“I love youmorebunches.” He sniffles and yawns. I read him a story, and before I even have his nightlight turned on, I hear his soft snores. With one last look at my growing boy, I finally leave his room and pad to the dining table, which has become my little office where I do all my schoolwork.
I open my laptop and work on a report that is due to my professor in two days, but all I can think about is how much skates and lessons cost. Search results confirm what I figured—just because my kid wants something badly enough doesn’t mean I can afford it.
Of course, I could call Jerrod and ask him to send more money for his son’s birthday. It’s the least he could do as the sperm donor.
Steps across creaky floorboards announces Mom’s arrival in the kitchen behind me before she speaks. “Staying up late? Need some tea or coffee, honey?”
“Sure. Coffee, thanks,” I say and join her there.
“I heard the two of you talking.” In the tiny two-bedroom apartment we share above her shop, there’s no privacy. “I meant to warn you about how he was jabbering nonstop about his party from the minute he got home.”
“Yeah, a little notice would have been great.” I snap at her, but I’m grateful to her for taking us in a couple of years ago. We live with her, and I basically took over managing her Cozy Corner Craft Shop, but after her hefty expenses and mortgage payment, money is tight for all of us.
I’d get a second job if I could, but between dealing with Mom’s situation, my schoolwork, and caring for my son, I just don’t have the time or energy.
“I hate having to disappoint him,” I lament and put cream in my mug.
“He’ll get over it, Stella. Your father and I disappointed you, and you turned out okay. I’m going back to bed. ‘Night.” I watch her and her faded purple robe disappear around the corner. Birthday parties were never her thing. If I remember right, she organized maybe one for me the entire time I was growing up.
Now I’m the petulant child, rolling my eyes behind her back. This living arrangement is only temporary. In another year, I’ll be done with school, then I can try to find an actual job with benefits, some place where I can rebuild a future for Aiden and me.
After a couple of hours, I make headway on my homework. I stifle a yawn, bring my laptop to the couch—which does double duty as my bed. I click one more time into the search bar. I recall overhearing some mothers in the grocery store once talking about a place to get used sports equipment for their kids.
A few clicks later, I find a location in Denver that might have gear for Aiden’s size. The prices are less than buying new, and I breathe a little easier. Perhaps there’s a way “Santa” can afford this after all?—
Suddenly, a pop-up message appears in the center of my screen.
“The Wishes Granted Hockey Program?” I read the words on the notice and click it. The organization would provide skates and gear to kids like Aiden, whose families don’t otherwise have the money to do this for their children.
“Worth a shot.” I quickly work through the application, typing hurried answers, dying to get to sleep as soon as possible.Despite my exhaustion, hope stirs in my chest as I click submit. “If only wishes came true.”
I had plenty of dreams that hadn’t. But I also have one thing I never wished for, but am so glad to have been blessed with—Aiden. I’m just his mom who would do anything for him.
CHAPTER 3
THE ICE BETWEEN US
ELI
The tablesat the Denver Metro Rink buzz with activity, with parents and children all around grabbing each piece of gear we’re distributing. Rookies on the team and some of our PR staff are helping size and hand out hockey gear to the kids, making sure everything fits.
“How are you doing today?” I call out, showing up with two of my teammates. We sit at a table where all the kids come up asking for autographs on their gear. I love children; they’re great. It’s the parents who fawn all over me; one even brought some old hockey cards of mine from college for me to sign.
“Damn, I haven’t seen these cards in forever. Look at my rookie face,” I laugh. All-in-all I’d say it’s a successful first event for my new foundation.
I change into my skates, and hit the ice right as the Zamboni finishes its rounds. I’m casual for this event in my jersey with two layers of henley and thermal wear, and jeans.
“Hey, Captain!” Sean shouts, skating past me like a lumbering turtle in all his full goalie gear, with his helmet on.
Mason isn’t too far behind him, dressed like me. “He took things to the next level.”
“Shut the fuck up. I’m giving the kids what they want,” Sean retorts.
“That’s right. Kids love to see a huge goalie and their scary designed mask.” I grin because starting up this nonprofit has been a project of mine since I saw what Cam did in Las Vegas. Sean and Mason both came on board to help me before our practice today. It was easy to talk them into it considering they’re also two of my roommates.
A handful of photographers cluster near the boards, and a local TV news reporter stands by to interview me and some kids and parents as well. I take care of that first, then head back to the guys.
“Look at these youngsters. Jeez, dude, do you recall being that young, and getting started in hockey?” Sean shakes his head.
