Contents
44. Ryan
Overview
Ryan leads Chicago to its first playoff berth in six years, then finds his apartment emptied and their new house lovingly finished by Indy. They reaffirm their commitment, decide to live together, and make love for the first time without barriers. A celebratory party cements their community, and Indy’s father gives Ryan a meaningful sign name, prompting Ryan to plan asking for her parents’ blessing to marry.
Summary
Ryan spots Indy in the stands as the Devils close out a fourteen-point win to clinch their first playoff berth in six years. After the buzzer, he shares a grateful moment with mentor Ethan. Hoping to celebrate with Indy, Ryan instead finds his apartment completely emptied and freshly painted, signaling a decisive move toward their shared future.
Drawn to the new house, Ryan discovers Indy has spent three days furnishing and decorating it into a warm home. In the kitchen, Indy presents a playful “lease” of promises and rules: daily affirmations, building a library and greenhouse, and committing to a joyful life together whether or not they have children—while still trying to fill the rooms. They formally choose to live together, and their intimacy deepens as they make love without barriers, a step Ryan once vowed never to take.
The doorbell interrupts, and Indy reveals she invited their circle to celebrate the playoff berth. Friends, teammates, and family fill the house. Indy’s parents arrive; Ryan uses sign language to greet Tim and Abigale. Tim gifts Ryan a sign name—an “R” integrated with the sign for protect—affirming Ryan’s role in Indy’s life. Ryan silently resolves to ask Tim for his blessing to marry Indy.
On the porch, Ryan signs memorabilia for Rio in thanks for helping Indy. With Stevie, Zanders, Ethan, Annie, Kai, and baby Max, Ryan savors the sense of home and discusses futures—Kai buying a house, Ethan dreaming of a ring and retirement, and Ryan and Indy openly “trying” for a family. Ryan pulls Indy onto his lap, both content with their new life and eager to spend the summer and forever together.
Who Appears
- Ryan ShayDevils captain; clinches playoffs, discovers Indy finished their house, commits to living together, makes love to her, hosts teammates, receives a sign name from Tim, plans to seek blessing to marry.
- Indy IversSurprises Ryan by moving and furnishing their new home, reaffirms love and future, initiates playful ‘lease,’ hosts celebration, and welcomes her parents.
- Tim IversIndy’s deaf father; warmly meets Ryan, gives him a protective sign name, symbolically welcoming him into the family.
- Abigale IversIndy’s mother; arrives for the celebration, tours the home, translates as needed, supports the couple.
- Stevie ShayRyan’s sister; congratulates him, attends the house party, shares in his happiness.
- ZandersStevie’s fiancé and Ryan’s friend; teases Ryan, celebrates the playoff berth at the new house.
- EthanFormer captain and mentor; congratulates Ryan, attends with family, talks about chasing a ring before retiring.
- AnnieEthan’s wife; joins the celebration with their daughters, notes how much they enjoy the new home.
- RioFriend who hosted Indy; attends party, excitedly gets Ryan’s autographs.
- KaiRyan’s friend; attends with son Max, announces he bought a house and needs stable childcare during season.
- MaxKai’s infant son; sleeps through the porch gathering, central to Kai’s decisions.
- DomTeammate; celebrates playoff berth and attends party with his mom.
- LeonTeammate; jubilant after the win and present at the celebration.
- Mrs. JeongEthan’s mother-in-law; teaches Indy her kimchi jjigae recipe during the party.