Page 370 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Before facing forward, she catches my eye.

She gives me one tiny nod.

It says everything. Take good care of her.

I answer with a nod of my own. I will.

***

Without realizing it...I hold my breath. Liam leans around Toby just enough to whisper, "If you pass out, we're telling everyone it was allergies."

Toby doesn't even look at him. "You are unbelievable."

"I know."

Coach quietly clears his throat from the front row. "Liam."

"Sorry." A beat passes. "...Still funny, though."

Even Pastor Ronald smiles.

Then...the doors begin to open again.

Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Toby adjust the ring box in his pocket.

"You've checked your pocket enough."

"I wasn't checking it."

"You were."

"I was making sure it was still there."

Liam again whispers. "I offered to glue his hands to his sides."

Coach sighs. "Somebody keep him occupied."

"I resent that."

"No, you don't."

"I really don't."

Again, a ripple of laughter moves quietly through the row of my best buddies.

Even I smile.

***

The music changes as the doors begin to open. Light spills into the chapel from the hallway beyond.

Everyone rises and turns toward the back of the chapel.

At first...

I don't see anyone.

Then I see her father. One careful step. Then another.