Worlds Collide, page 1
Cover image: Figure Skating Couple by Artur Didyk © courtesy of istockphoto.com
Cover design copyright © 2023 by Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.
American Fork, Utah
Copyright © 2023 by Traci Hunter Abramson
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any format or in any medium without the written permission of the publisher, Covenant Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 416, American Fork, UT 84003. The views expressed within this work are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Covenant Communications, Inc., or any other entity.
This is a work of fiction. The characters, names, incidents, places, and dialogue are either products of the author’s imagination, and are not to be construed as real, or are used fictitiously.
First Printing: February 2023
ISBN 978-1-52442-261-5
Praise for Worlds Collide
“I don’t find a lot of ice skating books, so I am always happy when I have the opportunity. Worlds Collide by Traci Hunter Abramson is absolutely wonderful. Tyler and Amaliya are loveable characters, and their determination on the ice had me in awe of their talent. It’s easy to see the deep research the talented Abramson does by the details throughout the book, not only with figure skating but with the details of Russia and the KBG. I was glued to this book, especially when the story got to Canada. I was familiar with the Canadian part of it but knew nothing about the Russians and the KGB. It’s all still buzzing around in my head, and it will stay there for a good long while.
“Abramson knocks it out of the park on this one. She had no trouble keeping my attention, and the characters were fabulous in playing their parts as they developed so well throughout the story. If you enjoy ice skating, and especially pairs figure skating, you will love this book, and you will get a little lesson on Russia along the way.”
—Readers’ Favorite five-star review
“In Worlds Collide, the newest and final book in the Dream’s Edge series, author Traci Hunter Abramson keeps suspense, mystery, and excitement high as this page-turner continues the story of pairs figure skaters Tyler and Amaliya following their 1984 Olympic gold victory. With danger around every corner and the menacing presence of the KGB watching their every move, Tyler and Amaliya wonder if the future they hope for is just an impossible dream. Captivating and engaging from the first page to the last, Worlds Collide is one book you don’t want to miss.”
—Michele Ashman Bell, best-selling author of The Crown of Rosemund
Praise for the Dream’s Edge Series
“The author creates fabulously realistic scenes and characters that seep through every page of Dreams of Gold!”
—InD’tale Magazine
“A thrilling story packed with various aspects of the very different worlds of the main characters, ballet, hockey, and ice skating, all with their own disciplines.”
—Readers’ Favorite five-star review
“Traci Hunter Abramson’s ability to create realistic scenes and characters that any reader would admire seeps through every page of Dreams of Gold. Even for the reader who knows nothing about ice skating, this plot-driven story ensures that everyone has a warm seat at the front row of all the excitement and nerve-racking moves that come with the sport. One cannot help but keep rooting for the pair and, surprisingly, the coach who is fighting a couple of fears too. The secrets that Amaliya unearths during their journey add an exquisite thread to the overall beauty of the book.”
—Crowned Heart Review, InD’tale Magazine
“Abramson has the ability to create characters that are both believable and somehow larger than life. Readers will find themselves cheering on these two young skaters both in their sport and in the relationship growing between them. Her parents’ battle with horrible injuries and paralysis is a story in its own right. The assistance and support of friends is another important element of the story. The settings in Washington D.C., New York, and Connecticut are well done. Most of the action takes place in skating arenas and homes. The story not only advances following a comfortable plot arc, but there is a second arc showing the emotional growth that takes place in the hearts and minds of Amaliya and Tyler.”
—Meridian Magazine
Praise for Traci Hunter Abramson
“When it comes to creating stories that blend suspenseful and romantic notes into symphonies that keep readers riveted (and wanting more), Traci Hunter Abramson is an absolute virtuoso.”
—Stephanie Black, author of the Natalie Marsh Mystery series
“Traci Hunter Abramson is a master of her craft, an auto-buy author who never disappoints.”
—Sarah M. Eden, USA Today best-selling author
“As an admirer of Traci Hunter Abramson’s prolific talent, I once asked her how she does it. Her answer blew me away. She said, ‘I write as I work out on my treadmill.’ Now that’s devotion. Is it any wonder that this amazing author crafts one award-winning novel after another? Kudos to her as her writing journey continues with yet another awesome series.”
—Kathi Oram Peterson, author of award-winning Treacherous Legacy, 2021
“Heart-stopping action, unexpected plot twists, brave and gallant heroes, warm humor, and sweet romance. It’s no wonder readers—especially this one—love everything Traci Hunter Abramson writes. Her books have it all!”
—Sian Ann Bessey, author of best-selling Georgian Gentleman series
For Sarah Eden
Thank you for the roads you’ve paved and for the joy you spread everywhere you go.
Your friendship is a gift I will always treasure.
