Page 65 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

The thought earns a quiet smile. I haven't even made it home and already I miss arguing with her.

***

When we arrive home, the cold air greets us the moment the crew opens the cabin door.

Sharper.

Cleaner.

Home.

Colby waits beside a dark pickup truck near the small terminal, hands shoved into his jacket pockets.

He grins the moment he sees me. "Well..." He looks me up and down. "...you still look terrible."

I laugh. "Liam's been coaching you."

"He left me notes."

Coach shakes his head. "I believe that."

Colby takes my overnight bag before I can protest.

"You've all become impossible."

"We've had excellent teachers."

I say good-bye to Coach. No hug, no effusive words, because he knows and I know how grateful I am for all that he has done for me this past week.

Within minutes we're heading north. The city slowly disappears behind us.

Traffic thins. Buildings become scattered farmhouses. Then forests.

Snow-covered pines stretch for miles beneath a pale winter sky.

Neither of us talks much.

There isn't any need.

The farther we drive, the easier it becomes to breathe.

Almost an hour passes when a weathered wooden sign appears beside the highway.

WELCOME TO BRIAR COVE

Population 6,812

Home.

Not Frostholm.

Not the arena.

Home.

Colby notices me staring through the windshield. “You've been quiet."

"I know."