Page 146 of Scores Of The Heart

A part of me will eventually adjust to the idea that it’s not happening. But I’m not sure if that can ever extend to her doing what she did.

I’m sure I’ll hear about it sooner or later if she decides to keep her little girl. I hope so because despite it all, I don’t think she’d make a terrible mom.

The main thing I want right now is to put some space between this, so I can move forward and not worry about it anymore.

Stacey made her choices in life, and I’m making mine with the woman I love.

Cindy and I have only grown stronger through all of this, and the fact we don’t have to hide anything now is a relief to the both of us.

I’m looking forward to meeting her friends when we head back to Seattle after this weekend. We’ve agreed to come out here on weekends as much as we can. I’m a free agent for a little while longer, at least until pre-season training starts. We have a series of pre-season exhibition games coming up soon.

I guess I can never fully escape the game, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“We should really get ready,” I say to Cindy, rolling over from the crumpled sheets we messed up on my bed this afternoon, making love and enjoying each other. I love that she’s getting more and more comfortable with me when we’re together like this. There’s so much more I want to do and to discover with her. It’s all part of the fun and I’m loving every moment.

“You’re the one who thought it would be a good idea to hole up in your bedroom all afternoon!” She giggles, snuggling into my chest.

“What else are you supposed to do on a rainy afternoon except lay in bed with the woman you love?”

”You’re a romantic through and through, Tyler Peterson. Did anyone ever tell you that?’

“A hot little babe that works for the Hawks told me she’s the coach’s daughter.” The corner of my mouth pulls up in a smile.

“Is that so?”

”Sure is, and guess what?” I reach down to kiss her beautiful mouth, taking in her very essence as she looks up at me adoringly.

“What?”

“I love her.”

“Are you sure about that?”

I poke her in the ribs at the same time Henry jumps up on the bed and comes right between us, snuggling up and making himself comfortable. “Yes. I’m sure that I love you, Cindy Carter, and Henry, for that matter, too.”

She giggles, kissing me softly. “And we love you too.”

And that right there shoots straight to my heart, igniting my soul. It’s the best score I could have ever made.

EPILOGUE

Cindy

Things didn’t just return to normal after I went back to work that week, they got even better. It’s taken Tyler a little bit to get back on his feet and try to put everything behind him with his ex. With the help of the ones that care for him the most, he’s doing great. His parents are adorable and we hit it off that night at dinner.

His mom is so mom-like. It brought warmth to my heart how much they welcomed me in and told me they’d never seen Tyler so happy as he has been since he met me.

They were both really upset about the Stacey situation, but I think his mom is still hopeful for more grandchildren in the future.

I’m looking forward to meeting his brothers and his little nephew the following week.

I’m so glad that my dad came around pretty quickly. It was heavily due to Angelique, and I’ll be forever grateful for that and to have them both.

Things with my mom remain on shaky ground. We will probably never see eye to eye on anything, but I’ve accepted that. Maybe her moving back to Buffalo will make her happier. Only time will tell. Caitlin and I both agreed she never really settled in Washington, so maybe it is for the best.

Tonight we’re meeting up with friends. The whole gang is meeting us for wood fired pizzas at The Italian Spot downtown. It’s been a mission trying to organize it but we’ve finally got everyone on board; Andrea, Simon, and his boyfriend Jose, Susie, Emmerson and Taylor, Maddison and Ashto, Tyler’s friend Luke and his girlfriend, Shannon,

plus Jay and his friend that’s still in town, Jade.

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