The announcer’s voice booms across the arena.
“Starting at left wing…”
Maddie bounces in her seat.
“Here comes Daddy.”
The roar of the crowd grows louder as Gabriel skates out.
Even from across the ice I feel the shift in energy.
Fans cheering.
Camera lights flashing.
The sharp sound of skates cutting across fresh ice.
And somehow I feel proud.
Ridiculously proud.
Like I’m watching someone extraordinary and also somehow connected to him. And apparently the rest of the family section feels it too.
Annabelle leans forward, watching the players circle through warm-ups. “They look fast tonight.”
“They're always fast,” Mia says.
Maddie swivels toward them immediately, like she’s been waiting to join the adult conversation.
“My dad is the fastest,” she says proudly.
Annabelle smiles at her. “You might be a little biased.”
“No I’m not,” Maddie says. “I watch all the games.”
“Do you now?” Mia asks.
Maddie nods seriously. “I know all the players too. Daddy says Colby is the captain and Dex talks too much.”
Annabelle laughs. “That is… an extremely accurate scouting report.”
Maddie leans toward her. “Who is your favorite player?”
Annabelle points toward the ice. “Besides your dad?”
Maddie nods.
Annabelle pretends to think. “I like watching Eli. He’s calm. Very steady. But Bryce is my man so I watch him the most.”
Mia grins. “Goalies are always the calm ones.”
Maddie considers this like it’s important information.
“Daddy isn't calm,” she says.
I laugh softly. “No. Your dad is definitely not calm on the ice.”
Annabelle glances at me then, her smile softer. “You’re getting used to all this?”
