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

44. Chapter Fourty-Four

Chapter Fourty-Four

Carter

The arena buzzes like a live wire.

It’s the final game of the season, and it’s not just any game. This one’s against the Blackhawks, my former team, and the motherfucking rivals. I can hear the chants of the Chicago Icebreakers fans mingling with the jeers from the Blackhawks’ side. It’s like a battlefield out here, and we’re ready to charge.

“Okay boys,” Coach Nate bellows, his voice cutting through the noise. “Raise hell out there! Show them what you’ve got!”

I nod, a fire igniting in my gut. We’ve come a long way since the harem news broke, and yeah, it was wild for a bit, but now? It’s about the game. The wins. We’ve been kicking ass lately, and today is no exception.

As I lace up my skates, I catch a glimpse of Jade in the stands, heavily pregnant and glowing beside Millie. Damn, she looks amazing, even with the belly. I’m not sure how she’s managing to be so chill with the crowd, but that’s Jade for you—always holding it together.

I have also gotten to hang out with her best friend and I have to say, I love her being part of my friend group.

She was so kind and nice to me when she interviewed me for a segment for her blog where I talked about my struggles with depression as a player. Since then, Axel has also been featured talking about ADHD, which Millie’s husband and our fellow player Finn also struggle with.

Even coach had a cameo where he talked about his OCD, which was a shock to us all. It’s safe to say that the Chicago Icebreakers are at the forefront of discussing mental health among players. The team even hired extra therapists to help us deal with stress better.

I don’t think I could have asked to be on a better team.

“Carter!” Finn calls, snapping me back to reality. “Stop daydreaming and get your head in the game!”

I chuckle, shaking off the distraction. “Right, right. Let’s go kick some Blackhawks ass!”

We huddle up, and I lock eyes with Axel. He’s my wingman on and off the ice. “You ready to make some noise?” I ask, a grin spreading across my face.

“Always,” he replies, his intensity sparking something in me. “Let’s show them who’s boss.”

As we hit the ice, the roar of the crowd engulfs us. The sound reverberates through my bones, pushing me forward. We line up for the faceoff, and I can see Ryan, the Blackhawks’ captain, staring us down. I smirk. “Hope you’re ready for a fight, Ryan.”

“Bring it on, Novak,” he sneers, shifting his weight.

The referee drops the puck, and it’s on. I dart forward, my skates cutting through the ice like a hot knife. The puck is mine, and I drive it toward the Blackhawks’ net, feeling the adrenaline pumping through my veins.

“Watch it, Novak!” one of their defensemen yells, but I’m not slowing down.

I pass to Finn, who’s coming up fast on my left. He slaps it back to me, and I make a break for it, weaving through the defenders like I’m in a goddamn dance. The crowd is screaming, and it’s like they’re fueling me, every cheer a shot of pure adrenaline.

I reach the blue line, my eyes locking on the goal. Nate’s voice echoes in my head, reminding me to aim low. I pull my stick back, firing a shot straight into the goalie’s pads. The puck bounces back out, but before I can react, Axel swoops in, snatching it up.

“Nice save, Carter!” he shouts, grinning like a madman.

“Just getting warmed up!” I reply, chasing after him as he makes a move toward the net.

The Blackhawks’ goalie is on high alert, but Axel’s relentless, pushing through the chaos. He takes a shot, and it hits the crossbar, ricocheting back into play.

“Shit!” I curse, slamming my stick against the ice. “We’ll get it next time.”

The game flows like a wild river, back and forth, both teams fighting tooth and nail. I can see my mom in the stands, her eyes wide with excitement, and it gives me a little extra boost. I won’t let her down. I can’t. She came all this way to watch me play. I have to win for her.

After a few minutes, the Blackhawks finally score, their fans erupting in cheers. My heart sinks for a second, but I shake it off.

“Let’s get it back, boys!” Finn yells as we regroup.

“Just gotta keep pushing,” I add, determination washing over me.

We face off again, and this time, I’m ready. The puck drops, and I dive in, dodging an incoming hit from a defenseman. “Get out of my way!” I growl, pushing through.

