“You resent hockey?”
She bobs her head side to side. “I could say it took you away from me, but hockey is part of your identity and what you enjoy. I knew as soon as I discovered we were having a boy that he would probably want to follow in your footsteps. Don’t get me wrong, I would be thrilled if he said hockey wasn’t for him and he would rather try theater or violin. I get scared that as he gets older, the game gets more… intense.”
I touch her shoulder to comfort her. “I understand, but right now, he is still a junior and wears lots of padding, and they take it easy. It’s no different to any other sport.”
“Except he is wearing skates on ice, and hockey moms scare me. I need to go full-on grizzly mama bear around hockey moms,” she tells me in a neutral tone.
I laugh at her statement. “You’re the hottest hockey mom there is.”
Brielle shoots me a warning glare. “No flirting here.”
Up ahead I see someone I know and nod my head. “Hey, Declan,” I call out.
Declan is my former teammate; he was new to the team this year, and I took him under my wing. He is also worth billions, thanks to his family and investments. He has proven everyone wrong by demonstrating he earned a spot on the team by pure talent, and lucky for them, he still has a few years left to play.
“Hey, Ford.” He walks to me and shakes my hand. His eyes are immediately drawn to Brielle at my side.
Clearing my throat, I set my hand on Brielle’s lower back. As much as I would consider Declan a friend, I have no problem giving him the stay-the-fuck-away-from-my-woman stare, because his bachelor status doesn’t exactly thrill me, especially since I’m about to hit the ice and leave Brielle alone in the stands.
“You just gave an hour to the kids?”
“Yeah.” Declan’s blue eyes float between us in slight confusion.
I explain, “Brielle is here to check onourson.”
Brielle smiles tightly.
“It’s good to see you again. Connor is a natural talent,” Declan compliments.
“I’ll never get tired of hearing that,” Brielle responds.
“Those kids wore me out. Good luck,” he voices.
I fold my arms over my chest, amused. “It’s worth it. Thanks again for volunteering.”
“Gets me bragging rights on my next date.” He is completely joking because, underneath his steely exterior, I’m sure there is a heart of gold.
I look at my watch and internally groan. “Listen, I would love to hear who the woman of the month is, but I need to grab my skates from my office. Don’t make me regret this but can you walk Brielle to the rink? My sister Violet will meet her there.”
Declan is already offering Brielle his arm. “My pleasure. Happy to volunteer to take care of your precious goods.”
“Oh.” Brielle seems taken aback by his arm offer. “Thank you.” She’s unsure yet entertained, and they both look at me, knowing this scene drives me coconuts.
But alas, it doesn’t take much for my inner caveman to come out when it involves Elle, and everyone knows it.
* * *
Hockey was my life.From the moment I tried on my first pair of skates. There is something about gliding along the ice or the sound of the blade that just brings me peace. Hockey itself is a game where every second is different. It’s fast-paced and energizing, yet every move feels like a risk because you don’t know how the puck will slide.
But this group of ten-year-olds are slightly different. They’re learning more about handling a hockey stick, making goals, and the number of orange cones on the ice are enough to make someone go blind. Point is, they’re still kids. Brielle is right, though, soon the game will change as Connor gets older.
The group are all sitting on a side bench snacking on oranges and granola bars. It doesn’t take long for me to spot Connor at the end hugging his mom. I skate on over to hear their conversation.
“I’m so happy you’re enjoying your week here. I’ve missed you like crazy.” Brielle touches Connor’s face.
Our son is the perfect mix of Brielle and me. Connor has Brielle’s hair and eyes, although Brielle swears Connor has my eyes, but his mouth is for sure mine. His current haircut is a little too short for my liking, but he is only ten. Brielle always says he is as handsome as can be. I like to think that my boy will be breaking and mending hearts for years to come.
He shakes her hand away. “You came all the way to Lake Spark to see me?” Connor asks his mom.
