Page 150 of If You Love Me

Roman

How’s the game going tonight?

Fee

Second period just started, but so far she’s shutting out the other team!

Roman

That’s amazing. Keep us updated!

Fee

I will!

Ashort video of the on-ice action follows, as well as a photo of Fee and Dred sitting together in the stands. Dred has become like a pseudo-sister-aunt to those girls over the past few months. Lexi and I are extraordinarily lucky to have her in our lives. On nights like this, when the Terror has a game and so does Callie, Dred accompanies Fee to watch Callie.

“How’s the game going for Callie?” Hollis asks as we make our way to the arena.

“The second period just started, but it’s a shutout so far.” I slide my phoneinto my pocket.

“Wishing you were there?”

Always so fucking perceptive. “Yup. Soon enough I will be.”

“Soon neither of us will have the same travel schedule.”

Hollis is still on the retirement train with me, and that gives me something else to be excited about when I step into coaching shoes at the Hockey Academy.

“I know. As sad as I am to be hanging up my skates, I’m ready for it. I want time with the girls. I want to be present for Callie.” The elevator doors open, and we step inside.

The past month has had its fair share of ups and downs. The annual gala was last weekend, and it was nice to watch the date with a hockey player auction and not be part of it this year. It was also fantastic to have my wife on my arm. Sophia, who won the date with me last year attended with the Waters. She was introduced to Tristan’s dad, who came to show support, and the two of them spent the night talking.

The media coverage of the gala touched on my relationship with Lexi, but for the most part the focus stayed on the auction, which is a good sign for next season.

In addition to raising a huge amount of money for charity through the gala, the Terror is slated to make the playoffs. But we’re not at the top this time. I’d love to be in the same space we were last season, but a short off-season has an impact. While other teams had an extra month to recuperate, we were fighting for the Cup. Not to mention all the other changes.

“You’re enjoying being a pseudo stepdad, eh?” Hollis rubs his bottom lip.

“It’s nice to parent with someone,” I agree.

“Do you think you’d want to start again?”

“If that’s what Lexi wants, then yeah. I’d take time off, be the primary parent so she can focus on her career.”

Hollis laughs.

“Why is that funny?”

“You didn’t even hesitate. You’re already planning for this, aren’t you?”

“I mean, I’ve thought about it. Callie’s only nine. I’m forty. If Lexi gets pregnant in the next couple of years, I’ll still have lots of energy. I’d love to do it again, butwithsomeone this time, you know?”

“Oh, I get it.” He hides a smile behind his hand.

I arch a brow. “You can’t be ready for that. You haven’t even proposed yet.”

“I will. Soon.”

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