But for the first time since I’d discovered Casey existed, I felt like I was making the right choice. Even if it was a hard one.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Easton
Iwoke up at five, even though I didn't have to be anywhere until noon. Sleep had been impossible. Every time I closed my eyes, I rehearsed the statement in my head, wondering if I was making the biggest mistake of my life.
By six, I was in the gym, punishing the heavy bag until my knuckles ached. By seven, I was in the shower, trying to wash away the nervous energy. By eight, I was sitting at my kitchen table with a cup of coffee I couldn't drink, staring at the words I'd written last night.
My phone rang. Coach Martin.
"You sure about this?" he asked without preamble.
"No. But I'm doing it, anyway."
There was a long pause. "For what it's worth, I think you're making the right choice. The hard choice, but the right one."
"Even if it costs me my career?"
"Easton, I've known you since you were drafted. I've watched you grow from a talented kid with a chip on his shoulder into one of the best players in the league. But this? This is the first time I've seen you be brave about something that actually matters."
My throat tightened. "Thanks, Coach."
"Don't thank me yet. Management's going to lose their minds. But… I've got your back. Whatever happens."
After we hung up, I checked the time. Two hours until the press conference.
I picked up my phone and called Palisade.
"Hey," she answered, sounding as exhausted as I felt. "You okay?"
"Not really, but I'm ready to get this done." I paused. "Is Casey there?"
"She's eating breakfast. Why?"
"Can you put me on speaker? I want to talk to her before everything."
A moment later, Casey's voice came through. "Hi, Dad!"
"Hey, kiddo. How are you feeling this morning?"
"Better! Grandpa made pancakes shaped like hockey sticks!"
I smiled despite my nerves. "That sounds awesome. Listen, I wanted to tell you something. Later today, I'm going to talk to some reporters. On TV."
"About the people who scared me at Mom's work?"
"Yeah. About that. And about how much I love you and your mom."
"Are you gonna tell them I'm your daughter?"
"I'm gonna tell everyone, Casey. The whole world's going to know that you're mine, and that I'm proud of you, and that you're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
There was a pause. Then, quietly: "Even though I was a surprise?"
God, that word. "Especially because you were a surprise. The best surprises are the ones you didn't know you needed."
"Okay." She sounded happier. "Can I watch? When you're on TV?"
