She’s already working on opening a yoga studio of her own, and Dunaway has even been helping her scout out a potential location. The whole thing has come together beautifully, just like I knew it would if she gave it a chance. And seeing her thrive after everything she’s been through makes me feel like anything is possible.

The rest of the Aces must be feeling some wind under their wings as well because everyone’s playing at their absolute best. We’re totally dialed into each other and the game, sinking passes and shots as easily and naturally as breathing. We end up burying the other team so badly that I almost feel sorry for them. Almost.

As the game is wrapping up, I spot Hannah in the stands sitting next to my mom. It’s still hard to believe that my mother’s living here now and that she and Hannah are getting along so well, but it also somehow feels like the most natural thing in the world. Like this is how things were always supposed to be. Still, if someone told me a year ago that this is what my life would be, I never would’ve believed them—as much as I would’ve wanted to.

It’s beyond surreal to think that this woman, the one I spent months trying to find again after we shared that first amazing night at Opal and Oak, is mine now. And not just mine, but part of my family. Seeing Hannah and my mom in the stands together feels like watching my two very different worlds colliding, but it’s also a relief in a way.

Because now I don’t have to hide anything from anyone anymore. And neither does Hannah. Her parents know about us, and they’ve welcomed me into their family just like my mom did with Hannah. Most of the guys on the team probably already knew what was going on, but I don’t have to tread lightly around them anymore either.

We can just live. Together. And I can’t even describe how full that makes my heart feel. Not even getting into the NHL after years of grinding toward it could compare to how amazing it feels to be with Hannah.

My gaze drifts back to Hannah, who’s wearing my jersey openly and proudly now, and I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of the sight. It’s the best thing I’ve ever seen, so I blow both her and my mother a kiss, and Hannah catches it to bring it to her heart—which might be the second best thing I’ve ever seen.

I’m one of the first guys off the ice, and I shower quickly and head to the family and friends lounge. Hannah and my mother are already waiting for me, and Hannah launches herself at me as soon as I walk into the room, hugging me tightly.