"Wow."
Colby nudges him.
"Let him finish."
I look at Natalie again.
"Being with Natalie is kind of like that," I say.
The kids look confused.
The team absolutely does not.
"So she's the skates?" Dex asks.
"That's not what I said," I reply.
Coach nods once.
"Find the right pair once," he says, "and you never want another one."
Maddie pipes up proudly.
"Dad likes Natalie more than his old skates."
The kids giggle.
I glance down at Maddie.
She's grinning like she just solved the biggest mystery in the world.
Dex points dramatically.
"Child understands the metaphor."
I shake my head, but the words are already there.
"When your skates fit right," I say quietly, "when they're laced tight… you don't have to think about every stride."
I look straight at Natalie.
"You just know they're exactly who you want."
The team goes still.
Dex leans toward Colby and whispers,
"I'm pretty sure that was the longest way anyone has ever said 'I love you.'"
Colby smirks.
"Worth the wait."
Dex nods.
"Yeah," he says. "We'll allow it."
I nod once.
