Mile High Summary By Chapter | Liz Tomforde

Intervening, Zanders approaches the table and pretends to be her boyfriend, effectively “rescuing” her from the toxic group. Stevie is mortified and furious, but Zanders’ public claim marks a turning point.

She realizes he deliberately inserted himself into a humiliating situation to shield her. Their fake relationship suddenly feels very real.

Key Moment: Zanders publicly claims Stevie in front of her friends and the “frat bros.”
New Information: Stevie’s confidence is easily shattered in her hometown.

Chapter 11: The Alleyway Truth

Zanders escorts Stevie out of the bar, but they are immediately spotted by paparazzi; Stevie panics, terrified that being seen with a player will get her fired for fraternizing. Zanders uses his PR team to squash the photos before they go viral.

In the privacy of an alley, he drops his act and admits he can’t stop thinking about her, confessing he wants to sleep with her. Stevie refuses, citing his “man‑whore” reputation, but Zanders pins her to the wall and tells her she will eventually beg him.

He reveals he wants her as a “first choice,” not just an option. The confrontation cracks both of their careful public defenses.

Key Moment: Zanders admits he wants Stevie as a “first choice,” not just an option.
New Information: Zanders is willing to lie and use his resources to protect Stevie’s job.

Chapter 12: Southern Belles and Broken Boundaries

Stevie has brunch with Indy, who guesses about her late‑night interaction with Zanders and promises to keep her secret. The visit to her parents’ house goes badly when her mother immediately criticizes her weight, suggests she could give away old pageant dresses, and pushes her toward Brett.

Her father tries to defend her, but her mother’s passive‑aggressive remarks dominate the conversation. Stevie leaves feeling drained, her long‑held belief that she is “not enough” thoroughly reinforced.

The visit solidifies why she struggles so deeply with her body image and her worth. She retreats emotionally, wondering if she will ever be anyone’s first choice.

Key Moment: Stevie’s mother suggests giving Stevie’s old pageant dresses to a thinner girl because they “wouldn’t fit” her anyway.
New Information: Stevie’s mother suffers from “generational trauma” passed down from her own critical mother.

Chapter 13: The Instagram Trap

Zanders fuels his on‑ice play by channeling his frustration over Stevie, and after a game he sees a photo of Ryan Shay with his “sister” on Instagram—finally connecting the dots that Stevie is an NBA star’s twin. He realizes this is why she lives in a luxury building and why she was watching the Devils game.

On the flight home, he ignores the usual women available to him and corners Stevie in the galley while Indy distracts Tara. Zanders takes Stevie’s phone, accepts his own follow request, and tells her this is how she will reach him when she changes her mind.

Their intense physical moment in the galley leaves Zanders with a visible hard‑on in front of his teammates. The chapter ends with the understanding that Stevie has been hiding her connection to Ryan so people would like her for herself.

Key Moment: Zanders and Stevie share an intensely physical moment in the galley that leaves Zanders with a visible “hard-on” in front of his teammates.
New Information: Stevie was intentionally hiding her connection to Ryan Shay to be liked for herself.

Chapter 14: The Breaking Point in DC

Stevie tries to survive a two‑week road trip without giving in to Zanders, but her attraction simmers until a casual, entitled text from Brett pushes her over the edge. Her vibrator dies the same day, and in a fit of “pent‑up aggression and pettiness,” she DMs Zanders a single “Hey.”

Zanders immediately sends her the address to a private club, where he is surrounded by models but clarifies that she is his “first choice.” They share drinks and a deep conversation about their favorite cities, and Stevie admits the real reason she came is that her vibrator died, wounding his ego in a way that makes him laugh.

The chapter ends with her learning more about his Indiana background. The countdown to the physical has officially begun.

Key Moment: Stevie admits she came to Zanders because her vibrator died, wounding his ego in a way that makes him laugh.
New Information: Zanders went to college at Ohio State and considers Columbus his second home.

Chapter 15: The VIP Tease

Zanders guides Stevie to the front of a private concert at the club, using his body to shield her from the crowd as they dance. He teases her relentlessly, refusing to kiss or touch her bare skin until she admits she wants it.

