Page 287 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I glance at Annette. "What do you think?"

She smiles. "I don't think we have much choice."

"I'm glad you understand."

Noah takes off running toward the rink.

Annette slips her hand into mine as we follow at a slower pace.

"You know what I love most about this place?"

I glance at her.

"What?"

She watches Noah disappear through the rink doors.

"It isn't teaching children hockey."

"No?"

She shakes her head. "It's teaching them that someone believes in them."

I stop walking and she notices.

"What?"

I look around the hallway filled with laughter, volunteers, photographs, and children who know they matter. Then back at the woman standing beside me. "I was hoping you'd see that."

She smiles.

"I think..." Her fingers tighten around mine. "...I'm finally seeing all of you."

***

Noah practically drags us toward the small practice rink at the back of the building.

A dozen children are finishing the last skating session of the day while volunteers begin stacking chairs along one wall.

One little girl glides carefully across the ice, concentrating so hard her tongue peeks from the corner of her mouth.

Another boy waves enthusiastically the moment he spots me.

"Captain Jamie!"

Within seconds three more children skate over. Not asking for pictures. Not asking for autographs. Just talking.

"I passed my spelling test!"

"I finally stopped without falling!"

"My grandma's coming to watch next week!"

I answer every story as though it's the most important news I've heard all day.

Because to them...it is.

One little boy tugs gently on my sleeve. "Will you watch me?"