Page 84 of A Match Made In Fall

“I understand.” Her voice softens. “Tell everyone I said hi.”

“I will. And be prepared for a FaceTime call.”

She laughs again. “I’ll be ready.”

Our conversation is interrupted by a long yawn on her end of the line.

“There it is,” I say. “That’s my cue. It’s late, and you need your rest for your physical therapy tomorrow.”

“Fine,” she replies dramatically. “But you should get some sleep too.”

“I will.”

For a few seconds, we’re both quiet. Clearly, neither one of us is rushing to get off the phone.

“Isabella…”

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” she says softly.

After we finally end the call, I stare at my phone, unable to stop smiling. The apartment is quiet again, but it doesn’t feel quite so empty.

I hope conversations like this help quiet any doubts she may have about us. Long distance isn’t easy, and there will be days that feel impossible. But I have complete faith in what we have. No matter where hockey takes me, no matter how many cities or time zones separate us, Isabella and I are in this together. And when I think about our future, I’ve never been surer about anything in my life. We are in this forever, and I don’t need a countdown for that.

I can't believe it's been so long since I've seen my family in person. Today is finally the day, and I can barely contain my excitement. I think it's officially sinking in that they're only a car ride away now rather than a plane trip across the country. If there's one good thing that's come out of this trade, it's this.

My parents, Logan, and Ivy are staying in town for a few days. We'll get some quality time together, discuss my brother’s wedding details, and they'll be attending two of my games. Just thinking about having them in the stands cheering me on puts a smile on my face.

I had an early practice this morning, and now I'm heading to meet them for lunch.

The second I walk into the restaurant, I spot my parents and Logan standing in the lobby. I practically sprint toward them.

"Austin," my mom cries.

"Hi, Mom."

I wrap my arms around her small frame and hold on tight. I can’t believe I’m hugging my mother—it’s been too long.

"I'm so happy," she says, her voice cracking with emotion.

"Me too."

I turn to my dad and pull him into the combination handshake and hug that men invented at some point.

"It's good to see you, son."

"You too, Dad."

Logan looks me up and down, immediately grabbing my bicep.

"Bro, have you gotten bigger since the last time I saw you?" he asks. "You're a beast."

I laugh. "Thanks. I'm trying to get in shape for your wedding."

He shakes his head. "Sure you are."