Page 93 of Body Check

And hockey.

I want them both.

When I fall silent, Coach tries something else. “You want to stay with the Grizzlies?”

“This team is my family. It’s my home.” My eight years with the Grizzlies were the best and worst years of my personal life. I played the best hockey of my career. I have friends who are more like family. No other dressing room I’ve ever been in is like the one we have here.

“You know, we have some open positions within the team,” he says.

I freeze. “What do you mean?”

“Kelly is moving on. His wife’s pregnant, and she wants to move closer to her family in Columbus. He put in his notice, and he’s leaving at the end of the season.” Josh Kelly is on the coaching staff. He played with the Grizzlies fifteen years ago, then went to Ottawa for a bit, and returned to our team as a coach.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I curl my hands into fists to hide their shaking. “What are you saying?”

“I think you’d make a damn fine Player Development Coordinator,” Coach says.

“What would that entail?” I hold my breath.

“A lot of what you’ve been doing as captain, simply in a different capacity. Working with the younger players, especially on developing their skills. Helping the veteran players stay consistent. Being a sounding board.”

“And I’d still travel with the team?”

“Yep. We’d need you on the road. There will be some rotation, but you’d be with us more games than you wouldn’t.” Coach eyes me. “Is that an issue?”

I’d be on the road again. I’d be on the road with Amelia.

“Not at all.”

“Whatever happens, whether you go out on the Long Term Injured Reserve list or you try to make a comeback, you’re mine until your contract expires on June thirtieth. I expect you to commit to physical therapy and rehab, and do everything the trainers tell you.”

“Yes, Coach.”

“The salary is peanuts compared to what you’re earning now, but it’s very much a livable wage. You’ll be comfortable, even without what you’ve hopefully saved.” He clears his throat. “Take some time to think it over. We haven’t advertised the position yet, but if you want it, it’s yours.”

“Thank you. I’ll definitely think it over.”

“You’ll be all right, McKittrick,” Coach says. “You’ll land on your feet.”

I wince, picking up my crutches. “We’ll see.”

“You will,” he says confidently.

I’ll think it over, but I’m already fairly certain I’ll take the job. If nothing else, it keeps me close to hockey—and Amelia.

With that in mind, I find myself walking through the training facility to the office suite. Vanessa is in her cubicle, rubbing a hand over her swollen belly, with discomfort on her face. She’s due any day now.

“McKittrick,” she says, looking up and smiling at me. “What’s up?”

“I need some advice.”

She frowns. “How can I help?”

Shaking my head, my eyes flick to the ring on her finger before I meet her gaze. “It’s something only you can help with.”