He whispers dirty promises in her ear while she arches against him, and the crowd around them becomes irrelevant. Finally, Stevie nods that she is ready to beg, and they rush out of the club toward his hotel.

The chapter ends with them entering his suite, the tension finally snapping after weeks of build‑up. The “VIP Tease” has accomplished exactly what Zanders intended.

Key Moment: Zanders forces Stevie to acknowledge her physical desire for him before they leave.
New Information: Zanders has friends who own the lounge, providing them with a level of privacy they wouldn’t normally have.

Chapter 16: The Hotel Room Rulebook

In the elevator, Zanders corners her, taunting her for holding out so long. In the penthouse suite, Stevie is intimidated by the luxury but focuses on their “one‑time thing” agreement, which Zanders immediately undermines by insisting they leave the lights on.

He removes his shirt, revealing his tattoos, and demands she get on her knees. When Stevie shows a flicker of nervousness, Zanders stops to check in, asking if she truly wants this.

He uses constant praise (“good girl”) to settle her nerves and establish the dynamic for the night. The chapter ends with them moving to the bed, Zanders having already torn up the one‑time rule.

Key Moment: Zanders stops their agree-upon “rules” to ensure Stevie is truly comfortable being naked with him.
New Information: Zanders is a “grower and a shower” and is exceptionally well‑endowed.

Chapter 17: Praise and Possession

Zanders insists on keeping the lights on, confronting Stevie about the negative self‑talk in her head and telling her she is “his” for the night. He confesses he hasn’t been with anyone else since they met, because he’s been obsessed with her.

Their sex is intense and intimate, with Zanders using his praise kink to quiet her insecurities. When Stevie requests light choking, he complies, and she cries out “Zee,” a name only his favorite people use.

Zanders realizes he liked the intimacy far more than he planned to. The connection has crossed a line neither of them expected.

Key Moment: Zanders realizes he liked the intimacy of the sex way more than he should have.
New Information: Zanders hasn’t lived with anyone since college and values his personal space.

Chapter 18: The Walk of Shame

Afterward, Zanders expects Stevie to stay the night, but she insists on leaving to maintain professional boundaries. He chases her into the hallway completely naked to ensure she gets an Uber safely, then accidentally locks himself out of his room.

Maddison opens his door to find a naked, embarrassed Zanders and takes a photo to share with the team. On the flight back to Chicago, Zanders loudly points out Stevie’s limp to everyone.

Indy figures out immediately that they slept together and is thrilled. The secret is now fully in motion, with Maddison and Indy as the first to know.

Key Moment: Maddison discovers Stevie is the girl Zanders was with in DC.
New Information: Zanders has been jerking off to the image of Stevie for weeks instead of seeing other women.

Chapter 19: The Princess Parade

At the dog shelter, Zanders and several hockey players arrive dressed as Disney princesses for a delayed Halloween trick‑or‑treat with Maddison’s daughter, Ella. Zanders is dressed as Elsa, complete with a blonde wig and sparkly blue dress, because Ella thinks Elsa is nice—just like him.

Stevie watches Zanders’ soft, domestic side completely contradict his “bad boy” persona. He introduces her to Logan, Maddison’s wife, who is warm and welcoming, and points out his penthouse across the street from Stevie’s building.

The visit reveals a side of Zanders that Stevie has only glimpsed before. He is not the monster the media paints.

Key Moment: Zanders shows a soft, domestic side that contradicts his “bad boy” image.
New Information: Zanders lives in the penthouse directly across from Stevie’s brother’s apartment.

Chapter 20: Vulnerability and Sweater Vests

Zanders attends his regular therapy session with Eddie, where he discusses his dread of Christmas with his father and the anger he still holds from being “abandoned” as a teen. Eddie challenges him to show his authentic self to someone.

Later, Zanders finds Stevie crying on the curb outside the shelter because a senior dog died, and he sits beside her in his expensive pants without a second thought. She takes him inside, where an intimidating Doberman named Rosie immediately adores him.

Stevie tells Zanders that the dogs’ unconditional love is what it feels like to be truly loved. He realizes he wants that kind of love in his own life.

Key Moment: Stevie tells Zanders that the dogs’ unconditional love is what it feels like to be truly loved.
New Information: Zanders has been in therapy for nearly a decade to deal with anger and panic attacks.