Acknowledgments
As this series comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive of this project and who has helped my first-ever novel come to life. Thank you to Samantha Millburn for the countless hours you’ve spent on the Dream’s Edge series, especially for always being able to find those few minutes to help me uncover the answers when my characters stop talking to me. Thanks to Ashley Gebert, Jessica Bybee, Amy Parker, and the rest of the Covenant family for all your efforts in helping me get my work out into the world.
Thank you to Mandy Biesinger and Lara Abramson for sharing your beta-reading skills, and thanks to the many critique partners who helped me polish this book in the early stages, especially Kyla Beecroft, Paige Edwards, H. Y. Gregor, Connor Olsen, Kori Pratt, Daniel Quilter, Eliza Sanders, and Ellie Whitney.
Thanks to Sian Bessey for helping me keep my sanity through the writing process, and thanks to my family for sharing me with my fictional worlds.
Also, thank you to the many members of my Traci’s Friends Facebook group who are always so willing to help me remember character names and details, and thank you to the readers who have supported me in my writing journey. I appreciate you more than I can ever express. And a special thanks again to Lucetta Allen Lilly for letting my borrow your parents’ names when these characters were created.
Chapter One
February 1984
The steady vibration of the plane’s engines should have lulled Tyler to sleep, but over the past six hours of the transatlantic flight, he had managed only a few moments of fitful slumber. So much had happened over the past two weeks while he and his fiancée had been in the Soviet Union.
His fiancée. He liked the sound of that, even though he hadn’t yet been able to call her that in public.
Amaliya shifted slightly, her beautiful profile barely visible in the dim airplane cabin. Dark eyelashes against flawless skin and a natural beauty that went far deeper than her appearance. Love flowed through him, along with a sense of gratitude. How had he gotten so lucky?
The glow of the reading light from the passenger in front of them spilled onto Amaliya’s bare hand. Her diamond engagement ring would remain out of sight for another day or two until Tyler spoke with her father, Robert.
Just the thought of facing Robert sent a whirlwind of nerves and anticipation whipping through Tyler. For months after Tyler and Amaliya had started dating, Robert had opposed their relationship. Even though the tensions between them had eased, the possibility that Robert would object to their marriage was far higher than Tyler would have liked. Nearly as concerning was the prospect that he would kick Tyler out of the apartment over the garage and essentially leave him homeless.
Tyler’s chest tightened uncomfortably. If Robert objected, they would not only have to wait to get married until they could make enough money to support themselves, but they would also have to deal with the very real ramifications of trying to prepare for the world championships in the midst of family strife. Never a good combination. Especially if he ended up without a place to live.
Sitting on the other side of Amaliya, their coach, Gordon, leaned forward and looked at Tyler. Though the older man had already lived half a century, he could still skate circles around most people, and he had experienced the ups and downs on the world stage of ice skating.
“You didn’t get much sleep,” Gordon said.
“I got some.”
“Too much adrenaline still rushing through you?”
Tyler glanced at Amaliya’s bare hand again. “Something like that.” He tried to push the practicalities of their relationship aside. Surely, Robert would want his daughter to be happy.
And at the momen t, she was happy. So many things over the past two weeks in Leningrad had brought both of them joy. They were coming home with the Olympic gold medal in pairs figure skating, they were excited about their future together, and Amaliya had met her long-lost uncle and his family.
What would Amaliya’s mother think about the news? Katerina had been a Soviet defector nearly twenty-five years ago, and now, if all went well, she would get to reunite with the family members she had left behind.
A stewardess, who wasn’t much older than Tyler’s twenty-three years, stopped beside their aisle. “Sorry to disturb you, sir,” she began, speaking to Gordon. “I’ve been asked to relay the message that once we land, security would like you to wait on the aircraft until the other passengers deplane.”
“Why?” Gordon asked.
“Apparently, there are quite a few reporters waiting at the gate,” she said.
Tyler repeated the stewardess’s words in his mind. Reporters. Waiting for them. Even though he’d expected attention after their win, he hadn’t anticipated they would receive it quite so soon.
“We want to make sure the others can get past the crowd before the excitement begins,” the stewardess continued.
“That’s understandable.” Gordon glanced briefly at Tyler before he spoke to the stewardess again. “Just let us know when we’re good to go.”
“Of course, sir. Thank you for your understanding.”
“I didn’t expect that we would have a crowd at the airport,” Tyler said.
“Everyone is proud of you,” Gordon said. “Olympic gold medals are a big deal.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Tyler still couldn’t believe that he and Amaliya had won. The years of hard work, of overcoming injury and frustration, had paid off, and now here they were, arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport as the best pairs figure skaters in the world.
In the seat beside him, Amaliya stirred, and her eyes fluttered open. “What time is it?”
Gordon checked his watch. “It’s almost four o’clock in DC. We should be landing soon.”
Amaliya pressed a hand to her stomach. “I’m nervous. Why should I be nervous?”
