Twin Babies for my Pucking Defenders (Chicago Icebreakers #2)

43. Chapter Fourty-Three

Chapter Fourty-Three

Nate

The atmosphere in the rink is electric. The smell of sweat and ice hangs thick in the air, and the crowd is buzzing. My team’s out there, grinding it out against the La Tigers, and damn, they’re playing like they’ve got something to prove.

“Come on, boys! Let’s go!” I shout, pacing the sidelines, my hands shoved deep in my pockets. My heart races with every check and slap shot. Finn and Declan are leading the charge, rallying the boys like their lives depend on it.

I lean over the boards, scanning the ice as Finn takes the puck from the center. “That’s it! Push it! Go!”

“Let’s go, Finn! Show them who’s boss!” someone in the crowd yells and I can’t help but grin. The energy is contagious.

The puck glides across the ice, Finn passing it to Troy, who’s darting toward the goal. The crowd holds its breath, and I can feel the tension, the anticipation thick enough to cut with a knife. Troy fakes left and shoots right…

“Yeah!” I roar, as the puck finds the back of the net. The arena explodes with cheers, and I can see my players piling on top of Troy in the corner of the rink, celebrating like they just won the damn championship.

“Let’s go! Let’s go!” I’m practically bouncing on my feet, adrenaline surging through me. I can’t help but clap and shout, the excitement bubbling over. I turn my attention back to the stands, my eyes searching for Jade.

There she is, sitting with her brother, Jared. I see her jumping up, hands in the air, cheering like a madwoman. The way her eyes light up, it’s like the whole world fades away. It’s just her, the game, and that infectious energy of hers that pulls me in.

Jared elbows her playfully. I can see her laugh, her hair bouncing as she leans forward, completely absorbed in the game.

“I’m just here for the goals!” she shouts, her voice cutting through the noise of the crowd.

“Right. Goals and that hot coach over there,” Jared shouts, and I can feel my cheeks heat up. I look away, pretending not to hear him, but damn if it doesn’t make me grin.

Back on the ice, Axel’s making a play, darting past a La Tiger defenseman like he’s made of smoke. “That’s it! Push it, Axel!” I call out, my voice hoarse but full of encouragement.

He sets up in front of the goal, and I can see him positioning himself perfectly, waiting for the right moment.

Then it happens—Axel fires a shot from the blue line. Carter’s stick snaps to life, redirecting the puck into the net with a satisfying thunk.

“Fuck yes!” I yell, pumping my fist in the air. The crowd erupts, and I catch Jade’s eyes in the stands again. She’s practically bouncing up and down, her excitement radiating off her.

“Can you believe this?” she shouts to Jared, her face glowing. “They’re killing it!”

Jared just rolls his eyes, a teasing smile on his lips. “Yeah, yeah, you’re gonna make the poor guy blush.”

“Who, me?” she laughs, and I swear I can see the mischief dancing in her eyes.

The game is moving at breakneck speed now, both teams desperate to get the upper hand. The La Tigers are trying to claw their way back, but my guys are relentless.

“Keep pushing! Don’t let up!” I shout, watching as Jamie makes a phenomenal save, diving across the ice like a goddamn superhero. The crowd goes wild, and I’m right there with them.

“Let’s go, Jamie! You’re a beast!” I clap my hands together, urging the guys on.

The third period drags on and I can feel the tension mounting. The Tigers score, narrowing our lead, and suddenly, it’s a whole new game.

“Come on, boys, you got this!” I’m practically shouting now, trying to push them over the edge. My heart races as I pace back and forth, eyes glued to the ice.

I catch Jade’s gaze again; she’s biting her lip, eyes wide as she watches the action unfold. There’s something about the way she looks at the game—like she’s invested in every single play. It makes me want to work harder, to win not just for the team but for her.

“Let’s go! We need this!” I yell, as Finn takes the puck down the ice.

“Shoot it!” the crowd chants, and Finn’s eyes are locked on the goal. He winds up and…

“Yes!” The puck finds the net again, and the arena erupts. I’m practically jumping up and down now, clapping and shouting, my heart swelling with pride for my team.

