Page 101 of Skating to Him

“Yeah, me too. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off me.” Leaning over, I pressed a soft kiss on his mouth. “My brothers took it the way I expected.”

“And your mom was so sweet about it.” His smile widened. “I’ve never been present when another person came out to their family. I wasn’t sure if I should say something or keep my mouth shut.”

I climbed over him onto the bed with an ice pack in my hand and then lay down beside him and pressed the ice on my eye. “You said the right things and when you should have said them.” I patted his hand, resting on the bed next to me. “You handled it very well.”

“Good.” Holding the pack to his head, he glanced at me. “I meant what I said down there. I’m looking forward to many good years with you.”

My heart almost burst with emotion. “Yeah? You gonna marry me, Hodge, and make me a kept man?” I chuckled. Maybe Teddy had been right.

“If that’s what it takes.” Lifting our hands, he kissed my knuckles. “I know it’s too soon to be talking like this, but it’s sort of fun, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is. With you, it is.” I gazed at my ceiling. I could totally see us going as far as marriage. I’d never felt this way about anyone, and I was pretty sure love like this didn’t come around more than once in a lifetime.

After sleepingin our own rooms, we’d gotten up for breakfast and were now sitting around the dining table with myfamily. I’d helped Aaron and Dad cook a big breakfast of pancakes and sausage.

“Your eye isn’t too bad.” Aaron cut into a pancake and stuffed the bite into his mouth.

“Really? My eyelid is so swollen I can barely see out of it.” With a shake of my head and a chuckle, I bit into a sausage and snuck a peek at Tyler. The bump on his head had a greenish bruise and his jaw had a purplish hue, but he was otherwise looking good.

“You’re gorgeous, babe.” With a grin, Tyler kissed my cheek.

Dad rolled his eyes. “Wow, you two.” He set his fork on his plate and glanced at Mom. “You’re making me look bad in front of your mother.” He smirked.

“Oh, and where’s my kiss, John?” Mom stuck her cheek out toward him. “And don’t I look gorgeous today?”

“Yes, dear.” Dad kissed Mom’s cheek while Danny and Aaron sniggered.

My phone went off on the counter. “Shit.” I popped up from my chair, grabbed it, and looked at the screen. “Hey, it’s Dean. Be quiet, everyone.” I answered the call with my heart thumping in my throat. “Hello?”

“Hi, Rowan. Dean Wilson here. I have some news.”

“Yeah? Good news, I hope.” I leaned my ass against the counter and picked some sausage out of my teeth with my fingernail.

“It is good news. Thanks to the Hodge family, the Blackhawks scout, Brian Tucker, is going to be paying you a visit at your next game, which is at home, correct?” Dean asked.

“It is.” Bumping off the counter, I threw a glance at Tyler, who was staring at me. “So, is there anything you need me to do to prepare?” I was finally getting my chance.And thanks to the Hodge family?

A wide smile grew over Tyler’s face, and he strode to me, winding an arm around my shoulders.

“Nope, just be yourself and play your heart out. He reallylikes what he sees with you and Tyler on the ice together. We’ll see where this goes,” he said.

“Sounds good. I’m looking forward to meeting him and showing him what I’ve got.” I swallowed, wetting my dry throat. We should hit the rink today and practice.

“Okay, let me know if you come up with any questions and I’ll be in touch.”

“I will and thank you.” I breathed in a calming breath. It was all hitting me at once, coming out to my family and now this.

“Talk to you soon. Bye.” He ended the call.

“So?” Tyler’s brows snapped up.

“So? What did you tell the Blackhawks when you visited them?” I set my phone on the counter. Some guys might have not wanted the help, but fuck that. I might get to play in the NHL with Tyler fucking Hodge, my boyfriend.

“I mentioned how much better I played when you were on the ice with me and that it would be a shame if they didn’t at least consider signing both of us. Or see what we could do in development camp this summer.” He wagged his brows at me. “Of course, my dad and brother also put in a good word.”

“Rowan, this boy’s a keeper. Look at how much he loves you.” Mom gave us a warm smile.

“I know, Ma. I know.” I hugged him to my side, pressing my head to his. “God, I can’t believe I have the backing of the whole Hodge family.” And I hadn’t even met them in person yet. That had to change.

---