b r o n w y n

eighteen years later...

"Bronwyn! Come on, sweetheart!" My mom calls from downstairs.

"Coming!" I quickly curl my lashes then apply some lip gloss. I stand up and walk over to my full-body mirror in my closet. I have on a red blazer dress paired with the Christian Louboutins my parents gifted me for my seventeenth birthday earlier this week.

I look like a younger version of my mom, well at least that's what everyone says. I have her long legs, slim frame, and sharp facial features. I grab my clutch and head downstairs.

"Finally," my younger brother groans. "You took like thirty minutes!" He stands in the foyer looking quite dashing in his suit and tie.

"Well, Greyson, some people like to look presentable," I mess up his shaggy brown hair. Greyson and I look pretty much identical except for our eyes. Unlike my baby blues from dad, he got mom's big brown ones with golden specks. If anything, he's the splitting image of my mom. At fifteen-years-old, he's 5'11" and still growing. When he's dressed in his hockey uniform, he resembles much of my dad though.

"Let's go before we miss the ceremony! Your father is awaiting our arrival," my mother says. Even after birthing children, she can rock a red gown and some stilettos like no other.

After she retired from modeling, she decided to create a clothing line for children called Ollie. Like anything my mother does, she succeeded. She now owns several stores in New York, New Jersey, and California.

"Wait! I'm coming!" A high-pitched voice shouts from upstairs. A few seconds later, my littlest sibling comes running down.

When she gets to the last flight of stairs, she jumps off and onto the floor. "Ta-da!" She twirls in her maroon tulle dress that falls just below her knees. Her outfit is much different from her usual oversized t-shirt and sweatpants. We're polar opposites in that I'm a girly girl and she's more rambunctious and sporty. She followed in my father and brother's footsteps and joined hockey.

"You clean up nice, Leighton!" My mom exclaims. "Now, we're really going to be late! Let's go!"

We rush out the door and into my mom's white Tesla. My dad told us she didn't learn how to drive until we moved into our house just outside of the city, which was a surprise considering how good of a driver she is.

We all hop into the car and drive to the arena. When we get there, the place is packed with people waiting to get in. My family goes to the back exit where the players enter. The security checks us then we're escorted into the building.

The hallways are bustling with people, but we finally manage to find dad. He looks sharp in his black suit and tie, and the beard he grows during the playoffs has been shaven off.

"Dad!" Leighton rushes over and we follow in her lead.

"Wow, nugget! You look beautiful in that dress." My dad playfully pulls on her blonde hair. A huge smile overtakes her face, showcasing her braces. Not only does she look exactly like my dad, but she has his kindhearted and caring personality as well.

"Dad, are you excited for retirement?" Greyson asks.

"It's a bittersweet moment. Hockey will always be a part of my life. And one day, it'll be us watching you from those stands," my dad motions to the seating area and Greyson smiles.

When it's my turn, my dad pulls me into a bear hug. "Hi, princess. You're looking more like your mother everyday," he says. "How was practice this morning?"

"Just rehearsed my routine. Coach said my triple axel was flawless," I tell him.

"That's my girl," he says.

Once I learned to walk, my dad was eager to put me in some skates. But rather than become a professional hockey player, I decided to become a figure skater, which is equally as challenging. Last year, I represented the United States at the Winter Olympics. My first experience was extra special because my dad was also invited to compete in ice hockey, plus our family left Brazil with gold.

Last is my mom, and my dad embraces her in a tight hug. He kisses her on the lips, and my siblings and I scrunch are noses. Our parents aren't shy about PDA.

Coach Matthews walks over to us. "Baylor, it's time," he smiles. When my dad announced he was going to retire, Coach also decided it was time for himself too. It's pretty amazing to see two greats in the hockey world retire together.

As we get closer to the rink, I hear the crowd chanting Baylor. It reminds me of when I was younger and wore noise cancelling headphones to my dad's games because I didn't like how loud everyone was. But now, I love hearing the screams of the fans. It's unbelievable how many people love and support my dad, but he's also one of the best hockey players to ever play the game. And in my opinion, the best dad in the world.