Chapter 21: A Luxury Christmas

Stevie spends Christmas with her parents and Ryan, feeling like an outsider as her mother fawns over Ryan’s success and criticizes Stevie’s weight. She receives a surprise gift from Zanders: three pairs of designer sweatpants in different sizes, a cheeky but thoughtful gesture that makes her feel “understood.”

During Christmas dinner, her mother’s comments push Stevie further into her shell. Looking out the window, Stevie sees Zanders sitting alone on his front steps across the street and decides to bring him a beer.

The gift proves Zanders has been paying close attention to her body‑image struggles. He is the only person who seems to see her real needs.

Key Moment: Zanders’ gift of sweatpants proves he has been paying attention to Stevie’s needs and insecurities.
New Information: Ryan and Stevie’s mother is a “mean girl” who treats Stevie like a disappointment.

Chapter 22: Trauma Bonding on the Steps

Sitting on the steps with beers, Zanders and Stevie discuss their “shitty” mothers in raw, unfiltered detail. Zanders reveals his mother left his family for a wealthier man when he was sixteen, and Stevie shares that her mother is a “traditional Southern belle” disappointed in her.

Zanders admits he has known Stevie is Ryan Shay’s sister for months but never cared because he liked her for herself. They share a rare, intimate moment when Zanders hooks his finger with hers.

The trauma‑bonding session reveals that both of them have spent their lives feeling like disappointments. Zanders admits he actually likes talking to her, which he never does with other women.

Key Moment: Zanders and Stevie find deep emotional commonality through their shared sense of parental rejection.
New Information: Zanders’ mother left for a man who made more money than his father, which is why Zanders is so focused on his own wealth.

Chapter 23: The New Year’s Resolution

On New Year’s Eve, Zanders’ agent Rich calls, furious that Zanders hasn’t been photographed with any women lately and threatening his contract if he loses the “bad boy” image. On the plane, Zanders realizes he is “crushing hard” on Stevie and wants more than a hookup.

Maddison accidentally blurts that Zanders wants to take Stevie to a gala, which Zanders is too nervous to ask himself. Stevie reveals she is already attending with Ryan, which Zanders finds perfect.

At midnight, Zanders corners Stevie in the galley and they share a passionate New Year’s kiss while Rio blasts music to cover the moment. The New Year begins with them secretly colliding.

Key Moment: Zanders and Stevie share a passionate New Year’s kiss on the plane while Rio blasts music to distract the crew.
New Information: Rich, Zanders’ agent, is actively trying to set him up with “puck bunnies” for publicity.

Chapter 24: The Black‑Tie Revelation

Stevie attends the charity gala in a stunning sky‑blue dress, feeling “smoking hot” for the first time in a long while. She encounters Brett, who insults her hair and tries to manipulate her into a second chance.

Zanders intervenes, publicly backing Stevie up and intimidating Brett into leaving. Afterward, Zanders tells her she is “beautiful” and “unreal” in a soft, authentic tone.

Stevie then learns from Logan that the gala is actually Zanders’ foundation—and that he is the co‑founder of Active Minds, the person who got Eli into therapy. The “bad boy” image shatters completely for Stevie.

Key Moment: Zanders publicly backs Stevie up against her toxic ex‑boyfriend.
New Information: Zanders is the co‑founder of Active Minds and the person who got Eli Maddison into therapy.

Chapter 25: The Choice

Zanders begs Stevie to go on a real date with him, despite the risks to her job, telling her she is “not an option” but his “only choice.” Ryan confronts Zanders about his intentions, and Zanders admits he wants a real relationship.

Zanders cuts in on a dance between Stevie and Brett, threatening to ruin Brett’s career if he bothers her again. During their slow dance, Stevie admits his reputation scares her, and Zanders pleads for a chance to prove the media narrative is false.

When Stevie asks him to “take her home,” Zanders insists on a date instead, proving he wants more than sex. The chapter ends with the dynamic fundamentally shifted.

Key Moment: Zanders chooses to ask for a date rather than a hookup, shifting the dynamic of their relationship.
New Information: Zanders respects Ryan Shay and understands his protective nature.

