I didn't write, direct, produce, or have anything to do with the making of "Miracle".  I do, however, own the DVD.

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Chapter 20: Jerseys

I can't believe we are playing the Soviets tonight, in the medal round of the Olympics. It feels like just yesterday we played them at Madison Square Garden....however, there is one significant difference....we are a better team now then we were then. I know that must sound crazy....it has only been about two weeks....but it is true. That game did something to the team....it made them....hungry?....mad?....I am not quite sure how or why....but the team changed. I don't know if we can beat them, but we sure as hell are gonna try and I don't think it is gonna be a cake walk for the big red machine.

Standing here getting the team's jerseys ready I am suddenly filled with this sense of patriotism. Maybe this is how all the people who have written those "beat the commies" letters feel. I know this is just a hockey game....I have been to a million of them over the years....but somehow this one feels different....bigger....and not just because it is the Olympics. I want to beat those commie bastards....not the Soviet team....the Soviet Union....I want the USA to beat the USSR.

I am jolted out of my thoughts by the sudden noise of the doors swinging open. I jump and face the "intruder"....but before I can say anything I am being lifted off my feet and spun around.

"Jack what the hell are you doin?! Put me down! JACK!"

Thankfully the spinning ends and I am placed back on my feet.

"I need my jersey baby."

I look at Jack for a second as my eyes bulge out of my head.

"Does this mean....are you...."

"Ah-ha. I am playing tonight!"

"Oh my god! When....how...."

"Coach Patrick just told me and then you dad sent me in here to get my jersey."

I jump into Jack's arms and hug him with all of my might. I am so excited for him. He has wanted this so badly. I almost want to run and thank my dad....however, on secod thought I will wait....for now I just want to share this with Jack. Suddenly Jack pulls away rubbing his chest.

"Owe....what the hell is under your sweater....a lead pipe."

For a second I am confused and then remember what I put on this morning. I reach thru my collar and pull out my gold chain.

"This."

"You put my ring on?"

"Well it was a little too big for one of my fingers and my dad may have seen it. This way I could wear it close to my heart and only I know it is there."

"How long?"

"Just today. I wasn't sure if you were going to get to play. So I figured this way you could still be a part of it....I know that doesn't make a lot of sense but...."

"No I get it....and I think you are amazing. I love you so much."

"I love you too....and even though you are playing I am still going to were it."

"Ok....but one of these days I am going to get you a ring that fits on your finger."

For a second I am taken aback by that. I know that I love Jack and that he loves me....I know that this is forever....but we have never really discussed the to think of it we haven't looked too far past telling my parents....is Jack talking about an engagement ring? The minute I think about that I know what my answer would be. But he is not asking now....so that will just have to wait. I simply smile at him and shake my head.

After another long hug I pull away and head toward the pile of jerseys.

"You better take this and get back to the team....before my dad gets suspicious."

"You're right."

I hand him his jersey and there is a brief moment when both of our hands are not only touching the jersey but each other. We both look down at the connection and as we reestablish our eye contact we smile. I feel that rush of patriotism again and this time it is mixed with love....I can see in his eyes that he feels the same way.

"Go!"

Jack takes the jersey....his jersey....and heads out the door.

This is it....this may not be the gold medal game....but this is what we have practiced for. Seven months of fighting....bonding....practicing....have all led to this....one hockey game....one moment....our moment....this is our time.