I pick up Holly’s backpack and everything she needs.

“Let’s go to see Adam.” Mia says as my daughter gives her a smile.

After washing my hands, I check for my VIP badge and stroll to the area Mia is waiting. Holly is in Adam’s arms, cuddling into him as she always does. I love he treats her so well. Having no father or granddad, he’s the only male figure in her life.

Then I notice Adam and Mia are talking to Oliver. He is still wearing his pants and sweater, but no helmet. He’s gorgeous; his hair is deep brown and his face is sharp but more tanned than I expected for a New Yorker. He is laughing with Adam. I notice the lack of animosity.

Holly giggles as she watches the two men talk to her and then to each other.

My cell chimes.

I stop walking for a moment while I pluck my phone out of my pocket and answer. “Hi Mom.”

“Just returning your call, darling. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. I’ve been offered an extra shift. Are you okay to look after Holly?” I live with my mom, but I never want to take advantage of her generosity.

“Of course, darling. You know you never have to ask. But you’re working a lot lately.”

“I just want to put some money away for Holly for Christmas.”

“Okay. I needed to talk to you about something, but we’ll talk after your shift.”

“Thanks Mom, I’ll bring her to you in an hour. My shift finishes at six in the morning.” I disconnect and smile ahead at Holly before turning my attention to Adam. “Well done. You were brilliant out there.”

He grins. “You’re finally changing your mind about hockey.”

I smile, pinching my index finger and thumb near to each other, leaving a small gap. “A little.” He knows I’ll never be an avid watcher of the game.

Adam smiles, and I turn to Oliver and say. “And you, too. Although I heard you harmed my daughter’s godfather once.”

Oliver chews on the inside of his cheek as he nods. “Yeah, sorry, I was in a mood that day.”

“Well, you shouldn’t take your moods out on other people,” I say, raising my eyes to emphasize my point.

“Leave him alone, Taylor,” Mia says. “That was too long ago to still hold a grudge.”

I point my finger at him. “Okay, but if there’s a next time, you’ll have me to deal with.”

Mia snorts. “What are you going to do? He’s like six feet three and you’re... Five feet four.”

“And a half inch,” I retort. “And five feet seven in heels.”

Mia chuckles.

I laugh in return. “Anyway, thanks for bringing me. It was nice to do something different.” I hold out my arms to Holly. “But now I need to take this cherub to Nanny’s house.”

When she’s in my arms, I snuggle against her and kiss her cheek.

“Nice to meet you, Oliver. It was a good game, guys.”

“Yeah,” Oliver says. His voice is quieter than I expected. I thought he would at least have defended himself against what I told him.

“If you need a hand with Holly tomorrow, so you can sleep, call me.” Mia kisses Holly and then me on the cheek.

“Will do.” I say. “Bye, sorry, need to rush. Work calls.”

Chapter 3