Page 121 of Finders Keepers

His eyes soften with understanding and are full of concern. “Focus on me, okay? I won’t let you fall.”

Sophie stands next to me, her tiny hand clutched in mine as she peers at the ice with wide eyes. “Mommy, is it slippery?”

“That it is, sugar,” Ms. Lucy says, adjusting Sophie’s pink toboggan. “But that’s what makes it fun. Just like sliding in your socks on the kitchen floor.”

I watch a teenage couple glide past, making it look effortless as they weave between other skaters. My rental skates feel clunky and foreign on my feet, the stiff leather pinching at my ankles, and I haven’t even stepped onto the ice yet.

“Ready?” Gavin holds out his hand, steady and patient.

No. Definitely not ready. But Sophie’s watching with those innocent blue eyes, and I don’t want my fear to hold her back. So, I take his hand, my fingers trembling slightly against his warm palm.

The moment my blade touches the ice, my feet shoot out from under me like they have a mind of their own. I land hard on my backside, the impact knocking the air from my lungs and sending a shock of cold through my jeans.

“Mommy!” Sophie calls out, her voice pitched with worry.

“I’m okay, Soph” I say and give her a reassuring smile.

“Watch how she gets right back up.” I hear Ms. Lucy tell her, her southern drawl warm and reassuring.

If I can figure out how, I think, rubbing my sore behind and trying to maintain some dignity. Gavin’s already there, strong hands gripping mine as he helps me back to my feet, his movements sure and confident on the slick surface.

“Everyone falls their first time,” he says, steadying me as I wobble. “Keep your knees slightly bent and lean forward a little. Trust your body.”

I hesitate before gripping his forearms, my legs shaking like a newborn giraffe trying to find its footing. The ice beneath me feels like it’s alive and determined to knock me down again. “I think I’ll just watch from the sidelines.”

“Not a chance, birthday girl.” His smile is warm, encouraging. “I’ve got you. We’ll take it slow.”

Next to us, Sophie takes her first tentative step onto the ice with her walker, her face scrunched in concentration. Ms. Lucy skates next to her, moving backward with the grace of someone who’s clearly done this before.

“That’s it, darlin’,” she coaches. “Little steps. You’re doing just great.”

I watch Sophie’s hesitation melt into determination, her wobbly movements becoming more confident with each passing second.

“Your turn,” Gavin says, pulling me from my thoughts. “Small steps, just like Sophie.”

I take a shaky breath and try to mirror my daughter’s movements. My feet feel impossibly heavy, and every slight movement threatens to send me sprawling again.

“You’re doing great,” he encourages, skating backward with infuriating ease. “Try to relax a little.”

“Easy for you to say,” I mutter, but I force myself to loosen my death grip on his arms slightly.

A child zips past us, and I instinctively jerk away, nearly losing my balance again. Gavin’s hands tighten on mine, keeping me upright.

“I’ve got you,” he repeats softly. “I’ve got you.”

The words hit deeper than they should. I focus on his steady presence, the warmth of his hands, the way his eyes never leave mine as he guides me around the rink.

“Mommy, look!” Sophie says. She’s found her rhythm now still holding onto the walker, her little legs moving in time with Ms. Lucy’s guidance. “I’m skating!”

“You sure are, baby.” My own fear momentarily forgotten in the face of her joy.

We make slow progress around the rink, and gradually, I start to find my balance. The tension in my shoulders begins to ease, and I even manage to look around without immediately searching for threats in the crowd.

“See? You’re a natural,” Gavin says as I complete a full circuit without falling.

I snort. “I wouldn’t go that far.” But I’m smiling now, the cold air bringing color to my cheeks.

I watch Sophie’s face light up as she discovers she can glide a little, and something inside me shifts.

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