Chapter 26: The Adoption of Rosie

Distracted by his feelings, Zanders plays terribly and gets ejected from a game. Logan tells him he deserves to be loved, and Zanders decides to adopt Rosie from the shelter, realizing he wants something to love and be loved by in return.

He brings Ella to the shelter, and Rosie immediately chooses him. Stevie is moved to tears by the adoption and by Zanders’ $50,000 donation to the shelter.

The dog becomes a symbol of Zanders’ commitment to change. Stevie sees clearly that the man she is falling for is not the persona the world knows.

Key Moment: Zanders adopts Rosie, showing Stevie he is serious about changing his life.
New Information: Zanders has been visiting Rosie weekly without telling Stevie.

Chapter 27: The New Father

Zanders surprises Stevie at the shelter with Ella and Rosie, finalizing the adoption paperwork and revealing he has been visiting Rosie in secret for weeks to ensure they were a good match. He makes a staggering $50,000 donation to the struggling shelter.

Stevie is moved to tears by his genuine gentleness with the dog and his niece, a stark contrast to his public persona. Zanders tricks her into performing a “home visit” so they can spend more time together.

She realizes she is becoming dangerously attached to the man behind the mask. The home visit will blur the lines between professional and personal.

Key Moment: Zanders makes a $50,000 donation to the shelter to support Stevie’s passion.
New Information: Zanders has been visiting Rosie weekly without Stevie’s knowledge.

Chapter 28: A Ghost from the Past

Zanders prepares for his “home visit” with Stevie—effectively their first real date—by canceling the private chef and ordering casual takeout. His sister Lindsey calls to warn that their estranged mother has been trying to reach him.

When his phone rings, Zanders answers expecting Stevie but hears his mother’s voice for the first time in twelve years. The call triggers a severe panic attack that sends him spiraling.

He retreats to the shower to compose himself just as Stevie arrives. The date is in jeopardy before it even begins.

Key Moment: Zanders hears his mother’s voice for the first time in twelve years, triggering a panic attack.
New Information: Zanders’ mother only reaches out when she needs money or his public profile is high.

Chapter 29: Takeout and Truths

Stevie lets herself in when Zanders doesn’t answer the door and finds him vulnerable, recovering from his panic attack. They share a massive takeout spread, and Zanders finally reveals the truth: his “bad boy” persona is a marketing strategy created by his agent Rich, and he hides his real self because it hurts less to be hated for a character than rejected for who he is.

Stevie realizes they both use masks to protect themselves from feeling “not enough.” They decide to officially pursue a relationship that is more than just physical.

Zanders confesses he has been dreaming of her for months. The date salvages itself into something far more meaningful.

Key Moment: Zanders admits that his “bad boy” image is a protective act he uses to avoid real rejection.
New Information: Zanders’ anxiety stems from the fear that the “real him” isn’t worthy of love.

Chapter 30: The Claim

The night deepens as Zanders insists on keeping the lights on to worship Stevie’s body, specifically targeting the areas she is most insecure about. He provides constant praise, making her feel beautiful and desired for the first time.

Zanders removes Stevie’s gold thumb ring and places it on his own pinky, claiming it as a symbol that she belongs with him. He realizes he is emotionally addicted to her, not just physically attracted.

They spend the night together with Zanders vowing to destroy her insecurities through his devotion. The ring becomes a physical token of their new, secret commitment.

Key Moment: Zanders claims Stevie’s ring for himself as a symbol of their new commitment.
New Information: Zanders has been abstinent since the night he first slept with Stevie in DC.

Chapter 31: Family Fences

Stevie wakes up in Zanders’ bed feeling more confident, even wearing his clothes which fit her curves perfectly. During a family video call for her father’s birthday, her mother pressures her to give Brett another chance and criticizes her as usual.

Stevie finally reaches her breaking point and stands up to her mother, calling out years of disapproval and favoritism toward Ryan. Zanders intervenes by closing the laptop, protecting Stevie from further abuse, and encourages her to accept herself.

They trauma‑bond further over their shared “worst mom” experiences. Stevie has finally set a boundary she has needed for years.

Key Moment: Stevie stands up to her mother’s judgmental behavior and sets a firm boundary.
New Information: Stevie’s mother was treated the same way by her own mother, suggesting generational trauma.

