Page 70 of Pucking Daddy

Zara's hand stops pulling at the thread. She looks at me—really looks, in that way she has that makes me feel stripped down to bone. "You're asking if I'm backing out."

"I'm asking if you're okay."

She uncurls from the couch, standing in one fluid motion. The morning light catches her hair, the same curls I'd tangled my fingers in less than twelve hours ago.

I make myself stay still. Make myself not reach for her.

“I’m okay, and I’m not backing out,” she says. “But Jaxon… this is already more complicated than I ever imagined.”

“I know.”

An email notification lights up my phone with Simone’s draft for a press statement.

I open it and read.

METRO RAPTORS HEAD COACH JAXON HALBERG ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT

New York, NY — The Metro Raptors organization confirms that Head Coach Jaxon Halberg is engaged to Zara Winslow.

Ms. Winslow has been a trusted presence in Coach Halberg’s personal life in recent weeks, and their relationship has developed privately. The couple has made the decision to move forward with their engagement with a shared focus on family, stability, and the well-being of Coach Halberg’s daughter, Lily.

Coach Halberg and Ms. Winslow are committed to building a supportive and grounded home environment and are approaching this next step with care and intention.

While Coach Halberg understands the public interest surrounding his role, he respectfully asks for privacy for his family during this time.

The Metro Raptors fully support Coach Halberg and remain confident in his leadership as the team continues its season.

I show it to Zara.

Her mouth curves, just slightly. “Then it’s out, at least. Go coach your hockey team, Halberg. I’ll hold down the fort.”

I make it as far as the door before I turn back. She’s still standing where I left her, arms crossed, watching me go.

“Zara.”

“Yeah?”

I clear my throat, shifting slightly. “Look, I—” I stop. Try again. “I didn’t say thank you properly.”

She blinks, her brows drawing together. “Oh, don’t worry about it.”

I hold her gaze. “Come to dinner with me tonight. As a thank you.”

Zara studies me, like she’s trying to read what I’m not saying.

“Dinner,” she repeats, testing the word for hidden meaning.

“Yeah.” And when it hits me what she might be worried about, I add quickly, “Not a date, I promise. Just… getting to know each other a bit better, you know, considering we’re getting married. And as a thank you, like I said.”

Something flickers across her expression, but I can’t quite place it.

“Not a date,” she clarifies.

“Right.”

“As a thank you.”

“Exactly.”