Page 7 of A Match Made In Fall

The game was a lot of fun. I’d never realized how intense hockey fans could be until seeing it in person. The entire arena was loud from start to finish. And wow, the fans are vocal. They shout at refs and pound on the glass relentlessly. The energy was contagious, and by the end of the night I felt the need to shout along with the thousands of people around me.

Then there are the players. And some of them very easy on the eyes. I’ve always been a girl who loves the athletic type.

Meeting a few of them after the game made the night even better. They all seemed so friendly, signing autographs and taking the time to talk to everyone. But my family completely lost it over one player in particular named Austin. He noticed my crutches right away and asked what happened to me, and suddenly everyone in my family decided that meant he was interested.

According to my brother, the guy was “casually flirting.” He wouldn’t stop teasing me about it, thrilled by the possibility of his sister dating a professional hockey player. My dad joined in too, throwing out little comments every few minutes while I tried to act unbothered.

I kept insisting Austin was probably just being nice, but honestly…the way he smiled at me made it a little hard to believe that myself. Regardless, it was a nice evening out and something I needed more than I realized. I’ve been feeling down after everything that’s happened. I don’t like feeling helpless, and not being able to be active has taken its toll both physically and emotionally.

At first, I thought I could take care of myself after the surgery, but my parents are much wiser than me. Elise offered to help, but it was a lot to ask and expect of her. So here I am, recovering under my parents roof with fresh coffee waiting for me.

I reach for my phone and scroll through messages from friends and co-workers. Natalia gives me daily play-by-plays, which is nice. Everyone has gone above and beyond to be supportive, but of course my FOMO is real. Seeing them all together, celebrating, dancing their hearts out is heartbreaking. I keep reminding myself that everything happens for a reason and sometimes things are out of my control. Ugh, but why is this so difficult?

I sit up slowly and prepare myself for another day on the evil crutches. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. I’ll make it through this and I’ll come out even stronger. At least, that’s what I’m striving for.

I think being an aunt might be my favorite thing in the world. I’m curled up on the couch beside baby Jude, who might be the happiest baby ever born. Seriously, the kid’s smiles are endless. It’s amazing how one tiny little soul can bring so much joy into an entire family. Just having him in the room changes everything. The energy around him is pure joy. It almost makes you forget everything else happening around you.

While I soak up quality time with my nephew, Sammy and my mom are deep in conversation about all the fall events coming up in town. It seems like there is something to do every day—pumpkin patches, craft fairs, Halloween markets, community festivals.

“It’ll be Jude’s first pumpkin patch,” Sammy squeals, as she gazes over at the baby. “Wait until you see the little overalls I bought him. They came with a matching hat. And I found this tiny henley sweater to go underneath. You will die when you see it.”

She holds up her phone to show us the darling little outfit.

My mom presses her hand to her chest like she might cry. Honestly, I can’t even blame her. The outfit is perfect. Tiny brown overalls, matching hat, a cream-colored shirt, and little boots. It almost makes me want to have a baby—not really, but maybe someday.

Meanwhile, Jude is very interested in our ongoing game of peekaboo. Every time I hide behind my hands and pop back out, he lets out huge belly laughs that make everyone else in the room smile too. I swear baby laughter could heal trauma.

“Isabella, are you in?” Sammy asks suddenly.

I glance up. “Hmm…I’ll have to double-check my very busy schedule, but I think I can make time for a pumpkin patch and cider donuts.”

Of course I’m being sarcastic. My schedule couldn’t be emptier.

She snorts. “Good. Oh, there’s also a parade, and the hockey team is part of it.”

I shrug casually, even though my stomach does an annoying little flip. “Sounds fun. I mean, I love everything about fall and Halloween. Speaking of which, have you gotten Jude’s Halloween costume yet?”

Her eyes light up instantly. That was the perfect way to shift the subject off the hockey team or any players. She took the bait, just as I expected.

“Yes!” she practically shouts. “We have a few costumes for different events.”

I grin to myself. This doesn’t surprise me at all.

“For Halloween we’re doing family costumes. Dane is thrilled, obviously,” she says, rolling her eyes before pausing for dramatic effect. “Wait until you see them. Jude will be Peter Pan, I’m Tinkerbell, and Dane is Captain Hook.”

My mom gasps. “I love it. So perfect.”

I clap my hands together. “Oh, this is going to be the greatest Halloween ever. Seeing my brother in a shirt with ruffles and a giant mustache? Honestly, I’ve waited my whole life for this moment.”

“Dane already hates it,” Sammy says proudly.

“This is music to my ears,” I announce.

My mom is already typing furiously on her laptop. “I need costume ideas for William and me.” She glances up at me. “You can match us if you want, Isabella.”

I make a face. “I’m good. I support whatever you decide, but you and Dad are on your own.”

She just shrugs, already deep into her costume research.