“No reason to be,” Gordon said. “You are returning home as champions.”
“Does that mean you’ll let us have our phones back?” Tyler asked. Right after they’d qualified for the Olympics, Gordon had taken away the phones in their rooms and restricted their access to TV and radio.
“You still have a few more weeks before that will happen. You aren’t done training yet, not until after the world championships.”
“I bet no one else’s coach took away their phones and TVs.”
“Yeah, but how many of those other skaters are coming home with gold medals?” Gordon asked.
“He’s got us there,” Tyler said.
“I’ll still let you talk to your family on Sundays.”
“I guess that’s better than nothing.”
Gordon motioned to Amaliya’s left hand. “When are you going to put your engagement ring back on?”
Surprise illuminated Amaliya’s face, and Tyler swallowed hard. How did Gordon know about their engagement? Tyler had asked Amaliya to marry him only a few days ago.
As though reading his thoughts, Gordon shook his head and said, “Amaliya may have been wearing gloves when we went to the bobsled competition, but it wasn’t hard to figure out there was a new piece of jewelry on a very important finger.”
Amaliya glanced at Tyler. “Sorry. I guess I should have locked my ring in my room after all.”
“Why the secrecy?” Gordon asked. His eyes narrowed, and he focused on Tyler. “You haven’t asked her dad for permission yet, have you?”
“You told us to avoid stressful situations when we were training for the Olympics,” Tyler said. “Talking to Robert would have definitely been stressful.”
Gordon chuckled. “I’ll give you that.”
The plane came to a stop, and the seat belt sign turned off. Amaliya held up her hands and wiggled her fingers. “I’m not wearing a ring right now, so we don’t have a problem.”
“You don’t have a problem.” Tyler grabbed his backpack from beneath the seat in front of him. “I still have to talk to your dad.”
“It won’t be long before that conversation is behind you.” Amaliya laced her fingers through his, but the intended comfort didn’t come.
“Robert wants Amaliya to be happy,” Gordon said. “You make her happy.”
“It’s true.” Amaliya squeezed Tyler’s hand.
“When are you going to talk to him?” Gordon asked.
“I don’t know,” Tyler admitted. “We have a lot we need to talk to him about besides our plans to get married.”
“Do you think your dad already told your mom about Viktor?” Gordon asked, referring to Amaliya’s uncle.
“I don’t know,” Amaliya said.
Tyler rolled his shoulders to stretch out the stiffness that had settled there. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
The stewardess returned. “You can get off the plane now.”
“Thank you.” Gordon stood and fell in line behind the last of the other passengers.
“Why did we need to wait to get off the plane?” Amaliya asked.
“Apparently, we have a welcoming party that includes more than just your parents,” Tyler said. “A bunch of reporters are waiting for us too.”
“Really?”
Gordon glanced back at them. “Enjoy this moment. You’ve earned the attention you’re about to receive.”
Tyler couldn’t help but smile as the magnitude of what they had accomplished washed over him. He and Amaliya gathered their belongings and followed Gordon off the plane onto the Jetway.
Gordon slowed his pace when they were halfway to the exit. “You ready for this?”
“I’m ready to be home,” Amaliya said.
Tyler took Amaliya’s hand. “So am I.”
Amaliya stepped off the Jetway to flashing cameras and a burst of cheers. Were all these people really here for her and Tyler?
Her gaze swept over the crowded airport lobby, the sea of humanity blocking her view of the rest of the terminal. American flags and signs with her and Tyler’s names on them waved among the frenzy of television cameras and photographers.
Several reporters surged forward, their questions tumbling over each other.
“Tyler, Amaliya,” a man called out. “Can we talk to you for a minute?”
A female reporter shoved a microphone in front of Amaliya. “Did you expect to win the gold?”
“What happens next?” another man asked. “Will you compete in the world championships?”
The crowd seemed to press in on her, the wall of bodies edging closer. Amaliya took a step back, suddenly needing space.
Tyler’s hand lifted to rest on her waist, a reminder that she wasn’t alone.
Gordon stepped beside her and spoke in a low voice. “Smile for the cameras. The sooner they get what they want, the sooner they’ll leave us alone.”
Amaliya forced a smile, her eyes searching for her parents. A hand waved behind one of the television cameras, and a moment later, her father pushed to the front, clearing a path for her mom.
Joy shimmered through Amaliya, and she rushed into her mother’s embrace. Instantly, her father’s arms wrapped around them both. The comfort of home swept through her despite the buzz of people crowding in on them.
Her parents released her and stepped to her side.
“Give them some room,” her dad demanded.
Several of the reporters eased back, creating a loose half circle around them.
Tyler and Gordon edged forward.
“Now, one at a time,” her dad said. Instantly, hands rose as each reporter vied for their turn. Her dad pointed to one in the center.
“How does it feel to be the Olympic gold medalists?” the reporter asked.