I can hear Jade’s voice above the noise. “You’re amazing!” she yells, waving her arms like a complete lunatic.

I can’t help but laugh. “That’s right! Make her proud!”

As the clock winds down, the Tigers try to mount a last-minute offense, but Carter and Axel shut them down. I’m on the edge of my seat, every second dragging out like an eternity.

“Come on, boys, just hold it together!” I urge, the tension thick in the air.

When the buzzer finally sounds, signaling our victory, the crowd goes absolutely bananas. I’m on my feet, roaring with joy as my players skate around, celebrating their hard-earned win.

Jade leaps up in the stands, her excitement spilling over. “We did it! We freaking did it!” she screams, bouncing with Jared beside her.

I can’t help but grin, soaking in the moment. I lock eyes with Jade, and for a split second, the world falls away. It’s just us, this incredible connection buzzing in the air.

“Coach! Get down here!” Finn yells, waving me over.

“On my way!” I shout back, making my way across the ice, adrenaline still coursing through me.

As I reach the team, I grab Finn and Declan, pulling them in for a tight hug. “You guys killed it! That’s how we play!”

“Hell yeah! We needed this!” Finn grins, his face flushed with excitement.

“Let’s take this energy and run with it!” I clap my hands together, adrenaline still pumping.

As the team continues to celebrate, I steal another glance at Jade. She’s beaming, her eyes sparkling, and I can’t shake the feeling that I need to get to her.

Once the post-game handshakes are done, I head toward the stands. “I’ll be right back!” I shout over my shoulder to the team, not bothering to hide the eagerness in my voice.

“Don’t keep us waiting!” Declan calls, laughing.

I navigate through the crowd, excitement thrumming through me. Jade’s laughing with Jared, and I can’t help but smile as I approach.

“Hey!” I say, grinning like a fool.

“Coach!” she beams, her eyes lighting up when she sees me.

“You were amazing out there. I saw you cheering!”

“Of course! I was freaking out. You guys were on fire!”

“Thanks. We needed that win,” I say, the thrill of victory still coursing through me.

Jared steps forward, his expression a mix of pride and mischief. “I’d take a fan like that for life.”

“Yeah, well, I might need her around for my motivational speeches,” I joke, my gaze never leaving Jade.

“Maybe I should quit my day job and become your hype woman,” she teases, a smirk on her lips.

“Honestly, I’d pay you for that.”

Jared rolls his eyes, clearly used to our banter. “Just don’t go getting too cocky, Coach. It’s one win.”

I laugh, shrugging it off. “Hey, I’m just basking in the glory here. Let me enjoy it.”

Jade steps closer, her excitement bubbling over. “You guys really did awesome out there. I’m so proud of all of you.”

“Thanks, that means a lot.” I reach out, brushing my fingers against hers. “You know, having you in the stands makes a huge difference.”

“Really?” she asks, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Absolutely. You keep me grounded.”

Before I can overthink it, I lean in, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. It’s soft and innocent, but there’s an undeniable spark.

“Okay, okay, enough with the mushy stuff,” Jared interrupts, feigning disgust but unable to hide his grin. “Let’s celebrate!”

“Yeah, let’s do that!” Jade says, her voice bright and full of enthusiasm.

As we walk away from the rink, I can’t shake the feeling of excitement bubbling inside me. This win isn’t just for the team; it’s for her too.

“Where are we going?” I ask, falling in step beside her.

“Somewhere we can celebrate in style! I’m thinking drinks, food—the works!”

I can’t help but chuckle. “All right, you lead the way. I’m just here to follow your lead.”

“Good choice, coach. Let’s get this celebration started!”

The night is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.

As we step outside the stadium, the night air wraps around us like a warm blanket. Jade’s excited chatter floats beside me, but then the chaos starts. Flashbulbs go off like fireworks, blinding me for a moment.

“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath.

“Just breathe, Nate,” Jade says, squeezing my hand. Her grip is firm, grounding me.

A swarm of paparazzi surrounds us, shouting questions. They don’t give a damn about the game. They’re here for the spectacle, and I can already see the predatory glint in their eyes.

