I’m closing my door behind me when I nearly jump because I’m startled.
“Tyler, a word.” My mom sounds stern, and she never has in my entire life. She’s standing at the end of the hallway waiting for me.
Walking to her, she stands with her arms crossed where the hallway meets the living room.
“Yes, dearest mother.”
She pokes my chest with her finger. “She’s the one.”
“Excuse me.”
“Lainey, she’s the one. Despite your aunt’s theory that her cards and the position of the moon was telling her that Lainey is your one.” My mom seems to shudder at that idea. “My theory isn’t one at all. It’s fact. The way you look at her, the way she looks at you, that kid is adorable, and most of all, you are so happy, and it gives me joy. Even if you haven’t figured it out yet, you will. Others sometimes see it first.”
I bite my cheek, and I’m unable to give a reply.
“You have your hockey career to be a grumpy chunk of steel. Off the ice, you no longer have to bethat way. You found your key, and it isn’t just the holidays putting you in this mode—because let’s be honest, come garbage day for tree pickup on January fifth, then you will be rejoicing—but it’s Lainey. Someone would have to be blind not to see it. As your mother, I’m telling you not to let her go.”
“You got all of that from just a few hours?” She nods confidently. I inhale a deep breath. “I hear you.” That’s the generic answer that I give.
She wiggles her finger at me. “Good. New Year’s and Valentine’s Day are now part of your calendar because you have someone to celebrate it with.”
Her hands form a ball, and she brings them to her heart. “This is the best gift to see you this way,” she gushes.
And she’s right.
I’m beginning to understand how I have gotten the best gift.
CHAPTER 15
TYLER
First practice after a few days off wasn’t as brutal as I thought. All of the guys seem to be in a good headspace, and we are ready to conquer the rest of the season.
Returning home after morning practice, I walk down the hall to my front door and instantly smile when I see Lainey and Enzo. Lainey has the door open as Enzo ties his shoe. I was expecting to see them, as Lainey mentioned maybe we could meet up for a bit.
Enzo peers up and a wide grin greets me. “Tyler! Did Mom tell you that we are going to do another night of Hanukkah? We’ll light a candle later when we have dinner.”
“Sure. Where are you off to?” I say as I stop in front of my door.
Lainey flashes her eyes at me. “Enzo was invited to play at a friend’s. He won’t be with us until dinner time.”
I’m on her wavelength. I’m happy to spend time with him, and since he will be with us for dinner, then I don’t feel guilty that I get his mom all to myself.
“Oh, okay.” I nod.
I hear the sound of a door opening, and I glance over my shoulder to see another little boy at the end of the hall where the stairs are. Enzo quickly runs off.
“Behave and use please and thank you,” Lainey calls out as Enzo disappears.
She shakes her head, amused. “His friend lives downstairs,” she explains.
I saunter toward Lainey, and I cradle her face in my hands while I steal a soft kiss.
Pulling away from one another proves difficult as our mouths are magnets, unwilling to part.
She begins to step, forcing me to walk back. “Open your door, please,” she says against my lips.
I turn and do as I’m told, while she closes her own door.
