for a few days, until that despicable man was finally captured. We got back home last night, but of course there wasn’t a game on then.”
“You’re in for a treat,” Linc assured them. “Just wait till Boone comes out. You might need to hold your ears.”
“You mean it’s going to get louder than this?” Kay asked.
“This is nothing—this is just excited people talking. Wait until they start hollering and cheering.”
Virgil, as usual, let his wife do the talking, but Jolene glanced over at him and saw him looking around, his eyes full of awe and pride. She also noticed he had Boone’s note clutched in his hand. The big man wasn’t much for words, but he felt deeply. Jolene had no doubt he and his son would become close when they finally had the chance to spend time together. It was so easy to picture them riding side by side on the Full Heart Ranch, the piece of Virgil’s heart that had been ripped away twenty-nine years ago finally back in place.
The house lights went down and multi-colored strobes flashed and streaked across the excited crowd. Music played loudly, further revving everyone up. When the game announcer’s voice came over the sound system, welcoming everyone to this key game against the Dallas Stars, Kay grabbed onto Jolene’s leg, her eyes wide and expectant.
The opposing team skated out of the tunnel to tepid cheers from the few fans sporting jerseys with stars on front. Then it was time for the Wild to come out. The lights went out, with only a couple weaving spotlights shining on the ice.
“Ladies and gentlemen, get ready!” the announcer shouted. A spotlight hit the mouth of the tunnel, and just a glimmer of the red jerseys showed on the huge four-sided video monitor hanging above center ice. The cheers started building and the crowd jumped to their feet.
“And now—please welcome your Minnesota Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiild!”
The players spilled onto the ice right on cue, led by their captain, his number 15 illuminated by the spotlight. The video screen picked him up, zooming in on his face as he stopped at center ice and waited for the rest of the team to join him. The cheers were deafening. Jolene was yelling as loud as she could, and she could barely hear herself. She paused her jumping and cheering to look over at the Desmonds. Kay was wrapped in Virgil’s arms, her head cradled to his chest. Their eyes were fixed on the screen, watching as Boone touched gloves with each of his teammates, and tears streamed down both their faces. Sad tears for all they’d missed, and happier tears for what they had now. Tears for all these people cheering for the son they barely knew, but so desperately wanted to.
Jolene had to go for her tissues again, and she cheered and cried her way through the rest of the pre-game announcements. As the players skated to the benches, the whole crowd was shouting Booooooooooooone, which sounded as though they were booing and caused Kay a bit of alarm until Jolene explained.
Boone raised his stick and turned in a circle, acknowledging the fans on all sides. Then he looked in the direction of Jolene and his parents. Jolene wasn’t sure whether he could see them, but she knew he was trying. He raised his gloved hand and tapped it twice over his heart, then the house lights came back on and he skated back out with the six starting players, taking his place in the face-off circle.
The referee dropped the puck and Boone won the face-off, making the arena erupt yet again. For the next two and a half hours, it seemed the Wild could do no wrong. Led by their captain, who dispelled all doubts about his health with one of the best games he’d ever played in that arena, they won the game 5-1, keeping their play-off hopes alive one more day. Boone ended up with a goal and two assists. The fans cheered long and hard at the final whistle, and when the three stars were announced at the end of the game, with Boone getting the top spot, the noise was once again deafening. It was enough to get Boone to finally break his game face and give a smile. And it sent Jolene back into her dwindling supply of tissues.
After that, there was a mass exodus from the arena. Jolene suggested they stay in their seats for a while rather than trying to fight their way through the crowd. Linc said his goodbyes, got an invitation from Kay to visit the ranch any time, then joined the melee of exiting fans while the other three waited it out.
A few minutes later Jolene’s phone buzzed with a text from Boone. He had just sent a security guard their way, to escort them down to wait by the locker room. She passed the news on to Virgil and Kay, who were anxious to see Boone even though it was getting late. The guard found them and they followed him down. Full of people, the tunnel had a much different feel than when Jolene had walked it the day before. She was actually glad, because she didn’t want to have flashbacks about running through those very halls looking for medical help, while Boone put his life in danger to save a man.