The arena is slightly dimmed with red lights shining down. The ice has been decorated with a red carpet, several chairs, and a podium. The Blaze sure do know how to throw a ceremony.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to your master of ceremonies, George Lybron!" the announcer says. George is the radio play-by-play announcer for the Blaze, and someone I've known for many years.

He walks over to the podium. "Good evening, to all, those here in Holmes Stadium and those watching or listening on SportsNet. I am so honored to be your host as we celebrate the career of Parker Baylor. His number twenty-three will be raised to the rafters alongside those worn by William Persson and his very own coach John Matthews. Tonight, we honor the lethal player Parker Baylor was on the ice, and the great person he was off of it. So without further a do, let's begin the ceremony. We will start by welcoming some of Parker's former teammates and staff."

I smile when George introduces, "Former teammate, Deacon Smith" and right after, "Miles Hansen." Last year, the Blaze said goodbye to my dad's best friends also known as my uncles.

"And lastly, Hockey Hall of Famer and soon to be retired head coach of the Blaze, please welcome, John Matthews," George says.

"Now, let us please welcome your 2037-2038 New York Blaze." The team files into the bench all wearing my dad's jersey.

"At this moment, we'd like to welcome Parker Baylor onto the ice who is accompanied by his wife Olivia and their three children Bronwyn, Greyson, and Leighton." The crowd erupts with applause and loud cheers. I follow behind my mom as we step onto the carpet and find our seats.

Coach Matthews walks over to the podium and begins speaking, "Ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls, it is a privilege to be standing here today honoring number twenty-three. When Parker was drafted first overall in the 2013 draft, the entire state of New York was excited to receive some fresh talent. As a rookie, he made a name for himself and proved to the league that he was a force to be reckoned with, winning the Calder Trophy. Wearing the 'C' at age twenty-five, Parker demonstrated his leadership skills on and off the ice. Seven Norris trophies, five Stanley Cup rings, and five Smythe trophies to his name. He has been a tremendous player and captain for the Blaze franchise. Watching him grow from a young, ambitious rookie to a loved and respected man has been such a reward. Thank you, Parker, for all that you have contributed to the game of hockey."

George walks back to the podium and says, "Please turn your attention to the scoreboard."

I Lived by OneRepublic starts to play. This is one of my dad's favorite songs, and it's even in his game day playlist. Pictures and videos of my dad dating back to his draft are shown on the screen. I laugh as I watch a clip of my dad and mom dancing at a fundraising gala, then at a video of my dad teaching me how to skate. A wave of nostalgia washes over me. My dad's NHL career has been longer than my life on earth. He's accomplished so much during his career, and I am so proud to be his daughter.

When the music ends, I quickly wipe off the tear running down my cheek. I look over to my mom. Her eyes are watery and her lip is starting to tremble, but my dad grabs hold of her hand and squeezes it to comfort her.

"Now, some of Parker's buddies wanted to give him a special message," George says.

Uncle Miles' walks over to the podium. "Wow, it's been awhile since I stepped onto the ice." The crowd laughs. "When I was traded from Calgary, Parker was the first to welcome me into the Blaze family. He also offered me a place to stay and somehow put up with my messiness. It was a privilege to win the Stanley Cup with you multiple times, witness you morph into a great father, stand as a groomsman at your wedding, and watch you achieve all of your goals. Not only are you one of the best players in the league, but you're one of my best friends. I'm so proud of you, bud. Thanks for helping me keep the goals out of the net. Urban New York, tomorrow? I've been craving a burger," My dad shakes his head and laughs.

As Uncle Miles leaves the podium, Uncle Deacon walks over. "Parker Baylor is the greatest centers to ever wear the Blaze jersey. Hell, arguably the greatest player. He's also one of the greatest people I have ever met. Through all of my lows, Parker lifted me up and helped me through it. I wouldn't be the player and person I am today without you, Parks. So congratulations to my teammate, my captain, and most importantly my best friend," he says.

