“Fine, Daddy! I’ll be good. I promise. Now, can you turn my music back on, please?”
Pressing play, I glance at the map to see we’re only a minute away. Thankfully, the song ends just as I pull into aparking spot. If we were mid-song we’d have to sit here until it ends, and I’m already running late enough as it is.
As quickly as I can, I grab Sophia, her backpack, and lion stuffie and jog my way into the building.
We take the elevator to the roof like the email instructed and as soon as I step off, I’m pleasantly surprised. It’s actually a pretty cool space.
Just across from the elevators is a separate room full of my teammates. The room is covered with glass window panes, encasing the sides and roof. It has a greenhouse type feel to it, and for the first time today I’m feeling something other than stressed. I think I’m actually excited to be here.
With Sophia in my arms, I rush to the door. Just inside, my three coaches are standing close together. One of my assistant coaches, Hunter Clearwater, has a giant ball of fur in his arms, and I can’t quite tell if it’s a dog or a small bear. Lincoln is whispering to Ellie, who also happens to be his girlfriend now, completely ignoring Hunter and his mystery animal.
After news of those two being together got out before they intended, they faced a bit of criticism from the press and internet trolls. Ellie took everything in stride like the badass she is, and Lincoln was overly protective of her, like the lovesick fool he is.
Our team was supportive and defended them every step of the way. Ellie and Lincoln are two of the best coaches I’ve ever had. They care about us as more than just hockey players. They treat us as humans and put our needs and well-being above the need to win. Which, as it turns out, results in winning. Usually. We have their backs just like they have ours—day in and day out. That’s what you do for family.
All three sets of eyes meet mine just as I step through the doors. Ellie’s eyes are kind, as always, as she takes in my disheveled look, which is accentuated by the small child in my arms.
“Sorry, I’m late, guys. I had another nanny quit on me. I hope it’s okay I brought Sophia.”
The minute I say her name, her head pops off my shoulder. She takes a look around, eyes bulging as soon as she notices the tiny four-legged animals weaving their way between my teammates. “Daddy, look! Goats!”
Sophia’s eyes light up for the first time in too long. Exactly the reaction I was hoping for. Running my hand over her hair, I can’t help but match her smile with one of my own.
Her tiny little hands come up to cup my cheeks. “Can I go say hi to the goats, Daddy?”
I turn to my coaches in question. All three of them are wearing smiles, the Sophia effect in full force. She’s too cute for her own good.
Ellie nods and reaches her hand out to Sophia as I slowly lower her to the floor. The two of them take off toward a tiny black goat that is crawling all over our defenseman, Connor Smith, which is hilarious, because Connor is quiet and reserved, but protects our team at all costs. He’s not a dirty player, not a goon like some of the other teams have. He’s more of a “if you come near my goalie, it’ll be the last thing you ever do” type of player. He also happens to be my best friend, so seeing this tiny goat climbing into his lap is bringing me far too much joy.
As I watch Sophia play with the goat, I let Lincoln and Hunter know what’s going on with my nanny situation.
When the team was over for Thanksgiving, I let Lincoln in on what’s been happening with Sophia’s mom. He’s my head coach so he deserves to know those types of things, but he has also become someone I trust and respect. I feel comfortable letting him in on my life and knew he’d be a great person to confide in. Turns out, Lincoln’s mom took off when he was a kid. He had a lot more advice than I anticipated.
“I really hate having to rely on my parents. They’reretired. They should be enjoying their time together, not taking care of a five-year-old.”
Hunter shifts the furry animal to his other arm, which I’ve learned is his new dog, and looks at me accusingly. “Did Sophia turn five already and you didn’t tell us? What the hell, Cap?”
“No, no. Sorry. I meant almost five-year-old. She turns five in a couple months but she acts twelve so in my mind she’s already five. They grow up too damn fast.”
“Good grief. You scared me for a second. I thought I missed her birthday.” Hunter’s dog licks him in the face, cutting him off at the same time a high-pitched whistle pierces through the air.
The entire room turns their attention toward the source of the sound. The moment I find the culprit I think I forget how to breathe. Standing in the middle of the room is a gorgeous woman decked out in purple yoga attire. She’s a tiny little thing, standing barely over five feet, if I had to guess. Her dark brown hair is braided, hanging over her shoulder, purple streaks popping throughout. But it’s her eyes that are my undoing. They’re the color of melted chocolate, and if I’m not careful, I swear I could get lost in them forever.
Lincoln nudges my shoulder, causing me to break eye contact with the woman who just rewired my entire nervous system. Looking over at him, I see his eyebrow raised at me. “Sorry, what?”
“Is it okay if Sophia helps Sadie today?”
Sadie.
The woman who will undoubtedly be visiting me in my dreams tonight.
Looking back to the center of the room, I force myself to look away from Sadie and down to my little girl she’s holding hands with.
I nod, clearing my throat, afraid my heart may still becaught in it, and talk loud enough so they can hear. “Yeah, yeah. Of course she can help. As long as it’s okay with you.”
My eyes slowly work their way back up to Sadie’s face, where a devastating smile is waiting for me.
Good god.This woman isbreathtaking.
