Page 50 of The Love Comeback
She nods and then gestures for me to lead the way. I do exactly that and find a good spot at the very front. We have a great view of the rink, and Valerie plops down beside me. We watch as the boys—and a whole bunch of other kids—skate out onto the ice. I notice immediately that Colton’s skill on the ice stands out.
He’s …good.
And it makes sense, considering he’s been coached by Kade. Of course, he’s going to stand out, even if he’s not been doing this as long as some of the other kids.
“I’m surprised Kade isn’t here,” Valerie comments, sipping on an iced coffee I didn’t even realize she had. “I figured he’d show up to support Colton.”
“He had an away game,” I say, keeping my eyes on Colton. I smile as he scans the crowd, his eyes searching through the shield. His gaze finally lands on mine, and I give him a big, gaudy wave. He grins and then goes back to talking with Aaron.
Valerie and I watch as the tryouts begin.
“They’re doing really well, I think,” Valerie remarks. “I think they have a good shot at making it.”
I nod, but before I can say anything at all, someone shouts and hollers from behind the stands, and the crowd of parents begins to cheer.
“Go, Colton!” a deep voice booms across theskating rink.
I whip my head around, though I already know who it is. My eyes land on Kade, holding up a poster board that says, ‘Kill ’em, Colton!’It’s decorated up like all the signs at his games—well, and any other game, really. I’m not sure the quality of the sign changes much between high school and professional sporting events. Regardless, Colton gives Kade the biggest smile I think I’ve ever seen…
And I know this moment means more to him than even making the team.
Kade cheers for him once more, and then his eyes shift to the stands. My cheeks heat up as I watch his dark eyes search for me. At least, I assume he’s searching for me, and that’s confirmed when his gaze locks on mine—and then he flashes me that painfully sweet smile.
Ugh. Why does he have to be so handsome?
Kade holds up the sign, still facing the rink, as the kids get directed into groups. Then he makes his way to me, his gaze never leaving my face. My heart thrums nervously in my chest, and I try to focus my attention on the rink.
“He’s doing really well,” Kade comments, and I just nod, refusing to look over at him. “I had to drive like a NASCAR driver to get here in time. I didn’t want to miss it.” His sweet words hit me like a knife to the chest, and I can’t help it anymore—I finally look over at him.
“It means a lot to him that you’re here.” My voice isn’t nearly as strong as I want it to be, and I know it’s because of the wayKade genuinely cares for my boy. It’s rare for someone to choose to be in another person’s life the way Kade has chosen Colton.
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” Kade says, his voice confident as he rests the sign in his lap. “He’s definitely gonna make the team.”
Valerie leans over with a grin. “Is that because you’re pulling strings?”
“Ha ha.” Kade smirks. “I suppose that maybe I could, but that wouldn’t benefit the team or the boys. They need to earn their place. Though, I think they’re both going to make it on their own accord. Aaron is good.”
Valerie beams with pride. “Thank you. I’ll have to tell him you said that. I know it will mean so much to him coming from you. If I said such a thing, he’d just roll his eyes.” She lets out one of her eccentric laughs, and Kade chuckles along.
As he does, the director of the youth program clears his throat over the microphone. We both turn our heads to the middle-aged man standing in the center of the rink, a bright smile on his face.
“We’re going to wrap up tryouts for the evening. We just wanted to thank everyone for coming, and the way you all support the league in the city. We’ll have the results posted tomorrow evening. If you don’t make it,” he addresses the herd of kids on the sidelines, watching him, “don’t give up. A ‘no’ this year doesn’t mean a ‘no’ next year. We have limited spots, and unfortunately, there’s just not enough room for everyone.With that being said…” His voice trails off, as a song starts to play over the PA system. “Have a good night!”
The kids skate off toward the exit, and we stand to our feet, along with all the other parents. It’s super crowded, and based on where we’re at, it’s going to be a while before we reach the boys. I cling to my purse, all the while Kade holds his sign and Valerie leads the way. Something about the moment feels natural.
It’s as if we’ve done this a million times.
It takes us about ten minutes to make it to Colton and Aaron, who, by the time we show up, have already changed into their street shoes. Colton has his bag slung over his shoulder, and the grin on his face makes my chest swell.
“Kade!” Colton explodes with sentiment as soon as we’re in earshot. He then rushes to Kade, wrapping his arms around his waist. “You made it! Ella said you might not make it, but you did! I knew you would!”
Kade gives him a tight squeeze, and the moment sends a rush of longing through my body. Seeing the two of them interact in this way makes me wonder what it would be like if we didn’t have to go home to separate houses. What it would be like if we got to spend every day together. What it would be like if we were a …family.
That’s a dangerous thought, Ella.
Yet my mind keeps pulling me toward it.
“Have they announced it yet?” Colton asks for the hundredth time.
