Another text.
Another notification.
The internet is still exploding.
But right now none of that matters.
Because standing here with Maddie between us and Gabriel’s arm around my shoulders, something settles into place.
What matters is this moment.
My husband.
His daughter.
Our life.
Gabriel squeezes my shoulder lightly and Maddie launches into a full play-by-play of his goal.
He laughs, looking between the two of us like he still can’t quite believe we’re both here waiting for him.
“Best fan club ever,” he says.
And suddenly I understand something I didn’t before tonight.
This life we rushed into.
This family we built faster than anyone expected.
It isn’t fragile.
It’s only just getting started.
Chapter sixteen
Gabriel
The noise from the arena is still ringing in my ears as I steer the SUV through the quiet streets.
Maddie is talking from the backseat, her voice full of the kind of excitement that only a seven-year-old can sustain after a night like that.
"Daddy scored because I yelled," she says for what is probably the eighth time.
I glance in the rearview mirror. "Pretty sure that's exactly how hockey strategy works."
"See?" she says proudly.
Natalie laughs softly beside me. The sound of it fills the space in a way that feels warmer than the heater blasting through the vents.
"We should tell the coaching staff," Natalie says. "They've been overthinking it this whole time."
"I'll bring Maddie to practice tomorrow," I say. "New assistant coach."
"Yes," Maddie says immediately, then pauses. "But only if there are snacks."
Natalie's shoulders shake with laughter.
A few minutes later Maddie's voice slows. The words start coming further apart.