The tears are really streaming down my face now. "Dad's turn," Mom whispers into my ear. Sure enough, my dad stands from his seat and heads over to the podium.

"Evening, everyone. Stepping onto the ice game after game, playing the game that I love has been a great privilege and honor. I never would have thought the boy practicing his shooting accuracy in his garage would become the man standing before you all today.

"To the trainers that made sure I wouldn't miss any games, to the coaches who pushed me because they knew I was capable of more, to my teammates that believed in my ability to lead the Blaze, and to the fans that continuously supported me throughout my journey, my deepest thank you goes to each and everyone of you.

"To Greyson, my dear friend, I know without a doubt I would not be here tonight if it weren't for you. I miss you so much, and it should be us both standing here tonight.

"To my youngest daughter Leighton, thank you for teaching me to be brave and fearless. In a few years, you'll be the face of the NWHL.

"To my only son Grey, you make me so proud. Every practice and every hockey game, you bring your one hundred percent. Your tenacity and grit inspires me, and your commitment to hockey makes me confident that you'll be standing in my shoes one day.

"To my firstborn Bronwyn, from the moment I knew you existed, I loved you with my whole heart. Watching you blossom from a little baby to a beautiful young woman has been such an honor. You're not even an adult yet, and you've accomplished more than one could ever imagine. I can't wait to see what the world has in store for you.

"And to my lovely wife Olivia, thank you. Thank you for giving me three beautiful children, for sticking by myself through all the ups and downs, for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for everything. I love you, Golden Babe.

"To all, I might be retiring but I will always and forever rep red and gold. Thank you for making the twenty-three years I wore the number twenty-three something I will cherish for the rest of my life." As my dad walks back to my mom's side, the audience roars with applause.

George takes the floor once again. "It's that time, Parker," he smiles.

My dad shrugs off his suit jacket and puts on his New York Blaze jersey over top his dress shirt. Our family walks to the center of the ice, while music starts to play again.

My dad has one arm wrapped around my arm and the other around me. Grey stands beside my mom and Leighton stands in front of my dad and I.

The fog machines releases smoke into the air, and a gigantic banner emerges. BAYLOR, the number twenty-three, and 2013-2036, is displayed largely across it.

I can tell my dad is holding back tears as he sees his number lifted beside two of the greatest players in the league. I am so proud to watch as my dad joins that exclusive club.

When the banner is fully raised, the audience gives my dad a standing ovation. The immense support and love is so remarkable. "Congratulations, dad," I whisper into his ear.

"Thank you," he squeezes me tighter.

After a few minutes, my family follows the red carpet to the exit. The loud cheers of the crowd continues. As we pass the team's bench, a hand taps my shoulder. When I turn my head, my eyes are met by striking emerald green ones. Leo. His wide smile makes my heart flutter, but I have to ignore that feeling. He's your best friend! I remind myself. He's also... my Uncle Deacon's son.

t h e e n d

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a u t h o r ' s n o t e

hi, friends!

the ties that bind is finally complete. i don't know whether i want to celebrate or cry. i can't express how grateful i am for all of your support and love. this is my first completed book on wattpad and i would not have had the courage to continue writing if it weren't for you guys!

i know this book didn't have too much drama, but i wanted to keep this book more lighthearted because it was time writing.
i promise my future works will have more drama lol.

i'll be staring the moment of affinity, as well as a short story for deacon. once i post deacon's, i will post bronwyn's.

i couldn't reveal too much about the other characters in this epilogue because i didn't want to spoilt the shorty stories, so it'll all make sense soon.

i will also begin the editing process for the ties that bind next week. and i will also post bonus chapters of parker and olivia's wedding, more about bronwyn, greyson, and leighton, etc.

also, why do you guys hate bronwyn's name lol? i actually love it a lot!

for my last question on the ties that bind, who was your favorite character?

please stick along for more!

xx,
moony