The Graham Effect

Gigi initially plans for a quiet New Year’s Eve until her cousin Alex persuades her and Ryder to attend a party in Manhattan, offering a friend’s private jet for transportation. Despite some reluctance, Gigi convinces Ryder to join, highlighting Owen McKay’s presence as an incentive. At the party, they immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, with even a hesitant Ryder dancing with supermodel Alex. As midnight approaches, Owen surprises them with his arrival, warmly greeting Ryder and revealing that Ryder is his brother.

After the New Year’s Eve Party, Ryder and Gigi retreat to Alex’s hotel suite. Frustrated by Ryder’s omission regarding Owen, Gigi confronts him. Ryder tries to explain, revealing the complexities of his relationship with Owen. They were inseparable until circumstances forced them apart when Ryder was five. Ryder harbors concerns that Owen blames him for their mother’s death. Gigi offers comfort and encourages Ryder to communicate with Owen. In a moment of vulnerability, Ryder confesses his love for Gigi. She replies that she loves him, too, calling him “Luke.” The following day, Ryder seeks clarity from Owen, who vehemently denies any feelings of blame toward him.

After a game in Boston, Gigi visits her family, confiding in her father about Case’s infidelity as the reason for their breakup. While at the mall, she unexpectedly encounters Emma, who confronts her about Wyatt’s actions. Gigi defends herself and Wyatt while condemning Emma’s unwarranted aggression toward her family. Gigi leaves, urging Emma to leave their past behind.

Gigi notices a slight improvement in her relationship with Case, as he no longer blatantly ignores her. However, she expresses regret that they could not maintain their friendship. During her semifinal game, Brad Fairlee unexpectedly attends, witnessing her stellar performance and hat-trick. Post-game, Fairlee delivers disappointing news to Gigi, revealing that while she is among the nation’s top college players, he can only select two for the Olympic team, and she is not one of them.

Gigi seeks solace in Ryder’s company, feeling disheartened about not making the Olympic team. Ryder offers comfort, assuring her of his unwavering support and commitment to lifting her spirits whenever she feels low.

Gigi persuades Ryder to accompany her to Vegas for the finals. During the intense game against Ohio State, tensions run high as a player repeatedly engages in illegal checks against Gigi, provoking frustration from both Ryder and Garrett. In a harrowing moment, the player collides with Gigi, causing her to crash into the boards, her helmet flying off. Gigi remains motionless on the ice. Reacting swiftly, Ryder and Garrett rush down the aisle, arguing with a man obstructing their path. Ryder forcefully pushes him aside, emphasizing that his wife is out there.

In the women’s locker room, EMTs assess Gigi’s condition. Fortunately, she does not have a concussion, but they sideline her for the remainder of the game as a precautionary measure. Gigi reveals to her family that she secretly married Ryder. When she attempts to explain the situation to her family, Garrett expresses profound disappointment in her, a sentiment that deeply affects Gigi.

The Briar Women’s team clinches victory in the Frozen Four championship. Hannah visits Ryder, hoping to mend the strained relationship between Gigi and Garrett. However, Gigi remains deeply wounded, prompting Garrett to take drastic action by contacting Ryder. The two men meet, and while in conversation, Ryder spots Gigi’s favorite artist at a signing event nearby. Pausing their discussion, Ryder joins the queue for the autograph, a gesture that speaks volumes about his love for Gigi. Witnessing this, Garrett begins to understand the depth of Ryder’s feelings. Garrett attempts to explain the emotions that fueled his earlier outburst at Gigi, but their conversation is interrupted by a reporter seeking comment on Ryder’s father’s parole hearing.

A swarm of reporters awaits Ryder in the lobby, but Garrett swiftly ushers him away to his hotel room. Inside, Ryder finds several friends waiting, providing a much-needed support system. They tell Ryder that Michael Klein, the player Ryder injured in the World Junior’s match, claimed in an interview that violence is inherent in Ryder’s family. The coaches and other players enter the room, rallying around Ryder and expressing frustration at Klein’s attempt to provoke them. Eventually, everyone departs, and Case takes a moment to mend his relationship with Ryder.

Later, Ryder receives a call from Dallas’s general manager, who assures him of the team’s support. Ryder then attends a press event, where reporters inquire about his family history, a topic Ryder notes was never a secret. When Case asks Klein about the comments that led to Ryder hitting him, Klein claims he does not remember. A reporter then asks Ryder if he recalls, to which Ryder reveals that Klein had said his mother deserved to die and that his father should have shot him, too.

Josh Turner interviews Owen McKay, who refuses to entertain questions regarding Ryder’s father or the parole system. Instead, Owen focuses on Ryder’s recent achievements, highlighting his crucial role in scoring the winning goal during the Frozen Four.

Gigi’s friends express some reservations about her marriage. Following her exams, Gigi seeks solace in the butterfly garden. Unexpectedly, Garrett appears, having been informed of her whereabouts by Ryder. Garrett opens up about feeling hurt that he did not have the opportunity to walk Gigi down the aisle in her wedding dress. He offers a heartfelt apology and extends an invitation for Gigi and Ryder to attend his Hall of Fame induction.

Gigi and Ryder attend Garrett’s Hall of Fame induction, where Garrett proudly introduces Ryder to everyone as his son-in-law. During the event, Garrett surprises Ryder by announcing he will coach at Garrett’s Hockey Kings camp that summer.

Brad Fairlee approaches them, initially engaging in a jovial conversation; however, the mood shifts when Fairlee mentions Emma’s distress over her recent encounter with Gigi. Fairlee proceeds to lecture Gigi about her behavior, but Hannah intervenes, asserting that Fairlee should focus on parenting his own child. When Fairlee defends Emma, Hannah exposes Emma’s attempted seduction of Garrett. With Fairlee leaving the conversation, Gigi briefly feels guilty before deciding that Emma should face the consequences of her actions.

Gigi and Ryder steal an intimate moment in the bathroom during Shane’s farewell party. They reflect on the recent performance of the Olympic women’s hockey team, acknowledging Canada’s victory in the women’s Worlds competition. Gigi expresses her acceptance of not making the team this time, is hopeful for the future, and considers the possibility of becoming Garrett’s agent.

Amid discussions about their upcoming honeymoon in Italy with friends, Ryder and Gigi also plan to attend Ryder’s father’s parole hearing in Arizona. Despite the past challenges, Ryder feels content with his life and eagerly anticipates the future.