Page 195 of Slap Shot

I move to the next kid who asks me about my favorite players and who on the team I like the most. Another says their dad likes me but he prefers Riley instead, and I let them know he’s a great choice. Madeline jumps in and helps interpret, giving me an encouraging nod when I answer and not getting upset if I use the wrong words.

I put my bag in the middle of the room and the kids rifle through it, pulling out the pucks I brought for everyone and an old pair of gloves. One girl holds up a stick that’s taller than her and asks me to show her how to hold it the right way.

Two boys beg me to arm wrestle, and I make a show out of losing so everyone knows they’re strong.

“Hey.” Madeline appears at my side with a bottle of water an hour later. She hands it over, and I down half of it in three gulps. “How’re you doing, champ?”

“Good, yeah. These kids are something else. Lots of energy. It’s also giving me an idea that we need to make our summer camps more accessible. I’m sure there are some students at Gallaudet who skate. I’m going to talk to our community outreach folks and see if we can hire a couple of the college kids to come up and assist us so we can get more campers involved.” I finish off my water and toss the empty bottle in the trash can. “They all deserve a chance to play.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met.” Madeline loops her arm around my waist and rests her cheek on my shoulder. “I like you very much.”

I love you, I think.

I love you so much, my wasted heart is finally healed because of it.

I turn to kiss her forehead. She’s smiling when I look down at her, and it’s truly a magnificent thing.

“I like you very much too, Maddie. I hate to leave, but I need to get going. I should try to get a nap in before the game and?—”

Lucy appears in front of me holding my gloves to her chest.Someone tried to take these!She frowns and shakes her head.I told them they aren’t theirs.

Thank you, Luce. I smile and she hands over the gloves.I’m about to leave because I have a game tonight.

That’s okay. I’m going to eat a cookie.

She looks between Madeline and me. She signs something, and Madeline’s cheeks turn pink before she answers.

“What’s going on?” I ask, nervous when Lucy claps excitedly.

“Lucy asked if you and are I… special friends.” Madeline uses SimCom to explain her blush. “I told her we care about each other very much, more than friends do.”

“Could you cover your eyes for a minute, Mads? I want to have a private conversation with Luce,” I say, and she laughs, obliging.

Mommy looks silly.

She does, doesn’t she? Can I tell you a secret, Lucy?

Sure.She grins.I love secrets.

I love your mom. Very much. I’m going to tell her soon. Do you think that would be okay with you? If I was around more?

Like a dad? My friends say their daddies love their mommies. I’ve never had a daddy.

Yeah.I swallow.Like a dad.

Yes,she tells me with tears in her eyes.That would be okay. Mommy and I love you, too.

I’m glad.I nod and tug on Madeline’s hand, letting her know it’s okay to look. “We’re all good.”

“I don’t like sneaky secrets,” she teases, but her face softens when Lucy pats my knee and heads for the snack table.

“Guess our relationship is out in the open,” I say. “Glad to know I’m your special friend, Mads.”

“Shut up.” She elbows me. “You’re so much more than that. You’re…”

The love of my life.

My everything.

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