Page 34 of Catching Dreams

“You’re only 26 or 27, right?” I asked.

“Yeah, he’s 27, but that’s old for pro sports,” Braden interjected. “I’m getting there, too. I don’t know if either of us will make it to the big leagues.”

“And that’s okay,” their mom said. “You both have college degrees to fall back on, and you know your dad and I are both proud of you.”

“That’s awesome you both have degrees!” I said. “What are they in?”

“Mine is in sports medicine,” Braden said. “So when I stop playing, I can still be involved in hockey.”

“My bachelors is in sports management, so I wouldn’t mind being an agent,” Dominic explained.

“Dude, I’d hire you as my agent in a heartbeat!” Tyler exclaimed. “My agent is just someone the league gave me, and I think I’ve only talked to him a handful of times.”

“Well, if I decide not to go back to the Tigers, you’ll be my first client.”

“Guys, it’s getting late and it will take about 45 minutes to get to the hospital. Visiting hours end at eight, so if we want to visit with Mack and see Nico, we should head out,” I said.

“Can I join you guys?” Emma asked and then smiled at me. “I want to get to know my new…. Um, what are you to me? Half-sister?”

“I was wondering that, too,” I said with a laugh.

“I would just say you guys are found sisters,” Jessica said. “We’re one crazy, big, messed up family.”

“I like that, too,” I said.

“Braden, do you want to come?” Dominic asked him.

“No, thanks. I’ve got to get back home for hockey.”

“Mom, you can join us, if you want.”

“That’s ok, sweetheart. I’ll stay here and rest. You kids have fun.”

“Welcome to the Anderson Family,” Emma said with a big smile. Just a few nights ago, Mike Stone had welcomed me to the Stone Family. Now, I was being welcomed to the Anderson Family. I really was no longer all alone in the world. Mimi and Papaw would be so happy.

“Knock, knock!” I said from the door.

Mack’s head turned towards us, and he gave us a weak smile. Gone was the confident and strong coach. In his place was a man who was on the verge of going over the edge. His usually tidy, short, light brown hair was in disarray, probably from pulling at it. Always clean shaven, he had more than a five o’clock shadow growing on his face. His eyes weren’t their normal bright blue but seemed like a dull gray. My heart broke for my former coach and friend.

“Thank you so much for coming, guys. It means so much to me.” He stood up and greeted me with a hug.

“Of course! How are you?” I asked and then mentally slapped myself. Of course, he wasn’t okay.

“I’ve been better, and I’ve been worse,” Mack answered with a shrug. “Anderson! Thanks for coming.” He hugged Dominic.

“I hope you’re hungry,” Dom said as he held up the big take out bag we had picked up on our way to the hospital.

“I’m starving and sick of hospital food already. Please, tell me there is fried chicken in there!”

“Only the best fried chicken from The Hen Hut!”

“You guys are the best,” Mack said and turned to my wife. “Wow, Molly! You are huge!”

Molly laughed and gave him a big hug. “I am so, so sorry about Ashleigh. I didn’t know her well, but she was always so nice and welcoming!”

Mack sighed deeply and just nodded. “I miss her. It still doesn’t feel real.”

“Mack, this is my sister, Emma,” Dominic introduced his sister.

---