Ilya arrives at Shane’s house after his parents have left. They kiss, and Shane asks Ilya to make him forget everything. Ilya leads Shane to his trophy room, telling him he needs a “reminder” of who he is before their meeting with Crowell. They have sex in the trophy room amongst Shane’s collection of Stanley Cups, awards, jerseys, and medals. During, Shane tells Ilya that they will “share a trophy room someday” and calls it a “dynasty” (363).

Shane and Ilya meet with Commissioner Crowell, who is furious that their relationship has “embarrassed” the league. He presents them with a statement claiming the video was a prank and demands they deny the relationship. Shane refuses, revealing they are together and plan to marry that summer. Crowell forbids this if they want to remain in the NHL and warns that suing would end their careers either way. Shane chooses Ilya, and they walk out. In the elevator, Ilya kisses him ferociously. Shane reveals he recorded the meeting on his mother’s suggestion. They walk down a Montreal street holding hands and go for lunch.

Later, they select photos for a joint Instagram post using Farah’s statement and post it simultaneously. Coach Theriault soon calls Shane and tells him to return to practice. That night, J.J. arrives and angrily confronts Shane for lying, especially since Hayden knew the truth. Shane explains he was afraid J.J. wouldn’t be supportive. When Shane reveals the relationship has lasted 11 years and they are getting married, J.J. is shocked, but they eventually agree to put the drama aside for the team.

Ilya returns to his own locker room to a warm welcome. After practice, he formally tells his teammates about his relationship with Shane; they respond with good-natured jokes, and Ilya confirms to Wyatt that he and Shane are engaged.

The first playoff game begins in Montreal. Shane feels nervous and isolated from his mostly hostile teammates. During the game, Ilya notices Shane is off and spots his engagement ring worn on a chain; distracted, he loses the next face-off. Ottawa loses the first game of the series, 2-1. The teams split the next several games, forcing a seventh and deciding matchup.

The decisive game goes to overtime. Ilya intercepts Shane’s pass and scores the series-winning goal while Shane stumbles and falls helplessly watching. In the locker room afterward, teammates openly question whether Shane fell on purpose. Only Hayden and J.J. defend him. Shane leaves without saying goodbye, and in the parking garage tells his parents his team thinks he is a traitor

Hockey media speculates that Shane threw the game. Ilya is furious and tells Shane, now a free agent, to leave Montreal and sign with Ottawa. Ilya invites Shane and his parents to Ottawa for the Centaurs’ next series against New York, and Ottawa wins Game 3 at home with the Hollanders in attendance.

The afternoon after Game 3, Scott Hunter arrives unannounced. He expresses sympathy for how they were outed and affirms his belief that their relationship never interfered with their hockey. He reveals that he and Carter Vaughan are forming an organization of hockey players to combat “toxic hockey culture,” including “homophobia, […] racism, sexism,” and more (392). Both Shane and Ilya agree to join. When Shane confirms that Scott’s coming out made a difference for them, the moment ends with Ilya hugging Scott. New York ultimately eliminates Ottawa four games to one.

Very late that night, Ilya feels a depressive episode beginning despite all the positive changes in his life and breaks down sobbing in Shane’s arms. He confesses he has depression like his mother and plans to speak to the team doctor about medication. Shane reassures Ilya he will never leave him and promises a full future together.

In May, Shane celebrates a quiet 30th birthday at the cottage with his parents, Ilya, and Anya. He decides he is done with his restrictive diet and quest for perfection. He has formally chosen to leave the Montreal Voyageurs, having received no apology except from J.J., and has instructed his agent that Ottawa is his first choice for free agency. Wedding invitations have gone out for a small ceremony in Ilya’s backyard in July, with a honeymoon in Spain planned.

Shane finds Ilya relaxing in a hammock at sunset. They decide to skip the Stanley Cup Finals, and Ilya makes an Instagram video in which he cheerfully introduces them as “boyfriends,” informally announces their July wedding, and promises they will keep “playing hockey, break more records, and win more cups” (400) before kissing Shane on the cheek. Shane jokes about Commissioner Crowell’s reaction, and Ilya posts it immediately.

A week before their wedding, Shane returns home after officially signing with the Ottawa Centaurs, wearing the team jersey. Ilya is overwhelmed with happiness, and Shane reveals that the team owners gifted them dinner at a fancy restaurant as a welcome and early wedding present. They go upstairs to celebrate.

On their wedding day, David Hollander helps Ilya with his cuff links and emotionally tells him he feels like he has gained a second son. Outside, a large crowd has gathered—Ottawa and Montreal teammates; friends including Hayden, J.J., Farah, Wyatt, Troy, and Svetlana; plus family and neighbors.

The justice of the peace begins the ceremony. Ilya becomes emotional during his vows, and after they exchange rings, he dips Shane for a dramatic kiss as guests cheer. Inside, as they sign paperwork, Shane mentions that his mother wants a first dance. Harris plays Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” which reminds Ilya of Shane, and they slow dance. Shane jokes that this is “as good as it’s going to get” (412), but Ilya disagrees.

In October, it is the Ottawa Centaurs’ home opener—the first Shane has attended since he was 12. In the tunnel, Ilya and Shane flirt until teammate Zane Boodram teases Shane to get in line. Shane notes the strange feeling of not wearing the captain’s “C,” but Ilya tells him to “[g]et used to it” (414). Shane is introduced to the home crowd and receives a massive ovation. Ilya skates out and smiles at Shane across center ice. Boodram says “it’s time to finally get” a Stanley Cup banner, and Ilya feels absolutely certain they will (414).