Fire and Ice

Chapter Eight

NOVEMBER 8TH

Charlotte's POV

It had been a few days since Jasper and I last talked. Jasper was on the road and I was busy with school. Any time I didn't spend studying, I spent planning my apology. I knew it needed to be grand. I wanted it to be special for him too. Not just a boring apology.

Soren and Flora helped me come up with the idea. Well, they pretty much told me what to do. Once I knew what to do, it was time to get busy. I called my pilot and told him what he needed to do. I hired a transportation service to take my guests on a tour of Nashville. I booked a reservation for the nicest restaurant in town and pre-paid for the meal. The hardest part was convincing the coach to let me into the locker room before the next home game. I told him what I was doing and he thought it was a good idea, but he was hesitant to let me talk to Jasper before the game. All I had to do was tell him that I would personally wash all of the equipment for a month if I upset Jasper or hindered his performance.

It was finally the day of the surprise. I got up super early and got ready, then drove myself to the airport to pick up my guests. I had been talking to them for a few days already, and I was so happy to finally meet them. I drove them to the arena and dropped them off out front. They knew that they had a car coming to pick them up and drive them around Nashville, so I didn't feel bad about leaving them there.

I made my way inside the arena to start preparing for the surprise. My first stop was at Jasper's locker. I wrote him a letter and left it hanging up on his jersey. Then I went to my guests' box seats to make sure that they had everything I wanted them to have. I bought them all jerseys and hats, and made sure that the catering team had plenty of snacks and drinks for them. As soon as I was sure that everything was ready, I called to make sure that all of my other plans were ready. It was go-time.

Jasper's POV

After 20 minutes of wrestling with Soren, I made my way out of the training room. He was doing everything in his power to keep me in there, until he got a text. Once he read the text, he shrugged his shoulders and said 'you can go now.' I went to my locker and found a letter. I could tell by the pink paper that it was from Charlotte.

Jasper,

I am really sorry for snapping at you the other day. I've spent the last few days trying to figure out how to make it up to you. I asked around for some help, and I think you are going to like the surprise I have planned. Before the game starts, I need you to come out on the ice and put on this blindfold. Just trust me.

Xoxo,

Charlotte

At that moment, all I could think about was how she made a spectacle of our relationship. How she always had to be the center of attention. Yet, I still found myself skating out to the middle of the ice and putting on the blindfold.

I could hear the bench gate open. Someone was on the ice with me. I didn't hear the sound of skates, so I assumed they were walking towards me. Once they got close enough to me, I could smell vanilla and coconut. It was Charlotte. I heard her let out a gasp and grab onto my arm, and I instinctively wrapped my arm around her and pulled her closer to me. I wanted nothing to do with her and everything to do with her at the same time.

"Good evening, everyone. My name is Charlotte Boone, and I have the honor of doing this special presentation for you tonight. As we all know, our lovely captain is from Canada. For those of you who don't know, that's very far away." The arena let out a small laugh and I found myself smiling. I missed Canada. "He started his NHL career in Nashville 5 years ago, and it has been so amazing to see his progression. He truly dedicates his life to this sport, and he sacrifices whatever he has to, in order to lead his team. And tonight, we have a special surprise for him. So Jasper, when you are ready, I want you to take off your blindfold and turn around."

When I took off my blindfold, I looked down at Charlotte. She was crying. They weren't sad tears, though. They were happy tears. The smile on her face was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. She turned her eyes to whatever was behind me and her smile got bigger. I turned around and tears filled my eyes.

"Mom?"

That was all I could say before skating over to my family and breaking down in tears. It had been five years since I had seen them. My parents were night shift nurses. Every time I had a game in Toronto, they were working. They always tried their hardest to make it to the games, but it never worked out. Even though they couldn't make it to the games, they always made sure to text me and tell me how well I did and how they were proud of me.

I stood there hugging my family as long as I could until they started getting ushered off the ice. I turned around to thank Charlotte, but she was gone. I could see Soren standing next to the bench, trying to hide the tears on his face. Flora was sitting in Charlotte's seat, cheering as loud as she could. The fans were screaming. Anyone who was crying had their turn on the jumbotron. I was happy, but something was missing.

After the game, I ran to the training room to find Charlotte, but she wasn't there. I searched the whole arena before retreating to my locker. Inside was another note on the same pink paper as earlier.

Jasper,

I hope you enjoyed the surprise. Your family is here until Wednesday night. You have dinner reservations tomorrow night at 6 pm. I've already paid for it, so make sure that they get whatever they want. I also texted you the address of the house that they are staying at tonight. Sorry again for being mean to you. I have had a lot on my plate recently and I took my frustration out on you. That wasn't fair.

P.S. Soren and Flora helped me plan this. Soren also stole a hoodie from your house for me. I hope you don't mind.

Xoxo,

Charlotte