Chapter 32: The G‑Wagon Encounter

Four months later, October arrives, and Stevie and Zanders have been secret but increasingly close, with Stevie sneaking in and out of hotel rooms. After an early flight, Zanders picks her up in his Mercedes G‑Wagon, and they share an intensely hot moment in the car.

Zanders has become deeply “needy” and possessive, wanting to spend every free second with her. He jokes about joining the “mile‑high club,” though Stevie corrects the technical altitude.

Despite the joy, the pressure of hiding is beginning to wear on them both. The secret feels heavier with each passing week.

Key Moment: The couple shares an intimate moment in Zanders’ car, highlighting their deepening bond.
New Information: Zanders has transitioned from being “unattached” to being extremely “needy” for Stevie’s presence.

Chapter 33: Twin Secrets

Stevie spends the weekend with Ryan, who questions her about Zanders’ territorial behavior. She finally tells him the full truth about Brett’s emotional abuse in college, and Ryan is furious he didn’t protect her, vowing to cut Brett out entirely.

Stevie also informs Ryan about setting strict boundaries with their mother, and he fully supports her. Their friend Indy arrives heartbroken after catching her boyfriend cheating, adding to the emotional weight of the day.

Ryan learns the extent of Stevie’s past pain and promises to have her back. The sibling bond deepens.

Key Moment: Ryan learns the truth about Brett and promises to always have Stevie’s back.
New Information: Ryan was the one who encouraged Stevie to move to Chicago to be close to him.

Chapter 34: Rings and Lists

Stevie takes Zanders thrifting, where he finds a vintage Chicago Devils windbreaker to wear in support of Ryan. He then takes her to a high‑end jeweler to be sized for designer rings to replace her “beat up” ones, but refuses to give back the gold band he stole.

Later, on the couch, Stevie discovers a note in his phone: he has replaced his list of girls in every city with a list of reasons why Stevie is his only choice, filled with sentimental details. The revelation moves her deeply.

Zanders then texts his father “I miss you” for the first time in twelve years, and his father responds immediately, saying he loves him. The chapter marks a turning point in his emotional availability.

Key Moment: Zanders replaces his “roster” of women with a list of reasons why Stevie is his only choice.
New Information: Zanders’ father responds immediately to his text, saying he loves him.

Chapter 35: The WAGS Circle

Stevie attends a Raptors game, sitting with Logan Maddison in the family section to avoid the press. Logan introduces her to the concept of “WAGS” and admits she is glad to have a real friend in the group.

Stevie watches Zanders on the ice with a new understanding of the game, and he skates to the glass during warmups to smile at her—a public gesture Logan notes is unlike anything he has done before. She feels a sense of belonging she never had with her own social circles.

The chapter ends with an invitation to meet Eli’s parents, signaling that Stevie is being fully welcomed into Zanders’ inner world.

Key Moment: Stevie begins to feel like a true part of Zanders’ “inner circle” alongside Logan.
New Information: Eli Maddison’s parents are in town, and Stevie is invited to meet them.

Chapter 36: Meeting Lindsey

The Raptors clinch a top playoff seed, and the team gathers for Logan’s birthday dinner. Stevie bonds with Zanders’ sister Lindsey, who is protective of her and tells Zanders the fans would love the “real” him if he gave them a chance.

Zanders struggles with the “secret love child” tabloid rumors still circulating. He feels gratitude seeing his girlfriend and sister getting along so well.

The chapter highlights that his family sees the man beneath the mask, and they want him to drop it. The pressure of the playoffs and the secret weigh heavily.

Key Moment: Lindsey meets Stevie and encourages Zanders to be honest with the world.
New Information: The media is now speculating that Zanders has a “secret child” because he’s stayed out of the clubs.

Chapter 37: The Public Reveal

During a road trip, the hockey and basketball teams end up at the same bar, and Zanders’ teammates tease him about women until he snaps and announces to everyone that Stevie is his girlfriend. The players cheer, but Stevie is terrified of being fired for fraternization.

Ryan encounters Brett at the bar and punches him in retaliation for the old “locker room talk” about Stevie. Indy, drunk and hurt, vomits on Ryan’s shoes.

