Page 71 of The Love Comeback
At the time, I was too angry, too defensive to hear it. But now, alone in the quiet of my living room, I let myself truly consider it.
Is it too late?
Butmy heart already knows the answer. It’s been there all along, buried beneath layers of protection I built up over the years.
I’ve been so focused on avoiding pain that I’ve been blind to the possibility of joy. So determined not to repeat past mistakes that I’ve been making a new one—pushing away someone who genuinely cares for both me and Colton.
I stand up, stretching my arms overhead, before making my way to my bedroom. I peek into Colton’s room. He’s sprawled across his bed, one arm flung over his head, hockey posters watching over him from every wall. While asleep, he looks so much like Katie that it makes my heart twist. I wonder what she would tell me if she were here.
I think she’d want me to be happy. To let Colton be happy. To stop hiding behind fear and start opening myself to possibility.
Which is why, starting now, I’m done letting fear dictate my decisions.
Tomorrow, we have tickets to Kade’s game. I’ll see him there, probably just briefly after the game, but it’s a start. A chance to look at him with new eyes, without the walls I’ve been hiding behind.
Maybe our story isn’t over yet.
Maybe it’s just beginning.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Ella
“Dude, I’m so excited for the game,” Aaron says from the backseat. “I heard that the Glaciers might make it to the playoffs again this year.”
“Duh, they’re going to make it,” Colton shoots back. “Kade is, like, the best goalie ever. He was the NHL’s top pick for the position this year. He’s basically the best there ever was. I bet it’s ’cause he’s been getting extra practice with me.”
I raise my brows and eye Valerie, who’s stifling her giggle from the passenger seat. I swear, kids say the most interesting things when they’re having conversations with each other—or really anyone,for that matter.
“Mom, do you think we’ll get to see Kade after the game?” Colton leans forward, his seatbelt straining as he pokes his head between the front seats.
“Maybe for a few minutes,” I reply, keeping my eyes on the road. “He’ll probably be tired, but I’m sure he’ll want to say hello.”
What I don’t say is how much I’m counting on those few minutes—how I’ve rehearsed at least twenty different versions of what I might say to him.
The boys go back to their excited chatter, and I turn on the radio. The familiar route to the Glaciers’ arena feels different tonight—my hands aren’t gripping the steering wheel with their usual tension, and for once, the afternoon traffic isn’t sending my blood pressure through the roof.
“You seem … lighter,” Valerie says quietly. “Like you’ve made a decision.”
I take a deep breath. “Let’s just say, I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said. About not letting fear rob me of something potentially good.”
Her smile widens. “I’m proud of you. It takes courage to give someone a second chance.”
“Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’ve still gotta talk with him first,” I warn, though I can’t stop the small smile that tugs at my lips.
For the first time in years, I’m letting myself imagine possibilities rather than worst-case scenarios. And it’s both terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
We finally pull into the arena parking lot, the massive building looming before us. I take one last glance at myself in the mirror—smoothing my hair, checking my lipstick, then immediately feeling silly for caring so much.
“Alright, everybody out,” I announce, trying to sound casual as I gather my purse and coat. “And stay together. This place is going to be packed.”
The boys tumble out of the car, their energy infectious as they practically bounce toward the entrance. Valerie hangs back with me, linking her arm through mine.
“Whatever happens tonight,” she says softly, “I’m here for you.”
I squeeze her arm. “Thanks, Val. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Inside, the arena is electric with energy. The corridors bustle with fans decked out in Glaciers’ gear, the air thick with excitement and the smell of concession food. Colton’s eyes are wide, taking it all in as we navigate through the crowd.
