Eve’s just—perfect. The best damn thing that’s ever happened to me.
She gives me a confused look when she finishes hiking her leggings back up and pulling on her hoodie. I shake my head, cradling her face to kiss her.
We leave my office with our pinkies linked. I can’t wipe the grin off my face while she regales me with the plot of a new show she’s obsessing over and has lined up for us to watch.
THIRTY-ONE
COLE
November
At the beginning of November,the hockey program partners with a local shelter to host a community event on the quad in front of the athletic facility.
The team mills around, some of them directing people to the booth to buy tickets for the game, some taking photos with fans and signing things. The rest are playing with dogs and taking people to the shelter’s volunteer table to complete adoption paperwork.
Noah has a megaphone, helping draw people over from campus. “It’s Pucks and Paws night, people. Yes, beautiful, I’m talking to you. Do you like puppies? Free pets all day—and you can pet the dogs, too. Come on down to get your tickets. All proceeds tonight will be donated to the shelter.”
“Less flirting, Porter,” I chide.
“But it’s working, coach,” he answers.
I wave him off and scrub my face, hiding my amusement.
“I love this event,” Eve gushes as we stroll through. “When I was still here, I volunteered to design all the promo graphics. Still can’t convince Dad to adopt a dog, though.”
“Damn. What’s that, twenty-five years and counting?”
“The man is so stubborn. He was mad he had to feed my goldfish from the state fair one time—onetime—and decided Benson and I weren’t ready for a dog.”
“Wait, I remember this. You made me win that fish for you because Benson wouldn’t do it. I spent my whole allowance trying to win because you looked like you were going to cry.”
Her lips roll between her teeth and her nose scrunches with delight. “You’re the best.”
We cross paths with her dad and Steve. Eve sidles up to David and nudges him.
“What do you think, Dad? Is this the year? Look at that sweet one over there, can’t you picture her snuggled up with Mom on the couch while she reads? Feeding her snacks? Dressing her up for hockey games?”
David lifts his brows. “No. Don’t bother with your usual tricks, they won’t persuade me.”
She gestures to him in exasperation. “See?”
“All hope is lost,” I joke.
“Seriously,” Eve agrees. “What about you, Steve-o? Are you adding a new buddy?”
He tips his head side-to-side. “We’ll see. My wife wouldn’t be too pleased, but she’s a big softie. Whenever I bring a new rescue home, she’s the one that ends up spoiling them.”
“As she should. I totally need to come visit. Or…” Eve turns a pleading expression on me that I have trouble refusing. “Maybe I can convince other people to adopt so I can get a dog through friendship. It’ll be fun, like a co-op.”
“Eve.” David sighs. “Leave my coaching staff alone. Don’t let her talk you into anything, Cole.”
She tugs me away by my elbow, calling over her shoulder. “Great talk. Bye, Dad.”
I snicker, allowing her to tow me. When we’re across the lawn, she slows down. I study her surreptitiously, trying not to be obvious about it while we’re in public.
“I like those earrings on you.”
She pokes the dangling arches. “Yeah?”
