Klinoa- No heart attacks, I don't want my writing to become a health risk! LOL Thank you, I enjoyed writing last chapter. Are you calm now?

Nikkd03- Good Luck with your new classes! Glad you liked last chapter.

meadow567- Thanks for your kind review. I had to write Craig that way. About the (clears throat) Rizzo has to save energy for the Finland game! LOL

Mrs. Rizzo- Why was everyone so excited for Herb and Craig to find out?

Emador- I love writing Craig as a dad. He is so easy to picture. I cried writing last chapter to be honest. (PS- Be nice to Bah and Pav. LOL)

PrincessBethy- So glad you like the story. I enjoy writing it.

February 23, 1980Lake Placid, NY

I stepped out of the shower to see Rizzo watching the news, we were the lead story.

"…Celebrations continue around the nation this morning in light of the USA ice hockey team defeating the seemingly unbeatable Soviet team 4-3 last night. This is already being heralded as 'the miracle on ice.' The USA tied the score at the end of the 1st period with a last second goal by Mark Johnson. Then the Soviets took the lead in the 2nd period. Going into the 3rd period the Soviets led by one goal. Mark Johnson was able to score on a power play. Then exactly halfway through the period USA team captain, Mike Eruzione out of Boston University 'scored the goal heard around the world' putting the USA in the lead. Team USA fought hard the remainder of the game and held onto the lead. This was a true upset that has the entire nation talking…"

"We're on every channel." Rizzo said as I sat down beside him on the end of his bed.

"You've given this country a miracle, something to believe in!" I said and kissed his cheek.

"This is all more than I ever imagined." Rizzo said as the door opened and OC came walking in.

"Chev, you look lovely in a towel!" OC smirked. I had to laugh. "Rizzo, everyone is talking about your goal last night."

"We're going to have a busy day." I said. "I better get dressed and see what dad and Herb needs me to do."

We were going to play Finland in the gold medal game. Finland was a great team and I knew we had a challenge ahead of us. Herb did too. Meanwhile, the country was talking about our win over the Soviets. Everyone wanted an interview with Herb and his miracle team.

"What are you thinking about?" dad asked me.

"This team, these 20 young men that have given the country something good in a time when things seemed so bad." I said. "You know, no matter what happens tomorrow against Finland, I am so proud of what they have accomplished."

"It's really been a time. From June to now has been an interesting road." Dad said. "I am so happy that I have had you here with me to share in all this."

"No matter what happens, I wouldn't have missed this for the world." I said.

"I feel the same way." Dad said hugging me. "And I can't believe what a beautiful woman my little girl has turned into."

I smiled at dad. "I am so relieved that you like Rizzo."

"I think he is great for you. You have been happier the past few months than I have ever seen you." Dad said. "When I saw you out on that ice last night celebrating with him, I knew you loved him and that you were a grown woman. I was just so happy that your with someone as descent as Rizzo."

"I do love him dad."

"Just don't go making me a grandpa any time soon. I'm way too young for that." Dad said with a wink. I laughed and hugged him again.

Later that evening, I went to spend the evening with Rizzo. OC had gone to dinner with his parents. Rizzo seemed a little quiet.

"What's the matter, Captain Eruzione?" I asked him.

"I just can't believe that tomorrow is our last game and then the Olympics will be over!" Rizzo said. "Just doesn't seem possible."

"I know, I just can't believe how far we have all come." I said. "It's been a great journey, and I couldn't imagine walking it with anyone other than the twenty boys here, and Coxie too!"

"My parents sent something for you." Rizzo said reaching in the drawer next to him and pulling out an envelope. He handed it to me.

I opened the envelope and inside was several bills of cash. "What is this?" I asked him.

"There should be a letter." Rizzo said.

I pulled out a letter and opened it.

Dear Chevon,

This is our gift to you. When the Olympics are over and you and your father have had time to get settled back in Detroit, we would love nothing more than for the two of you to fly to Massachusetts and spend a few weeks with our family. Here is the money to buy the plane tickets at your convenience. You are a wonderful young woman and we are so glad to have met you and that you are in our son's life. We are looking forward to meeting your father and spending time with the both of you.

Love,

The Eruzione's

"They want me and daddy to come visit." I said and started to cry. "Your parents are so wonderful. They just open their lives and their home to me."

"It's because they love you, almost as much as I do." Rizzo said, pulling me into his arms. "And I can't wait to have you in Winthrop. To introduce you to the rest of my family and all my friends."

"I love you so much." I said. "You know, all my life I felt like part of me was missing. I always thought it was just me longing for my mother. But I don't feel that way anymore. You make me feel complete. I wasn't missing my mother; I was just waiting to find you."

"I love you too. And it's me and you, together for the rest of our lives." Rizzo said and kissed me. "You are the only one for me; I can't imagine myself with anyone else and can't see my life without you in it."

"Is that a marriage proposal?" I asked with a chuckle.

"For now, it's just my commitment to you. But someday, I will get down on one knee and ask you to marry me." Rizzo said and kissed my hand.

I knew he meant it!