Chapter 61 – A Night to Remember

The buzz around Rosehill hadn't died down since the Wolves returned. By the time evening rolled around, the café was glowing with warm lights, laughter echoing from inside and out. People poured in—friends, parents, neighbors, teachers. The windows fogged slightly from the mix of cold air and body heat, but no one seemed to mind.

Inside, Sarah moved between tables with practiced grace, a proud smile on her face. "Help yourselves, everyone! Tonight's on the house—Rosehill's finest deserve a treat!"

Ryan was behind the counter with Savannah, both wearing black aprons and trying to keep up with the drink orders. She handed out hot chocolate with whipped cream, while Ryan tried not to fumble the mugs as quickly as they kept coming. Despite his usual quiet demeanor, there was a lightness in him tonight—a rare, unguarded smile that came naturally.

Ben arrived late with Jack, both still buzzing from the win. "It smells amazing in here," Ben said as he slid next to the counter, grabbing a cupcake.

"You're supposed to ask if you can have one," Ryan said, mock serious.

"I did. Mentally. You should've heard it."

Anna and Savannah were dancing near one of the speakers, laughing as they pulled Evelyn and Mrs. Harper into their fun. Even Mr. James was in a good mood, sitting near the window with a hot tea and quietly observing everyone. His eyes, though calm, were proud—watching these kids he'd quietly rooted for over the years now turning into something more.

Coach Daniels entered not long after, wearing a jacket over his usual tracksuit, and was immediately greeted with cheers.

"Coach!" someone called. "Speech!"

He chuckled and raised a hand to calm everyone. "Alright, alright. I'll keep it short."

Everyone turned their attention to him. Ryan moved beside Ben and Anna, while Savannah snuck an extra cookie from a tray.

"You all worked your hearts out. And you earned that trophy fair and square. But—" He paused, letting the room settle. "This isn't the end. It's the beginning. That win qualified us for a regional tournament. Bigger stage. Better teams. More pressure."

The café burst into noise—some kids gasped, others cheered. Ryan and Ben looked at each other, adrenaline kicking in again.

"We'll talk more at practice tomorrow," Coach continued, "but tonight—enjoy this. You've earned it. Every one of you."

After the announcement, the mood shifted from celebratory to inspired. The players exchanged excited looks, already imagining the next round of games, the tougher competition, and how far they could go.

Ryan stepped outside for some air, holding a hot drink in his hands. The night was quiet compared to the crowd inside. Savannah joined him a moment later, her arms crossed for warmth.

"You ready for the next challenge?" she asked.

He looked over at her, thoughtful. "I think I am. You?"

"I was born ready," she said with a grin.

Behind them, laughter spilled out from the café again—Ben arguing over cupcakes with Anna, Coach Daniels talking shop with Jack, Sarah wiping her hands on her apron as she chatted with Evelyn. It was messy, noisy, a little chaotic—but it felt like home.

And for the first time in a long time, Ryan wasn't just passing through. He was part of it.