Page 49 of The Love Comeback
“That … could actually work,” Cam says. “Ella wouldn’t be singled out for special treatment. Colton would benefit, but so would every other kid on the team, including his friend. The one who came to the game with them, right? Aaron? His mom would get the same deal.”
I turn the idea over in my mind, searching for flaws. “It would have to be genuine, though. Not just a PR stunt. A real investment in the program, a long-term commitment.”
“Of course,” Cam agrees. “Nila’s always saying that the key to good PR is doing something you actually believe in. This definitely qualifies.”
“The kid’s got real talent, right?” Blaze asks. “You weren’t just saying that?”
I nod firmly. “Colton’s the real deal. Natural instincts, great work ethic. With proper coaching and development, he could go far.”
“Then it’s evenmoreworthwhile,” Cam points out. “We could be helping launch the career of a future NHLer.”
“But even if he wasn’t,” I add quickly, “even if he was just average, he deserves the chance to play. All kids do.”
Dylan claps his hands together decisively. “It’s settled, then. We’ll propose a team sponsorship to management ASAP. With all of us behind it, they’re bound to go for it.”
As they continue discussing logistics, I find myself staring out the window, conflicting emotions swirling in my chest. I’m grateful for my teammates’ willingness to help. But also…
Will Ella still see this as overstepping?I rub my jaw thoughtfully, feeling the stubble rasp against my palm. Maybe the key is transparency—not springing it on her as a done deal, but involving her in the process somehow. Acknowledging her expertise as a parent and educator, valuing her input.
But also … this is just anidea. What if management says no? I don’t want to bring it up to her—potentially getting her hopes up—and then have it not happen…
My thoughts are interrupted as the captain’s voice comes over the intercom, announcing our final descent. The plane begins to tilt downward, the city lights growing larger beneath us as the familiar skyline of Atlanta welcomes us home.
I peer out the window, knowing somewhere out there, in a modest house that she’s made a home, Ella and Colton are fast asleep, blissfully unaware of the conversation that’s just taken place in the sky above them.
Regardless of what happens, one thing’s for certain—having those two in my life feels like a victory more important than anything we could achieve on the ice.
Chapter Eighteen
Ella
“Are you ready for this?” I ask Colton as I pull into a parking spot at the rink.
“I think so…” he says as he unbuckles his seatbelt and grabs his bag. “But Aaron told me today there’s a bunch of guys trying out who’ve been playing for years.”
I turn around in my seat, which stops Colton mid-reaching for the door. “It doesn’t matter how long those other kids have been playing or skating. What matters is all the work you’ve put into this. You can’t compare yourself to them.” I give him a warm smile, even though, on the inside, I’m torn. I want Colton to make the team more than anything, but…
I still haven’t come up with fivethousand dollars.
“Thanks, Mom. You’re the best,” Colton says, breaking my thoughts as he finally pushes the door open and hops out.
I’ll figure it out. Just like always.
I climb out of the car and follow Colton across the parking lot. Valerie and Aaron are already waiting for us inside, and I’m grateful to have someone to sit with.
“Do you think Kade will be here?” Colton asks as I grab the door and open it for him. “I told him about it at practice.”
I sigh, giving him a sympathetic look. “I don’t know. He had an away game this week. I’m not sure when they will get back.”
He responds with a half-hearted nod, and I can see the disappointment on his face as we head inside the skating rink. We make our way to the herd of kids, all preparing for tryouts. I spot Valerie and Aaron almost immediately, thanks to their bright red hair. Colton jogs off to get ready with Aaron, and I take my place beside Valerie and all the other parents.
“I’m nervous for him.” Valerie laughs, eyeing me. “It’s amazing how I’m not even the one out on the ice, and I think I’m more nervous than he is.”
“I get it,” I tell her, folding my arms across my chest. My sweater feels scratchy, and the jeans I wore seem too tight around the waist. “I’m nervous, too. I feel like I’m about to go on stage for a debate or something.”
She giggles. “Neither one of us was much when it comes to sports, I see.”
“No way.” I let out a sigh and then glance up to the bleachers. “Maybe we should go take a seat now?”
