Page 155 of Wild Blades

“Before that?”What the hell does he mean?

“I attended every game you played from when you were seven.”

“What?” I struggle to take in his admission.

“I sat in the back, away from everyone, watching you play. I was so proud. You were a force to be reckoned with from the minute you stepped out onto the ice and I never, ever, missed a game. Not one. I watched you move through the leagues, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget, Major Junior. I followed you until the day you were drafted. I was there. You were drafted because you are a phenomenal hockey player. The entire coaching team agreed. It was never just my decision.”

I can’t believe what I am hearing. “Is that true? You came to all my games?” It’s what I always wanted. Knowing this makesme feel like I had someone there for me after all, just like all the other kids.

He points to a small but thick photo album sitting on the coffee table I hadn’t noticed until now. “I photographed every one.”

I never cry, but I feel like fucking crying, as a cannonball size lump builds in the back of my throat. “We can’t fix everything with a photo album.”

“I know that.”

“But I guess it’s a start.” I throw him an olive branch of sorts.

Walking slowly in my direction, he stands in front of me. “I do love you, Wade.”

“It’s just words.” I feel uncomfortable being this close to someone I thought was my boss, the owner of the team I have loved all my life and dreamed of playing for, who turned out to be my father.

“I mean them.”

I drop my eyes and my voice. “I wish you had told me I was your son.”

He places his hand on my shoulder. I want to shrug it off, but I also crave the physical contact.

“There are things I cannot undo. I messed up. But know this Wade, I want to tell the world that you’re mine now. I’m so proud of you and what you’ve become.” He grabs my face, forcing me to look into his eyes. It’s like looking in a mirror. “Kali loves you. She did right by you and protected you from this mess I created. I didn’t protect you then. Please let me make it up to you. Please, just give me a chance to prove to you that I want you in my life.”

I frown, shaking my head in disbelief with his big hands around my face. “And it’s not because Nicki and Zane, or me, want to save the team’s reputation. It’s got nothing to do withthat anymore. You’re mine, Wade. I should have told everyone about you from the moment you were born.”

Perhaps with time, I can forgive him. I’m not ready to do that yet. But maybe one day.

“And what about the team? Have you spoken to them?”

“I did this morning. I confirmed the rumors were true, apologized to each and every one of them for the distress I have caused. I have a press release confirming I’m your father scheduled for tomorrow evening, along with an official apology to everyone involved, requesting the media give us some time and space. If you agree to me sending it.”

“Can I read it first before you send it out?”

“Of course.”

“Is Nicki making you do this?”

“It was my idea. I want to do this. It’s time.”

It’s on the edge of my tongue to ask if it hadn’t come out in the press would he have ever told me, but I don’t because my ego, my heart nor my mind could handle his reply. They are too fragile.

“Did Kali write the press release?”

“No. Kali fired me as a client the night you flew to LA. I wrote it myself. This isn’t about business anymore, Wade. This is personal. It’s about family. She made it very clear that I was not someone she would work with. I lost her trust. Given her involvement with you, I think that makes sense now anyway.” He lets out a long sigh. “She was working with you for no fee toward the end. There was zero obligation for her to continue to do the rest of the season, but she did, for you, because she loves you. Can’t you see that?”

“I said some terrible things. I blamed her for everything.”

“Blame me. Not her.”

“If I call, what would I say?”

“Sorry.”

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