Page 68 of Hat Trick
She hands it to me, head hung low.
"It's stupid, you don't have to wear it or anything. I just...I wanted to do something nice for you."
I turn it over in my hands and inspect it. Colorful, small handprints - likely Annie's - adorn it. It's fucking adorable. I turn it over. On the back is written "Greatest Ally". Bringing me back to that night I tried to push her away and she threatened me.
God, I was so stupid back then. So full of fear and anxiety that she would ruin what Carter, Luca and I had spent a decade building. I had written her off before I even knew her, so sure that she was just like every other puck bunny we knew.
But she isn't at all. And she didn't ruin anything, she made everything better. She's Carter's calm in the storm - his peace - his home. She's Luca's happily-ever-after. She's Luca's rebirth into theman he always wanted to be. And me? She's my heart, my soul, my everything. I learned how to trust again with her, that being vulnerable wasn't the worst thing in the world. That learning to trust again meant I got to experience love and loyalty and devotion for the first time in my entire life.
I couldn't stop the grin spreading across my face if I wanted to. My heart swells and aches with love, with pride, with everything good for this woman.
I set it down on the couch next to me and pull her down so she's straddling my lap. I take her face gingerly in both of my hands.
"I love it, Princess. Thank you." I say between kisses. "I love you."
"It's not corny?" She asks, still unsure of herself.
I chuckle and put it on. "Real men wear finger paints." That gets a smile out of her. I take if off again so I can kiss her.
"I'll wear it every game."
"You really don't have to."
I kiss her to shut her up. Sometimes she is her own worst enemy. She's gotten a lot more comfortable with the three of us. Exploring each other sexually helped build her confidence in herself and in us. But every once in awhile doubts still creep in. I don't mind. I get to help her realize just how incredible she really is.
"Every. Game." I say, before taking her mouth with mine. She opens for me easily, so submissive and eager to please. She melts against me, her tiny hands roaming my chest, my shoulders, my back. She loves touching me. And I'm here for it.
Before we can take it too far on the couch, and risk Carter's mom walking in on us, I break the kiss. I love the dazed look on her face, her eyes glassy, her cheeks flushed. Christ, she's beautiful.
"Carter needs to hurry up and move his mom out so we can make out freely again." I grumble, earning myself a giggle.
Chapter thirty-nine
Carter
I'm asking too much. Traveling with a kid is stressful enough, but traveling alone with a kid? I anxiously pace my hotel room, waiting for the text from Emily that will let me know she landed in Denver safely.
What was I thinking? Asking her to fly commercial to our away game. I could have hired a private jet. I could have had her leave Annie with my mom. I could have put on my big boy pants and dealt with the stress of being away from them and doing the job I'm paid to do.
But the last away game nearly broke me. To think of my mom, Ems, and Annie, alone in our house, during a hurricane, with a potentially dangerous man after them? Fuck, I've never experienced fear like that before.
Emily talked me out of taking a red eye there, but I didn't sleep a wink. Those are my girls. They're the only things I've ever loved more than hockey. I'm more convinced than ever that I'll be hanging up my skates at the end of this season.
I love the sport, but what's the point if I can't be there for the family I love? Will I raise my daughter to think hockey is more important than her? Will I miss dance recitals and parent-teacher conferences because I'm at an away game.
We moved my mom to a new rental just down the street from us, so she's there for Emily and Annie if she needs it but has her own space as well. Emily's been amazing about helping her set up a new homeand it's given my mom something to focus on besides Dad. But it also means Emily and Annie are alone again in the house.
"Fuck!" I shout into my empty hotel room.
My phone pings and I rush for it.
Emily: Annie did great on the flight! We're just waiting for our luggage and then we'll take an uber to your hotel.
Me: Fuck that, I'm sending a driver.
Emily: Carter, people travel all the time with kids. We're good! I promise.
Me: Ems. I love you. Non-negotiable.
