Page 145 of If You Love Me

“Good. Protective. Worried about me more than anything.” I smile at the memory of breakfast in bed this morning and how he takes care of me. “He has my back every step of the way, though, and it’s just…so nice to have him to lean on.”

“I’m glad you found each other.” He means it, but there’s sadness in his eyes. “How are the girls? Are they settling in okay?”

“They’ve been great. Callie is in love with her bedroom, and Fee and Aurora, Roman’s daughter, are really connecting, which is good for all of us.” Being away from them is tough, but Dred sleeps over when we have away games and Aurora is traveling with the team. She’s a great friend, and I’m so thankful for her.

“I’m so glad to hear that. And the girls like Roman, too?”

“They adore him as much as I do. He’s fantastic with them. He’s an incredibly supportive partner.”

Dad smiles. “I know this hasn’t been easy, but I’m proud of you. And I will always be proud of you, no matter what. I haven’t always showed up the way you need me to, but I’ll try tobe the best dad and grandpa I can to you and those girls,” he says.

“It means a lot that you’re here now.”

His phone buzzes with a call.

I give him the permission he needs. “You should check that. I need to head to the arena anyway.” I can love him, and love that he’s trying, but he’s still a workaholic lawyer. That won’t change.

He pulls his phone from his pocket and glances at the screen, his expression apologetic. “I should take this.”

“Go ahead.”

“Kristoff here. Can you hold for a second, please?” He mutes the call. “I’ll be cheering you on rinkside, okay?”

“Sounds great.”

He kisses me on the cheek. “I love you, Lexi.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

He unmutes the call as he leaves my room. He’s showing up the way he knows how. And that’s the important part.

“Do you want to talk anything through before you’re behind the bench?” Hemi asks as we head to the arena. “Any direction you need regarding the interview after the game.”

“I should stay focused on the game play and my role as an assistant coach.” I recite what Vander Zee has said.

“For the most part, yes, but they’ll ask about your relationship with Roman, and being honest is better than being evasive. I know where Vander Zee wants the focus, mostly because he’s been the front line on this. But you’re back in the game, so the questions will come. The team has been backing you the whole time. Everyone has said the same thing, Lexi—that they miss you on the ice, and you’re an asset to the team.”

“I’m just nervous. It’s one thing to be on the sidelines. It’s another to be in theline of fire.”

“I know. But we’re all behind you. The team is motivated to win this game foryou.”

I stop and take a breath. I’m so emotional. “I need to have my shit together so Roman isn’t worried.”

“Roman is fine. He’s got this, and we’ve got you.” She settles her palms on my shoulders. “All we’re waiting on is paperwork to be filed. You wouldn’t be back at the game if they were seriously concerned about your competency or your agenda.”

“You’re right. I know you’re right. Thank you.”

She pulls me in for a hug. “I was in your shoes last year. It sucked, but I got a great guy out of the deal and so have you.”

“Roman is amazing.” And I can handle the backlash that comes with marrying him because he’s my person.

“Just remember that when the assholes are assholes.”

“Everything okay here?” Vander Zee asks.

“Everything is awesome. We’re ready to kick some ass,” Hemi says.

Thank God for these women and this team. I wouldn’t have made it through this without them.

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