There was a large assortment of people waiting for the players. Wives and children, reporters, and quite a few scantily clad females had also made their way in from the tunnel. They were obviously hyped up and looking for a good time. Jolene wasn’t sure how they got access, but they seemed very at home there. It was another twenty minutes before players started coming out, a few at a time. Some of them left together, others met up with people who had been waiting for them, and a few regrettably walked out with some of the girls.
The hall was getting emptier by the time Boone and Jax came out. Jax was embraced by a beautiful blonde with a warm smile, who Jolene deduced must be his wife, Sarah.
Boone ignored the reporters and the girls calling his name and walked over to their group, grinning at the sight of them all wearing his jersey. “You guys are looking good!” he said, hugging Kay and then Virgil. “I’m glad you could come.”
“It was worth the trip,” Kay told him. “It was amazing, Boone. The whole crowd was cheering for you. I thought I was going to burst with pride.”
“It’s not always like that, believe me. They’re just desperate for some hope.”
“Face it, Boone, the fans love you,” Jolene said. “And the way you played tonight took it up a notch.”
“The whole team played well. It felt so good to be back.”
They talked for a little while longer, then agreed to meet for breakfast the next morning before heading their separate ways. Jolene gave Boone a quick hug. “I’ll take them to their hotel and see you back at the house,” she said.
“Okay. I need to meet with Coach real quick, so you might beat me there.”
“I’ll wait up,” she promised.
As it turned out, she’d only been home ten minutes before she heard the rumble of his car entering the garage. She opened the door at the top of the garage steps and waited for him. He smiled when he looked up and saw her on the landing, his teeth flashing white in the low light.
“I could get used to coming home to this,” he said as he joined her on the top step, sliding an arm around her waist and bringing her close for a kiss.
An hour ago Jolene had been surrounded by more than eighteen thousand people cheering and chanting for this man, and now it was just the two of them, and she felt like the luckiest girl in the world. It was surreal.
He tightened his arm and lifted her up off her feet, walking her into th
e kitchen and kicking the door to the garage closed.
“So you enjoyed the game?” he asked, his eyes twinkling.
“Oh my word, Boone. It was all so great. The game, your amazing comeback performance, the jerseys, and that sweet note you left for Virgil and Kay. One of the best nights of my life.”
“Good. I’m afraid we’re going to feel much different tomorrow, though.”
She nodded. “I know. It’s the only thing marring this perfect night. Have you heard any more from Tuck?”
“I got a text right before the game. He said the arrests are hitting the news, but so far I haven’t been mentioned.”
“Linc said he heard one local reporter here has put out a piece hinting that you were somehow involved in what happened at the arena yesterday. But it came out right before the game, so most people won’t see it until tomorrow.”
“Who’s Linc?” Boone asked.
“Oh, sorry. Agent Holt. He said since he’s not assigned to you anymore we should call him Linc.”
“Gotcha. Yeah, it’s bound to get out, but I’m pretty confident we’ll get to Mom before she hears anything.” He pulled her against his chest and settled his chin on the top of her head. “You sure you want to come along?”
“Very sure. If you decide you’d rather talk with your Mom alone, that’s fine. I just don’t want you traveling by yourself. Too much time to brood.”
He raised a brow. “So you’re offering to go as my distraction?”
She grinned. “Correct.”
“I accept. But I think I’ll want you with me when I talk to her, too.”
“Whatever you want, Boone. You don’t have to decide now, but you do need to get to sleep. You have to be exhausted.”
“I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep. I’m still wired from the game, yet I’m dreading tomorrow more than I can say. It’s got me in a weird place.”
“What can I do to help?”
He looked down at her, his eyes warm. “How about we just hang out for a little while?”
“How about we compromise.”