Zanders warns the entire room that if Stevie gets fired, there will be consequences. The secret is out among the teams, and there is no putting it back.

Key Moment: Zanders publicly claims Stevie as his girlfriend in front of both the Raptors and the Devils.
New Information: Ryan punches Brett as retribution for the “locker room talk” about Stevie.

Chapter 38: The Price of Truth

After the bar, Zanders and Stevie take a midnight swim to find peace, but the moment is ruined when his agent Rich calls with news that Chicago has gone silent on his contract renewal. Rich blames Zanders’ shift away from his “bad boy” image.

Zanders spirals into a panic, fearing his relationship is costing him his career. He becomes distant and cold as he processes the potential loss of his spot on the team.

The chapter ends with him shutting down, his old coping mechanisms clicking into place. Stevie is left confused and anxious.

Key Moment: Zanders learns that his contract extension is being withheld because of his change in image.
New Information: Chicago management has been silent on Zanders’ future all season.

Chapter 39: Mirrors and Mercy

Back in Chicago, Zanders finds Stevie crying because she can’t fit into a team shirt, and he realizes the internet trolls have been attacking her body since the rumors started. He forces her to stand in front of a mirror and lists every physical trait he loves about her, helping her see herself through his eyes.

He admits he is terrified of the future but promises she is his priority. He focuses entirely on rebuilding her confidence even while his own career hangs in the balance.

The “praise therapy” session combats the hate. He tells her he doesn’t want a boring “perfect” standard.

Key Moment: Zanders uses “praise therapy” to help Stevie combat the hateful comments from internet trolls.
New Information: Zanders is only a few wins away from a Stanley Cup, but his mind is elsewhere.

Chapter 40: Caught

Chicago wins a crucial overtime playoff game on a Zanders goal, sending the couple into euphoria. Their joy collapses when paparazzi ambush them outside Zanders’ building, snapping photos as he tries to shield Stevie.

Within minutes, images are online with headlines labeling her his “mystery girlfriend.” They realize their secret is officially over, and the fallout will be immediate.

Stevie sees the “mystery woman” articles and knows her life is about to change dramatically. The relationship is no longer a private sanctuary.

Key Moment: Paparazzi catch the couple together, exposing their relationship to the world.
New Information: The media is now obsessed with finding out Stevie’s identity.

Chapter 41: The Breaking Point

The online abuse toward Stevie becomes unbearable, and Zanders’ agent Rich admits he is shopping Zanders to other teams because Chicago “wants their bad guy” back. Rich also reveals he was behind leaking Stevie’s identity to the press to force Zanders back into his old role.

Zanders realizes that as long as he is with Stevie, she will be targeted by the hate directed at him. In a devastating move, he decides breaking up with her is the only way to protect her.

He prepares to end the relationship, believing he is a burden she doesn’t deserve. The break is coming.

Key Moment: Zanders decides to break up with Stevie to shield her from the public’s toxicity.
New Information: Rich implies that Chicago management is maxed out on their budget and won’t re-sign Zanders.

Chapter 42: The Coward

Zanders goes to Stevie’s apartment and breaks up with her, using the flimsy excuse that he “can’t change” and they were always meant to end. Stevie sees through the lie immediately, calling him a coward for choosing his fabricated persona over their real love.

She tells him she would have moved to any city for him, but he never even asked. Zanders leaves in tears, and Stevie is shattered, realizing he doesn’t trust in unconditional love.

The breakup is a messy, painful collision of his fear and her heartbreak. She is left with the wreckage of what could have been.

Key Moment: The couple breaks up after Stevie calls Zanders out for being a coward.
New Information: Stevie admits she would have moved anywhere to stay with Zanders.

Chapter 43: Choosing Myself

Heartbroken, Stevie decides she needs a fresh start and applies for a flight attendant job in Seattle. Her father visits and reveals that Ryan encouraged her to look at the job to help her heal, and that their mother is finally realizing the damage of her own behavior.

Stevie decides if Zanders won’t choose her, she will choose herself. She prepares to leave the reminders of him and Rosie behind.

The chapter ends with her taking control of her own life. Her self‑worth can no longer be tied to his approval.