The Blackhawks are quick, but we’ve been training hard. I see Axel making his way to the net. “Axel! Move!” I shout, and he shifts into position. I feed him the puck, and he takes a shot.

“Goal!” the crowd roars as the puck hits the back of the net, and I pump my fist in the air, adrenaline surging.

“Hell yeah!” Axel shouts, high-fiving me as we skate back to the center for the next faceoff.

The game continues, the tension palpable. It’s a brutal back-and-forth, bodies crashing against the boards, sticks clashing in the air. Every time we push forward, I can see the Blackhawks scrambling to catch up.

“Stay sharp!” Nate’s voice booms from the bench, and I can see him pacing, his OCD keeping him focused on every detail. “Don’t let up!”

We take a quick timeout, gathering around the bench. I can see Jade and Millie chatting in the stands, Jade rubbing her belly. I can’t help but smile. She’s my rock, and I want to give her something to cheer for.

“All right, listen up!” Nate says, looking each of us in the eyes. “We’re not here to play nice. We’re here to win. This is for the championship. I want you to raise hell!”

“Let’s go!” Axel pumps his fist, and the energy of the team skyrockets.

“Time to show them what the Icebreakers are made of!” I shout, and we break the huddle, hitting the ice again with renewed intensity.

As the clock ticks down, we’re neck and neck. The score is 2-2, and the tension’s so thick you could slice it with a knife.

“Carter, over here!” Finn calls, and I slide the puck over to him.

He takes a shot, but the Blackhawks’ goalie is a wall, blocking it effortlessly. “Fuck!” Finn groans, slamming his stick against the ice.

“Keep pushing!” I shout. “We’ll break through!”

The game inches closer to its climax, and I can feel the sweat beading on my forehead. Every time we close in on their net, they push back harder.

“Let’s fucking end this!” Axel yells, determination blazing in his eyes.

With less than two minutes left, I find myself in the perfect position. The puck is loose, and I dash toward it, adrenaline surging.

“Carter, no!” one of their players yells, but I’m already moving, darting to the right.

I can see the goal, the net waiting for me like an old friend. With a quick flick of my wrist, I send the puck flying. It’s a clean shot, straight and true.

The arena erupts as the puck slams into the back of the net.

“Goal!” the crowd roars, drowning out everything else. I throw my hands up in victory, the adrenaline coursing through me like a river.

“Yeah!” Axel screams, and we all pile on top of each other in celebration.

As the final buzzer sounds, the scoreboard flashes our victory. Chicago Icebreakers three, Blackhawks two.

“Fuck yeah!” I shout, jumping into the air as the realization hits. We did it.

The crowd goes wild, and I catch a glimpse of Jade in the stands, cheering and smiling. That’s all the motivation I need.

“Let’s go! Let’s go!” Axel yells, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me.

The team breaks out into a celebration, players hugging and high-fiving. I can’t help but pull Finn in for a massive bear hug. “We did it, man! We’re champs!”

“Damn right!” he grins, and we fist-bump like we’ve just conquered the world.

As the fans chant our names, I look around, soaking it all in. This is what it’s all about—the game, the team and the love we’ve built.

The camera crews are on us, and I can see the flash of lights capturing every moment. “Carter! Any words for the fans?” a reporter shouts, shoving a microphone in my face.

“Just that we’re back, baby!” I reply, my voice booming. “This is for everyone who believed in us. To my mom who always stood by me. For my teammates who wound up being my friends. And to my girl Jade, who’s gonna be an amazing mom!”

The crowd erupts again, and I feel the rush of pride wash over me.

“Carter, what’s next for you?” the reporter presses.

I glance back at Jade, my heart swelling with happiness. “I’m just gonna enjoy this moment. And maybe figure out how to be a dad. Thank heavens I have Axel and the coach to help me out.”

The chaos around me fades, and I lock eyes with Jade. She beams back at me, and in that moment, I know everything’s gonna be all right.

“Let’s go celebrate!” I shout, and the team echoes my sentiment, ready to bask in our victory.

As we head to the locker room, the sound of the crowd fades, replaced by laughter and camaraderie. This is more than just a win; it’s a family party. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.