When we kiss this time, it tastes like promises and forever and the kind of love that chooses to stay.
Her lips are soft and sure against mine, and steadiness grows between us as she adjusts to fill my lap. There’s no hesitation now, no uncertainty—just Nina, warm in my arms, kissing me like she means it with her whole heart.
My hands lace around her waist, pulling her closer, and I think about how different everything feels now. How the weight that used to sit on my chest before every game has been replaced by something lighter, something that lifts me up instead of holding me down.
She mentioned her word of the year,riseand I feel like it could be mine too.
When she splays her fingers over my shoulders, I make a sound that’s half laugh, half sigh, because this is what I didn’t know I was missing. Not just the physical connection, but the way she kisses me like she’s proud to be mine, like she’s choosing me.
We break apart slowly, reluctantly, and when I look into her eyes, I see my own amazement reflected back at me.
“I love you,” I whisper against her lips, the words coming easier every time I say them.
“I love you too,” she whispers back, and it sounds like the best kind of promise.
Outside, snow drifts from the night sky, dusting Nina’s windows with sparkly white gems. Inside, our makeshift family is warm and safe and whole.
For the first time in my life, I understand what home really means.
It’s not a place. It’s not even a person.
It’s the connection and laughter and the challenges and the ordinary. It’s us choosing each other, day after day, in all the ways that matter.
It’s Nina helping Kai with his homework while I make us hot chocolate.
It’s the three of us curled up on the couch, watching movies and sharing popcorn.
It’s Kai’s sleepy voice calling “Goodnight, Mom and Dad” from his bedroom.
It’s Nina’s hand in mine as we navigate this complicated life we’re building together.
It’s family. Real family. The kind I never thought I’d have and now can’t imagine living without.
And tomorrow, we’ll definitely go skating again.
CHAPTER 11
Kai callsfor me from across the rink. “Dad, watch this!”
I give him my full attention as he executes a crossover turn that would make most junior varsity players jealous. He’s been skating for days, not years, but the kid moves on the ice like he was born to it.
Natural talent. The kind that can’t be taught.
The kind that comes with a legacy he never asked for.
Oh, and there’s the little issue of him calling meDad. I didn’t make that request. He just started doing it. We talked and I made it clear that I’m not technically his father—still not exactly sure who that is.
He was quiet for a long moment afterward and he told me that Desiree always insisted he call her boyfriends Dad. He didn’t want to because half of them didn’t even say his name right—one of them even just called himkid, not bothering to learn his girlfriend’s son’s name. But he always wanted a dad and now he has one.
There was a hug. Maybe some misty eyes. You know, we’re dudes. But yeah. Whoa.
Meanwhile, when in public, my sister insisted Kai call her by her name and not “Mom” because she didn’t want anyone knowing she had a child. Said it could interfere with her career.
Can’t argue with the boy’s logic, but at this point, I’m beyond words. I almost don’t ever want to talk to Desi again because of the verbal damage I fear I’ll do. How could my sister be so selfish?!
I’ve noticed a few times Kai referring to Nina as his “Mom,” too, especially when he’s talking with his classmates and new friends.
After discussing this whole matter with Lou Chen, I assured her that it was best to just go with it. We’re bringing him in for a visit soon. Told him it’s part of the pro hockey deal and that we have to strengthen our mental muscles, too.