Key Moment: Stevie applies for a job in Seattle to escape the pain of the breakup.
New Information: Stevie’s mom is starting to understand the damage of her “mean girl” behavior.

Chapter 44: The Lifeline

Zanders plays the worst hockey of his career, still wearing Stevie’s gold ring under his tape as a lifeline. Maddison confronts him and reveals that he and Logan have fired Rich for his role in leaking Stevie’s name.

Maddison tells Zanders that family is more important than a team or contract and that he will support him anywhere. Zanders finally realizes he broke up with Stevie because he was terrified she would leave him first, just as his mother did.

The chapter ends with Zanders understanding the root of his self‑sabotage. He knows he has to win her back.

Key Moment: Zanders realizes his breakup with Stevie was a preemptive strike against his fear of abandonment.
New Information: Maddison fired Rich to show loyalty to Zanders and Stevie.

Chapter 45: The Last Flight

Stevie works her final flight for the Raptors, heading toward her move to Seattle. Zanders boards and desperately begs to talk, but she tells him she needs more time and keeps her move a secret from everyone except Indy.

Maddison pulls her aside and begs her not to give up on Zanders, saying he is “battling demons.” As she watches Zanders walk off the plane in Chicago, she wonders if this is their last goodbye.

The flight feels like the end of an era. The chapter closes with a profound sense of loss.

Key Moment: Stevie works her final flight and refuses to give Zanders the reconciliation he wants.
New Information: Stevie has officially quit her job to move to Seattle.

Chapter 46: Winning Back the Girl

Zanders officially fires Rich, accepting that it might be “career suicide.” He realizes Rich was the one who leaked Stevie’s identity to manipulate him back into his bad‑boy role, and that Rich had been getting financial cuts from tipping off paparazzi for years.

Zanders feels an electrifying sense of freedom after cutting his agent loose. He tells Maddison he is going to win the Stanley Cup and then win Stevie back, no longer caring about his public image.

The chapter ends with a clear, determined plan. He is finally prioritizing the right things.

Key Moment: Zanders fires Rich and decides to reclaim his life and his girlfriend.
New Information: Rich was getting a financial cut from tipping off the paparazzi for years.

Chapter 47: Confronting the Mother

Minutes before leaving for the airport, Stevie spots Zanders’ mother entering his building and crosses the street to confront her. She delivers a scathing speech declaring that Zanders is an amazing man despite his mother’s abandonment and that he is better off without her.

Stevie’s name has now been fully released to the public, and she decides to stop hiding. She walks back to her building, unaware that Zanders had actually invited his mother for a final, clinical conversation.

The confrontation is a turning point for Stevie, claiming her voice. The chapter ends with her ready to leave for Seattle.

Key Moment: Stevie confronts Zanders’ mother and tells her he is better off without her.
New Information: Stevie’s identity is now fully public, and she no longer cares.

Chapter 48: The Free Man

Zanders has that final meeting with his mother, telling her he is done and no longer embarrassed by her lack of love. He realizes his father, Neal, was the one who sacrificed everything for him, working double shifts to keep him in hockey.

He kicks his mother out feeling free for the first time in twelve years. He rushes to find Stevie, but only finds the new flight attendant; Indy reveals Stevie quit and is moving to Seattle.

Zanders is left in total shock and despair. He has thrown away the best thing in his life.

Key Moment: Zanders tells his mother he is finished with her and reconciles the truth about his father.
New Information: Zanders’ father worked double‑time to ensure Zanders could keep playing hockey.

Chapter 49: The Pleading

Stevie is in Seattle, finding the city cold and empty, when Zanders calls, sounding broken and begging her not to move. She tells him she just wanted to be his first choice and that she can’t be with someone who doesn’t trust in unconditional love.

Zanders admits he doesn’t know how to trust, and Stevie hangs up, heartbroken. She realizes that their love alone isn’t enough to overcome his lack of trust.

The call ends with no resolution. The distance between them feels insurmountable.

Key Moment: Zanders begs Stevie not to move, but she hangs up on him.
New Information: Zanders’ phone was destroyed by champagne during the Cup celebration (recounted later).

Chapter 50: The Homecoming

Zanders returns to his tiny Indiana hometown and finds his father, Neal, at a local bar. They have an emotional conversation over pool, and Zanders finally tells his father he loves him.

