Page 88 of A Whole New Trick

“I hope so. He’s worked hard training this past year. He’s good enough to play pro.”

“Has he thought about playing for Minnesota?” Mr. Caldwell asks. “Their new GM seems interested in doing a rebuild after their three stars retire this year. They could use a right winger.”

“Eli wouldn’t turn down the opportunity,” I say, forcing myself not to think of my brother in our home state while estranged from our parents. He was in bad shape when he first came to Dallas. I’m glad I was there for him. I don’t know what would happen if he were alone.

“What about you?”

I blink. “What about me?”

Mr. Caldwell levels curious eyes on me. “Have you ever thought about playing for Minnesota?”

“At one time, yes, but I don’t think that team would be a good fit for me anymore.”

“Why not?” He presses.

“Dad.” Morgan raises a brow. “I already asked Mom to stop interrogating him.”

“It’s fine,” I tell Morgan, hoping she can see I mean what I say before I look back at her dad. “The Ranchers are a special team.”

“But you’re so far from family. Wouldn’t you want to be closer?”

He doesn’t know it, but that’s a loaded question. In theory, I want to be closer to my parents. But in reality, it’s best for us to be apart for now, at least until Dad gets his shit together.

“I have Eli here,” I reply. It doesn’t happen intentionally, but I can’t help but glance at Morgan when I say my next words, “And I have a life in Dallas I would be hesitant to give up.”

Her eyes widen just before they soften with affection. Her lips curl up into a small smile, and I have to resist the urge to kiss her.

“That’s a fair answer,” Mr. Caldwell says, drawing my attention off his beautiful daughter. There’s a glimmer of approval in his gaze. “Maybe the wife and I will get out to one of the conference games to see you play.”

“Really?” All four of the Caldwells say in unison.

I look between the siblings and their mom. They each wear expressions of shock and surprise.

“What?” Mr. Caldwell laughs. “Do you think I don’t like hockey?”

The siblings mutter under their breath while Diana beams. “That sounds like a great idea. I’m sure Morgan can get us tickets.”

She looks at her daughter.

“Oh, uh…”

“I have tickets,” I say, sliding my hand behind Morgan’s chair. My fingers brush the bottom of her hair. “I’d be more than happy to give them to you for a game.”

“That is so generous of you, Dane.” Diana grins. “Thank you.”

“Yes, thank you,” Mr. Caldwell adds with a nod. I feel the same way I did when I was six and scored my first goal during a youth hockey game.

We resume eating our meal, chatting about less loaded topics as we do.

We’ve moved on to dessert, a peach cobbler Diana made from scratch, when my phone rings.

“I’m sorry.”

I put my phone on Do Not Disturb for this meal. Only a few people’s calls would override the setting. I slide the phone out of my pocket and see Eli’s name. I hit ignore and tune back into the conversation between Morgan and her parents.

“Come on, Mom.” Morgan holds out a plate with a small slice of the delicious dessert. “You worked hard making this. You should enjoy it.”

“Oh, no. I can’t. I haven’t exercised today and likely won’t be able to.”

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