Page 140 of Pucked Up Plans
We’re young, with plenty of life ahead of us. No need to rush into anything at twenty-two.
As I predicted, Lennon’s a beast to wake until a whispered, “Liliana wants to skate with you today,” perks her right up.
When we arrive at the rink, she jabbers away, her exhaustion almost forgotten. A few small yawns escape, but her overall enthusiasm for skating and seeing Liliana trump them. In the slight chance they don’t show up, she doesn’t know Tate and Aubrey are coming.
When I open up the back door, she’s got her buckle undone and smacks her forehead. “We didn’t bring cookies for Liliana. ‘Member I told her last time we’d bring cookies? Why didn’t we bake cookies?”
True to her word, over winter break, Liliana texted, and we got together. Lennon intended to bring cookies when we saw her next, but she must have forgotten until now. As if the girl would stay in the kitchen long enough to bake cookies.
“Don’t know what to tell you, Squirt. Maybe don’t mention the cookies.”
She gasps, the thought ludicrous. “I don’t want to be rude.”
“Then you shouldn’t have told heryou’dbake cookies.” Rendered speechless, her jaw drops, but no words emerge. “She won’t be mad, even if it slips out by accident. She wants to skate with you. Then maybe we can go to the bakery and get cookies as a treat.”
I mentally slap myself. Of all the things in the world, Lennon doesn’t need sugar after skating. What she needs is rest. If she eats cookies, she’ll be up all night. Again. Guess I should heed my own advice.
“Grand plan, Keeley.”
“Not in the slightest,” I mumble. She jumps into my outstretched arms. With her in one arm and the bags in the other, we head inside.
Lennon inhales the moment we breach the entrance, letting out a long “Ahhhh” on the exhale. I won’t ever tire of her love of the ice.
Liliana meets us in the bleachers. Her high ponytail swishes as she walks over. “Hey, Lennon. Glad you could make it.” She’s dressed for skating: thin zip-up jacket and black leggings pulled over her skates. I shake off memories of Megan in a parallel outfit. As good as Tate would look in something similar, highly doubtful she’ll get on the ice. It’s enough for her to watch us.
“I didn’t bake cookies,” Lennon blurts, a wave of apology crashing her words. From where she sits on the bench, she waits for Liliana’s response.
A smile glosses Liliana’s mouth. “You’re in luck. I did.”
My kid’s eyes nearly bulge out of her head, her astonishment palpable. “The s’nores ones?” At Liliana’s nod, Lennon bounces on her toes. “That’s the most ‘mazing thing ever.”
“I’ll share some after we skate. Ready to show me your new tricks?”
“Yep.” I help her into her skate gear and send the two of them on the ice. I survey the door for Tate and Aubrey, but after fifteen minutes, I lace up my skates and join the girls on the ice.
Even in the offseason, I can’t get enough ice time. Until I hear from a few athletic trainer jobs I applied to, I’m working more hours at the Nordic rink and helping with the summer camp for a few weeks in August at Aspenridge. When Lennon starts kindergarten in the fall, if I still don’t have the job I want, I’m going to inquire about more hours at Aspenridge. I’m sure Kenny can find work for me.
As I make a lap around the outside, my eyes catch on the gorgeous woman entering the rink. She holds Aubrey’s hand, her eyes flittering around. When she spies me, a smile with enough wattage to power all of Vermont parts her lips.
She’s all mine. How did I ever get so lucky?
“Tate! Aubrey!” Lennon sees them too and skates over to the opening. She’s a little out of breath, but nothing will dim her enthusiasm. “Are you here to skate?”
“Gosh, no. We heard you were skating and wanted to see you.”
Lennon’s smile stretches from ear to ear. “This is the best day ever.” She points to the stands. “Sit up there. I’ll show you my skills.”
Liliana and I stifle our laughter.
I motion to Liliana I’m going to watch from the stands. Greeting Aubrey with a pat on the head, I can’t resist the pull to Tate. My lips brush a chaste kiss on hers. “Missed you.”
“It’s been three hours.”
“Doesn’t change the fact.” I loop our hands together, leading her up the stairs. I help Aubrey up and am rewarded with a hug. My heart shatters into more pieces at her sweet gesture.
She shivers. “It’s chilly in here.” She’s wearing one of Lennon’s Aspenridge hoodies and thick pants. Tate carries a winter jacket in one hand and helps her into it.
“Thanks for coming. Lennon’s a bit excited.”
