Page 22 of One Pucking Life

“Sorry.”

“I didn’t realize you were home. I figured you’d already left for work. No practice today?”

I tilt my head. “I do… technically. I called off.”

She furrows her brows. “Why?”

“I’m not really sure,” I admit with a shrug. “I guess I just didn’t want to leave her. It’s hard to explain, but it felt wrong going to work and leaving her behind. And it’s not because I don’t trust you—I do. There’s just something in me that couldn’t go.”

Her expression softens as she waves a hand. “That’s totally normal.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah.” She nods. “A lot of new parents feel that way. It’s hard to leave your baby. There’s this weird mix of sadness and guilt that comes with it. But it does get better. Once we get a solid routine down, it’ll feel easier.”

I rub the back of my neck. “That’s good to hear. It’s strange, though. All I’ve wanted was to get back on the ice. I’ve been stressing for weeks trying to find someone to watch her, and now that you’re here... I just don’t want to leave.”

“I think it’s sweet.” She turns off the stove and sets the spatula down. “Would you like some eggs? I can’t promise they taste great, but they’re edible.”

She butters an English muffin, completely at home in my kitchen.

“No, that’s okay. You don’t have to cook for me. Enjoy your breakfast.”

“Max,” she says, meeting my eyes, “can I speak frankly?”

“Of course.”

She raises a brow. “I think you should go to work.”

I sigh and reach out, gently squeezing Caroline’s tiny foot. “I think you’re right.”

“We’re fine here. I promise.” She smiles at Caroline, her voice going soft and singsongy. “Your baby is in good hands. We’ve got a busy day ahead, don’t we, sweet girl?”

“Oh really? What’s on the agenda?” I ask, amused.

“Well, we’re kicking off her new schedule. From now on, she’ll have consistent nap and feeding times. She’s desperate for some structure, which should help her sleep better at night.”

Delaney gives me a pointed look, eyebrows raised.

“Rough night?”

She chuckles. “I’d say. If last night is any indication of how you’ve been surviving, I honestly don’t know how you’ve functioned.”

“It’s been hard,” I admit.

She turns to Caroline again. “Well, baby girl, all of that is about to change.”

Caroline responds with a gummy smile that’s so pure and sweet that it tugs at something in my chest.

Delaney looks back at me. “The first few days of setting a schedule can be tricky. And honestly? You’d just be in the way. No offense.”

I hold up my hands with a laugh. “Okay then.”

She grins. “I’m just saying… we’re all working on our new routines. And you getting back to practice is part of that. I think it’ll be good for you.”

“Okay, yeah. You’re probably right.” I stumble over the words, not used to someone calling me out so directly—especially in my own house.

I kiss the top of Caroline’s head and give Delaney a quick wave before heading to my room to change. Within minutes, I’m out the door and on my way to the arena. Coach will probably give me hell for being late, but I think he’ll be happy I showed up at all.

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