“Nate! What do you have to say about the rumors?” one of them shouts, shoving a microphone in my face.

I look at Jade, searching her eyes. “How do you want me to handle this?”

“Just tell the truth,” she says, her expression steady. “I’m with you.”

“All right, here goes nothing.” I take a deep breath and step forward, the row of cameras following my every move.

“First off,” I say, raising my voice over the clamor, “I’m very proud of my team. They fought hard, and we’re going places this season.”

“Yeah, but what about your private life? Is it true you’re seeing Jade?” another guy jumps in, the gleam in his eyes screaming for gossip.

I pause, letting the tension build. “Listen, I’ve always stayed out of the media. When I was young, I vowed to keep my life—and my daughter Sadie—out of the spotlight. But the last few days, you’ve dragged my name and my family through the mud.”

A murmur runs through the crowd, and I can see their interest piquing.

“I’m here to clear one thing up,” I continue, my grip tightening on Jade’s hand. “Sadie is everything to me, but so is this woman.” I nod toward Jade, who beams with pride.

“And yes, we’ve been seeing each other for a few months now. And it’s true. She’s pregnant with my babies.”

The cameras go wild, and I can’t help but smirk at their shocked faces.

“And there’s more,” I add, leaning into the mic, “Jade got her job as the team’s PT through her talent alone. She’s smart, capable, and she’s been working her ass off.”

“Yeah, but what about Axel Knight and Carter Novak?” a reporter interjects, clearly not ready to back off.

Jade’s hand tightens around mine. “Well, during her time here, she fell in love with them too. All four of us have been navigating this crazy ride together, and it’s been exhilarating and fun. We’re making it work.”

The silence is palpable. They’re not ready for the truth I’m throwing at them.

“Now listen,” I say, looking straight into the cameras, “I won’t stand for any slander against Jade, Axel, or Carter. You can bet your asses I’ll sue if you keep dragging our names through the dirt.”

A reporter raises an eyebrow. “Any last message for the public?”

I take a breath, feeling the heat rising in my chest. “Yeah, actually. My sister-in-law, Lauren, has been threatening to take Sadie away just because I fell in love with Jade. So, to her, I want to say that I will never let anyone take my daughter away from me. You can count on that.”

With that, I turn, motioning for Jade to follow me.

“That’s enough for tonight,” a security guy, trying to rein in the chaos. The reporters exchange glances, sensing the end of their little show.

As we make our way back to the car, I glance over at Jade. “You good?”

“Yeah, I’m okay,” she replies, though I can see the spark in her eyes. “You were amazing out there.”

“Just speaking my mind.” I laugh, shaking my head. “Can you believe those idiots? They’ll twist anything into a scandal.”

“Yeah, but you handled it like a champ.” She grins, her confidence shining through.

I open the car door for her, and as she slides in, I catch a glimpse of her face. She’s wearing a look that’s a mix of relief and excitement.

“You really meant everything you said?” she asks, her voice soft.

“Absolutely,” I reply, starting the engine. “I’m not about to let anyone mess with my family. That includes you.”

Her smile widens, and I feel something shift in the air between us. It’s electric.

“You’re serious about us?” she asks, her eyes searching mine.

“Hell yes. I’m all in,” I tell her. “You, me, Axel, Carter…we’re a damn team. A family now.”

“Good,” she says, biting her lip, a playful glint in her eyes. “I like the sound of that.”

As I drive away from the stadium, the chaos of the night fades, but the warmth in my chest only grows. Whatever comes next, I know we can handle it together.

“Let’s celebrate, shall we?” I say, glancing at her.

“Definitely. I want nothing more than to sit on your face, Nate. But first, let’s get away from these idiots,” she laughs, and I can’t help but join her.

Just then my phone buzzes with a text from Lauren. It’s over—Lauren finally backed down, she finally accepted that fighting for Sadie wouldn’t go in her favor. Relief floods me. No more threats. No more uncertainty. Just us, the way it should be.

Driving into the night, I can’t help but think about how everything’s changed in the last few months. It hasn’t always been easy, but damn, it’s been one hell of a ride.