I think Anthony proposes to Kate in January, nearly two years after they met. Would it be easier to propose in the summer when he’s not taking long road trips away? Probably.

But Anthony’s come to think of winter as their season. He loves being cuddled up on the sofa with Kate while the freezing rain falls against the roof and the fire blazes in the house they now share. He loves when he convinces Kate to go out on the ice with him and he spins her around until they’re both dizzy. He likes when he has an off day and they go to watch the PWHL together. He loves her cold hands in the pockets of his jacket while they sit in front of the glass together. He loves everything about winter with Kate.

And not even the fact that it’s raining the day he’s decided to propose is going to ruin this. It doesn’t matter that it’s cold, and he’s pulled his toque down over Kate’s head. It doesn’t matter that his gloved hands fumble a bit with the ring. What matters is at the end of it all he’s down on one knee asking Kate to spend the rest of her life with him. And she says yes. That’s what matters.

I think it’s hard for Kate to watch Anthony on the ice sometimes. No one wants to see the person they love get smacked against a hard sheet of ice by a positively giant man.

The first time they’re together and Anthony gets injured feels like the worst moment of Kate’s life. One minute she’s laughing at something Edwina’s said as Anthony skates by and the next second her heart’s in her throat. She’s sure it didn’t but the entire arena felt like it went silent when Anthony got checked into the boards and didn’t get up.

Kate barely watches Simon toss his gloves as he rushes the opponent, grabbing him by the sweater, pummeling him with his fist. All she can do is stare at Anthony while the medical team comes onto the ice.

“Get up, Anthony.” Kate mutters under her breath and then louder as her hand bangs against the glass. “Anthony!”

“He’s fine.” Edwina said gently. “He’s going to be fine.”

She’s vaguely aware that everyone around them is probably watching her and finally she lets out a breath when Anthony is helped to his feet. He looks dizzy and he’s a little unsteady but he goes off under his own steam with his arm tucked awkwardly against his side, still trying to wave as the crowd roars.

Kate didn’t even think to grab her bag as she takes off running up the stairs towards the locker room.

She doesn’t get stopped by anyone as she runs into the player’s area, her heart hammering in her chest and nausea rolling through her stomach. They’re supposed to be getting married in a few months. Nothing can be wrong, she tries to remind herself. Because Anthony promised he would marry her. He can’t not.

Kate burst through the door to the medical room and she felt herself let out a sigh of relief when she saw Anthony sitting up, his jersey off but his shoulder pads and undershirt still on for now. His hair was sweaty from being under his helmet and he let out a delighted gasp ebb as his eyes threatened to close.

“Guys! My girl’s here!”

Kate felt herself let out a noise halfway between relief and a sob as she made her way over to him. She leaned in and kissed his forehead, holding him for a second.

“Why are you crying?”

Kate shook her head. “You scared me.”

Anthony let out a groan, “My arm hurts.”

“Well, I think it’s probably broken.” Kate sighed.

The doctor examining Anthony let out a noise of agreement.

“And I feel sleepy.”

“That’ll be the concussion.” The doctor said.

“Well, I’ll probably be good to play next week.” Anthony sighed his eyes blinking slowly.

“You absolutely will not be.” Kate and the doctor said at the same time.

“We’ll see.” Anthony hummed. “And then we’re getting married!”He let out a celebratory whistle noise that made Kate’s heart clench. Anthony nudged the doctor. “She said she’d marry me.”

“And I’m very happy for you.” The doctor said.

“It’s a thrill.” Anthony nodded, kissing Kate’s cheek. “Did Simon avenge me?”

Kate rolled her eyes, “I believe he’s in the sin bin as we speak.”

“Ah, he’s a good kid.”

Kate kissed the top of his head again. “I’m glad you approve.”

When Kate gets Anthony home tht night she realises that that was not the worst moment of her life. Trying to keep Anthony from sneaking out to skate with a broken arm in fact was.

Neddy Bridgerton is offended featured on the Jumbotron it’s true.

Even his first home game when he’s a few months old Kate appears on the Jumbotron with Neddy bundled up in the carrier on her chest. He’s wearing a kraken beanie and onesie and the caption says

First Kraken game: Neddy Bridgerton.

There’s a video of Anthony during warmups grinning ear to ear when he goes over and waves at Kate and their son, blowing them kisses.

And of course, as Neddy gets older he loves hockey. He goes to every game with a Kraken jersey on. It has Anthony’s number on the back and Daddy on the nameplate. And it always feels so special when Anthony comes over during warmups and high fives Neddy through the glass

Neddy sits in his seat next to his Amma and aunties and yells out the entire time.

“Check him Daddy!”

The entire section roars with laughter and when Neddy’s on the Jumbotron Anthony always raises his stick in the air and claps for him.

And then of course Neddy holds his Amma’s hand while they go to get ice cream at intermission because it’s really hungry working watching your daddy play hockey. He needs a little snacky.

Quinn Hughes is a haunted Victorian child. There’s no two ways about it.

Anthony’s overwhelming theory is him getting stuck in a haunted house as a child. And the spirits merged with him.

I am hopeful to be able to work on it this week!

Sorry!