Chapter Thirty-Eight

In May, Shane quietly celebrates his thirtieth birthday at the cottage with his parents, Ilya, and Anya. He decides to stop chasing perfection and accept a balanced life. After Montreal’s media and teammates failed to defend him, Shane concludes he can’t represent the Voyageurs anymore and will enter free agency.

Shane tells agent Farah that Ottawa is his first choice, noting any team will be signing Ilya Rozanov’s husband. He and Ilya send out short-notice invitations for a small July backyard wedding before their charity camps, and they plan a Spain honeymoon inspired by Scott’s travel suggestions.

At sunset by the lake, Shane finds Ilya in the hammock. They skip watching the Cup Final and share a quiet evening, with Anya asleep after a long walk. Ilya proposes making an Instagram video to talk about their relationship.

Ilya records a playful clip introducing himself and Shane, confirming they’re marrying in July and promising to return in October to keep playing and chasing records and Cups. The golden-hour video shows them openly affectionate and excited.

Shane jokes that Commissioner Crowell will hate it but accepts that they won’t hide anymore. He briefly worries about free-agency interest, and Ilya counters with confidence and teasing reassurance, sealing their decision to be public and unapologetic.