Speaking of Claire, we haven’t heard from her since she ghosted Sophia on her birthday last year. It was pretty hard on Sophia at first. She’d have meltdowns and outbursts, not knowing what to do with all her anger and heartbreak, but having Sadie here, showing up every day, has made it easier on her. Watching them together right now is proof of how far she’s come, how far we’ve all come, in the past year.
Unfortunately, the Bobcats weren’t able to hire Sadie full time this past season, but she was still contracted with the team and came to the rink part time to do yoga, meditation, and to help with injuries and recovery.
The season just ended, and although we didn’t win the Stanley Cup, we did make it to the playoffs again. We ended up making it to the Western Conference Finals where we lost in game six. It’s not the ending we hoped for, but it feels like we’re getting closer and closer to the Finals.
Sadie won’t be joining the team next year, however. We found the most amazing property in Door County, and she’ll be opening up her dream yoga retreat in January. I am so damn proud of her for not giving up on her dreams. She amazes me every day.
Sadie’s goat, Kevin, interrupts my thoughts when he shoves his nose in between Sadie’s legs.
That’s my cue.
“Easy there, Kevin. That’s mine.”
My voice startles Sadie and she tumbles over, falling into a fit of laughter. “Niko! Inappropriate.” She looks over at Sophia, who is now on the floor, oblivious to any inappropriateness, giggling away with Princess Sparkle.
I saunter over to where Sadie lies on the floor and reach out my hand to help her stand. “Sorry. I’d say it won’t happen again but then I’d be inappropriateanda liar.”
Sadie swats my chest then pushes up onto her tiptoes. “You’re bad.”
I lean down to kiss her and the feel of her lips on mine makes me forget everything. Including the six-year-old across the room.
“Ew! Gross!”
Sadie and I pull apart, laughing, but I don’t let go of her hand.
“Sorry,Rakas. I just love her so much. I couldn’t help myself.” My eyes blaze into Sadie’s and when she bites her bottom lip, I’m half-tempted to throw her over my shoulder and take her upstairs.
This woman drives me wild.
I hear Sophia’s footsteps and finally force myself to look away from Sadie’s beautiful brown eyes. When I turn to find Sophia, I see Princess Sparkle and Kevin following her every footstep.
Sophia shrugs her shoulders before wrapping her arms around Sadie’s legs. “I guess it’s okay then, Daddy. I love her a lot too.”
Sadie’s hand finds Sophia’s shoulder and she starts rubbing it up and down. “I love you too, Sunshine. You ready for our picnic?”
Sophia’s eyes light up and she releases herself from Sadie, jumping up and down while clapping. “Yes! Can we go to the pond for our picnic? Please, please, please!”
“I think that’s the perfect idea.”
Sophia reaches between Sadie and me, breaking our hands apart, and then clasps both her hands in ours.
And then, hand-in-hand-in-hand, the three of us walk to the barn to drop off the goats, and then make our way to our favorite spot in the world.
“Daddy, you can be the princess today.”
Sophia reaches over and places a bedazzled crown we decorated together the other day right on top of her dad’s head.
Niko, the wonderful father he is, looks over at me with all the confidence in the world. “What do you think? Do the diamonds make my eyes look good or what?”
I suppress a snort, which makes it sound even more embarrassing, and reach over to readjust the crown a bit.
“It’s perfect. Really makes those baby blues pop.”
Niko winks at me, and even after a year, the move still sends butterflies soaring in my stomach.
If you would’ve told me a year ago I’d be living with a hockey player and his daughter, I would’ve said you were crazy.
It’s taken me some time, and therapy, to get to where I am today. Finding a job with the Bobcats, falling in love with this selfless man, and my therapist have all helped me realize I’m perfect the way I am. I was always so concerned with what everyone else thought of me, I never stopped to realize that no one else matters.I matter.