Neal encourages him to follow Stevie to the ends of the earth if she is “worth following.” Zanders realizes he has been his own biggest obstacle and that he is ready to let Stevie love him.

He invites both his father and Lindsey to his final game in Chicago, putting a plan into motion.

Key Moment: Zanders reconciles with his father and learns the value of chasing what is worth it.
New Information: Zanders’ father has a new girlfriend who was a long‑time friend.

Chapter 51: The Ticket

Stevie returns to Chicago, unable to sign a lease in Seattle because she can’t let go of Zanders. Ryan reveals that Zanders has been coming by every night looking for her and gives her an envelope containing a ticket to the final Stanley Cup game.

The note reads that “nothing matters without you.” Ryan encourages her to go, explaining that Zanders fired his agent and is working to be “good enough” for her.

Stevie decides to attend the game. The ticket is a lifeline she decides to grab.

Key Moment: Stevie finds the note from Zanders and decides to attend the Stanley Cup Finals.
New Information: Zanders has no contract and no agent for the next season.

Chapter 52: The Cup

The final Stanley Cup game takes place in Chicago, and Zanders is more nervous than ever, hoping Stevie is in the crowd. He is forced to remove her ring from his pinky but tapes it to his skate lace instead.

Chicago wins the Cup in a thrilling home victory, and Zanders celebrates with Maddison and his family. He searches desperately for Stevie but is told her seat was empty.

He falls from the highest high to the lowest low, believing she gave up on him. The victory feels hollow without her.

Key Moment: The Chicago Raptors win the Stanley Cup, but Zanders feels empty without Stevie.
New Information: Zanders assists Maddison for the game‑winning goal.

Chapter 53: The Hallway Wait

Stevie was at the game but couldn’t get to the ice through the confetti and crowd. She watches Zanders celebrate with his family, feeling pride that he has finally let them love him publicly.

Instead of finding him in the chaos, she goes to his building and waits in the hallway until 2:00 AM, but he doesn’t arrive. She leaves a message that goes unanswered because his phone is broken.

She hopes for another chance to tell him she was there. The missed connection is agonizing.

Key Moment: Stevie waits outside Zanders’ apartment to congratulate him, but they miss each other.
New Information: Zanders spent the night celebrating at his teammate Rio’s house.

Chapter 54: Stopping the Parade

The championship parade rolls through downtown Chicago. Zanders is miserable and hungover on the lead bus with his family and the Maddisons.

As the bus passes the SDOC shelter, Zanders spots Stevie outside and stops the entire parade, jumping off the double‑decker bus to run to her. Rosie follows, barreling into Stevie.

He ignores dozens of cameras and reporters to reach the woman he loves. The grand gesture is seen by the entire world.

Key Moment: Zanders halts the Stanley Cup parade to run to Stevie at the dog shelter.
New Information: Rosie the dog helps Zanders find Stevie in the crowd.

Chapter 55: Miles High

In front of the world’s cameras, inside the shelter, Zanders confesses his love and apologizes for the breakup, promising to follow her anywhere she wants to go. Stevie tells him she was at the game and has always loved him.

They kiss, and Zanders brings her onto the parade bus to meet his dad and celebrate publicly for the first time. Stevie realizes she is finally his “first and only choice.”

The crowd and teammates cheer as they reclaim their relationship in the open. The secret is over, replaced by a public commitment.

Key Moment: Zanders and Stevie reconcile publicly, ending the “secret” relationship.
New Information: Zanders tells Stevie he will move to Seattle if that’s what makes her happy.

Chapter 56: Home

Back at the penthouse, Zanders and Stevie decide to stay in Chicago together. Zanders reveals he re‑signed with the Raptors on the condition that the team fully fund and support the SDOC shelter, and Stevie is hired as its full‑time manager.

They have an intimate night where Stevie “punishes” Zanders for his past mistakes with a show of confidence. Zanders admits he is obsessed and asks her to move in officially.

They realize they have built their own family. The chapter ends with them fully settled and happy.

Key Moment: Zanders and Stevie decide to live together and stay in Chicago.
New Information: The Raptors organization will now financially support the dog shelter as a write‑off.

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