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Then I look at Anna, at the crooked crown and the tears on her cheeks and the ring on her finger and kiss her again.

My fancy girl came all the way to New York to surprise me. She has no idea what she’s just done to my life; she’s made it complete.

CHAPTER 25

MARCH 28

Anna

Ispot Rez during warmups, and the warmth inside me deepens.

We were supposed to fly to Chicago from NY tomorrow morning, but it is my fiancée’s golden birthday; I will not miss the chance to celebrate in a much grander way than my parents ever did. This isn’t about a photo op; it’s about love.

“UNCLE FANCY!” Lucy’s shout carries across the arena. Rez turns toward our section, and when he sees her waving both arms, followed by me, the Hen House, and a small army of Bears players, he nearly misses his next stride.

Aleks starts laughing beside me. “Subtle, kid.”

Lucy looks at him. “He needs to know we're here.”

“I think he figured it out.”

“He hasn't waved yet.”

“He's working, Lucy.” Aleks explains.

“So?”

I bite my lip to keep from laughing. “Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm sure he'll wave.”

Rez finally looks our way again. He points at me, disbelief and accusation in his expression. I blow him a kiss.

Lucy waves harder. “UNCLE FANCY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

A man two rows ahead turns around to look at us.

“That's your uncle?” he asks Lucy.

She nods proudly. “He's a hockey player.”

“So are a lot of people here,” Aleks mutters.

“My Uncle Fancy is on the ice; you aren’t.”

Lenzin laughs so hard he has to look away.

I love these people. I love that they came with me, that they made the trip to Jersey without being asked, that Lucy has decided Rez belongs to her just as firmly as I do.

I love that, for once, I'm not the one waiting for a phone to ring after the game or counting the days until I can see him.

Today, I'm here.

On the ice, Rez circles back toward our side of the rink. He spots Lucy in her little Phoenix jersey and skates over, slowing just enough to wink at her through the glass.

She nearly climbs into my lap, excited.

He points at the jersey, gives her a thumbs-up, and flashes her a smile that's mostly hidden by his mouthguard.

Lucy shrieks. “HE LIKES MY JERSEY!”