“That’s right, your little sister is a gold and bronzemedalist,” she bragged, her face tired but bright. She slipped the medals off her neck so Tobias and Grace could take a closer look. Tobias grabbed for the gold and stared at it in wonder for a moment before refocusing on Natalie.
He wrapped her in another hug and murmured, “I’m so proud of you.”
All of their eyes were watery when he let her go. Grace’s focus bounced between Natalie and the bronze medal in her hand.
“Did you just get in?” Tobias asked.
“Yup. Back in plenty of time to see you on the ice tomorrow.”
“Well, I won’t be winning any medals tomorrow night, and the game doesn’t really count for anything except charity—”
“Hey now, don’t minimize it. Yeah, maybe your sister just came home from the Olympics where she gracefully helped her country bring home two medals, but that doesn’t mean your game is any less exciting.”
Tobias snorted. Natalie had always been a bit of a smartass. It may have seemed like she was rubbing the medals in his face, but she actually put everything in perspective for him. This alumni game wasn’t on the world stage, and it wouldn’t even be broadcast on TV. If fans wanted to see it live, they had to show up at the arena to do it.
“If I’d known you’d be home, I would have kept Madison here for you. She’s having a playdate with her friend Colin,” Grace said.
Tobias smiled, remembering how nervous he was to speak to Alyssa. If he hadn’t gotten the courage, Madison might have missed out on a friend.
“That’s okay,” Natalie said, but Tobias could tell she was bummed. “If she was here, I wouldn’t get to give you two much attention. Oh, but let me pick her up. She’ll be so surprised.”
“You have to let me record that!” Grace shouted in excitement. He knew their mom loved being here helping take care of Madison, but Tobias knew how much she missed Natalie. They both did. “Maddie is going to go crazy when she sees you. We didn’t expect you until late.”
“Nat picking her up is a great idea,” Tobias said to Grace, then turned to Natalie. “Then you can meet Alyssa and Brianna. They’re pretty great. Plus, you can show off your new neckwear. Do you think you’ll bring them to the game tomorrow night?”
“Toby, I plan on taking these babies everywhere,” she paused, her brow furrowing in thought. “Unless you don’t want me to? I don’t want to distract everyone else from your big night.”
“Natalie, I’m saying this with every ounce of sincerity that has ever existed since the beginning oftime,” Tobias said seriously. “Pleasedistract everyone else from me.”
They laughed together while Grace looked concerned.
“Toby, did you not have a good practice?” Grace asked.
“Nah, it went great. I think I’ll be set for the game. Just the typical nerves.”
“Oh, sweetie, that’s great! I knew you’d be ready.”
“Of course he would be,” Natalie said, then winked at Tobias. “He’s a Moyer after all.”
Tobias nodded firmly. “Always.”
“Is Chase coming to the game too?” Natalie asked, and Tobias’ stomach sunk.
“Yeah, he said he would because he promised. I’m not sure if he’s coming more for me or so he doesn’t disappoint Madison.”
“Oh no, Toby, what did you do?” Natalie asked, sounding exasperated. Grace gave him a sympathetic smile.
He huffed. “I just… I told him I wasn’t quite ready to come out and be a couple out in the open. I said we should wait until after the alumni game until people forget about me again.
“Tobias Goliath Moyer, how could you?”
“Nat, that’s not my middle name.”
“Well, it should be, you big oaf. Life is way too shortto worry about what other people think.”
“But I—”
“Yeah, I know you have anxiety. I remember every time you were hurting and I had to talk you down. I remember rushing to the craft store for more yarn when you had no other outlet for your stress. But Tob, You’re thirty-five. You’re not an active player. You can do this. And if anyone tries to give you shit, I will stand in front of you and distract them with my medals.”
