I laugh. “Well, at least we don’t have to worry about that with Caleb.”
Harper shifts toward me as the game continues in front of us. “How are things going with him?”
Her voice drops so people can’t overhear us. I know Bode is trying to keep everything quiet about him. He doesn’t want Caleb in the spotlight, which I can appreciate.
“He’s great. I’ve never been around kids much, but he has so much personality.”
“I’m glad things are going well for him. Bode looked so freaked out that day. I didn’t think he was going to last a week.”
Pride swells in my chest at how well he’s doing. Even that stressful first day I arrived, Bode has been nothing but the best father to Caleb. He always puts him first. I love the relationship they have. Seeing the way Caleb lights up at Bode?
It makes me want to be a permanent part of their lives.
“He loves being his dad,” I answer instead. Harper is a mother. She knows all this already.
Action picks up and the crowd starts yelling. Bode is taking off down the ice. He’s all alone with only the goalie of the opposing team to stop him. Making a few quick moves, moves I can’t name, he puts the puck in the net.
“Yes!” I jump up and cheer with the rest of the stands. Excitement courses through me as the goal is replayed on the jumbotron.
Damn. Bode made that look easy. His skill was on full display as he sent the puck flying.
“See what I mean?” Harper nudges my side.
“What?” I lean closer, trying to hear her over the crowd noise as play resumes.
“Watching your guy play. It’s an incredible feeling.”
“Yeah.”
I can’t describe it, but I know exactly what she means.
Harper and I chat during the entire game. I talk with her daughters about their school and activities. By the time the final horn sounds, Nashville has won 2-1.
“Okay, you have to come to another game,” Harper tells me as we head toward the postgame suite. “This was the most fun I’ve had all season.”
“Really?” I grab my hair and pull it all to one side over my shoulder. A nervous tic.
“Yes.” She leans close and whispers, “Some of these women are so bland to talk to and we have nothing in common. It’s like talking to cardboard.”
I try not to laugh as we step out of the elevator. “I’ll see if Bode can make it happen.”
“If not, I’m claiming you as mine. Because I want you here.”
“Thanks, Harper. I had a great time with you too.”
She smiles at me as we walk down the cement tunnel lined with red carpet. Plaques line the wall next to banners from sponsors, along with pictures of what look like old team lineups, if I had to guess. Harper guides me to a room filled with people. Beige walls and a few couches grace the room. TVs hang in each corner, showing highlights from the game and player interviews.
There’s a door opposite us that some players have started coming out of. The girls spot Marcus and run to him.
Bode is right behind him.
“Have a good night.” Harper gives me a hug as she goes to greet her husband.
When Bode spots me, he saunters over to me.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” I tuck my hands into my jeans pockets as he spins my hat backward.
