Capture the Moment (Moments #1)

Epilogue

One Year Later...

“And we’re live! I’m your host Cleo Jones and welcome to On the Ice! where I give you the latest and greatest on all things hockey. Today’s special guest is Clef Jones!” I announce to the cameras in front of me, and then gesture to my father sat beside me.

My dad gives the camera a small head nod; I roll my eyes, smiling at him.

He’s been gushing about his feature on On the Ice! since he was asked to be a special guest on my show. Tonight, the Washington Eagles are playing the New Jersey Angels and it’s also Blake's debut game.

Initially, I was upset that I would possibly miss Blake’s debut with the Washington Eagles since I’m still an intern, I had zero hope of being able to see the game in person. But then the host of On the Ice! got pneumonia and the producers claimed they’d seen my commentary videos and YouTube channel, next thing you know, I’m sitting behind the Eagles’ bench watching the game with my dad.

On the Ice! is a newer segment on VSN where the commentators are speaking on the game in real time and capturing their genuine emotions on the game when everything first happens.

Since Dad is a big a name in the NHL, he’d been asked to participate in today’s segment before I was ever thought of.

“C’mon, kid! I didn’t make that bet for nothing!” Dad shouts as Blake skates onto the ice for the beginning of the game.

I scream at the top of my lungs, completely ignoring the stunned look from my camera man, Reggie, as Blake skates circles around the rink, raising his stick to get the crowd hype.

My heart swells at the look of pure joy on my boyfriends face, his light blue eyes sparkle under the spotlights on the ice.

I can’t wait until he shows the world what he’s made of.

Blake is like a fucking rocket on the ice tonight to the point it’s hard to keep up with his speed and agility. He skates circles around the other team and though I can barely see his face, I know he’s smirking at his opponents.

He makes a single shot, a stellar slap shot that is so beautifully executed it has my thighs clenching and my heart rocketing against my chest.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a man in a uniform.

“I taught him that!” Dad jeers to the camera, smiling like a proud father.

I roll my eyes, “Sure you did, Dad. Just like how you taught me how to braid my hair.”

If there’s one thing Clef Jones is going to do, it’s act like he taught someone something. Dad chuckles at me, slinging an arm over my shoulder as the game continues on. We’re on the edge of our seats as Blake and one of his teammates, Moritz, a cool guy with an epic wrist shot, send the puck soaring between one another, avoiding their opponents with ease.

I chew on my bottom lip, ignoring my dad as Blake gains the puck only to be checked immediately after and had I not been a fan of the sport, I would’ve marched down onto the ice myself, but it’s because I am an avid fan of hockey that I see it.

Just before Blake gets knocked over, he sends the puck spiraling through the air and had it been anyone else in the world, the puck would’ve gone the opposite direction of the goal.

But since it’s Blake Wilder at the other end of the stick, the puck soars into the goal, alerting the loud buzzer.

My mouth drops in pure shock as Dad and I stare at one another, the camera, and then back to the ice where the teams cheers are loud as they barrel towards my boyfriend.

He fucking did it.

As I pack up equipment with Reggie, I feel an overwhelming sense of giddiness and happiness.

Blake scored the winning freaking shot. Did he bust his ass immediately after? Yes. But did the puck go in? Also, yes.

“Slow down, soldier, your man isn’t going anywhere.” Reggie chuckles as we make our way to the locker rooms. Reggie’s cousin, Fitz, is a defenseman on the team so he’s equally as excited as I am.

“Oh, shut up, Reg. Did you see how perfect that shot was?!” I practically yell because of all my excitement. Reggie chuckles, rolling his eyes at me as the players file out. I completely ignore them all. I know exactly who I’m looking for and they’re not him.

It takes no effort for me to spot my boyfriend within the crowd of tall men, the smile on his face sends a swarm of butterflies up my body as he rushes towards me pulling me into a hug.

“Did you see me, baby?!” His excitement fuels my own as he lifts me up before gently placing me down.

“I was like a fucking bullet, Princess. It was so much fun!” Blake grins looking down at me, his eyes hood over as he stares into my brown eyes and I grin cheekily as he leans down to my ear.

“Winner gets whatever he wants, Princess,” He tells me more than asks, taking a quick look at me.

My body shudders for an all-new reason, other than the chill of the arena.

“Whatever he wants.” I nod.

The look Blake sends me is of pure hunger, one of his teammates doesn’t seem to notice as he clasps his shoulder.

“You coming to dinner, Wild Card?”

“Nah… I’m looking at mine right now. Catch you guys later, though.” Blake’s eyes never waver from my own as he steps toward me. I choke on my own laugh, looking up at him but I know without saying that his words were not an empty promise.

And he proves it to me again and again until I can barely stand the next day.

Gotta love hockey.

Or let me say… Gotta love Blake Wilder.