Page 149 of The Home Game

Antoni nodded. “You run a blog now, yes?”

“Yes. That wasn’t the life I had planned though. I was studying to become a psychologist before Anton and I met, but I’ve always wanted a large family and I’m not sorry I chose it.”

“And there’s no saying you can’t pursue being a psychologist after Anton retires and the kids are all in school,” Charlie said.

“Exactly.” Elena smiled.

“It’s a little overwhelming to think about,” Antoni admitted. “Going from taking care of the kids with the help of my parents and really struggling with it all, to suddenly having Matty there … I guess I worry I’ll have a difficult time with the transition.”

Charlie made a little scoffing noise. “Yes, well, you might, but like I keep reminding you, you have all of us now! And don’t you forget it!”

Antoni laughed because that sounded like a threat. A welcome one, but still a threat.

“I’ll do my best,” he promised.

But before he could say anything else, the lights dimmed.

Tension rose inside Antoni as a countdown flashed on the Jumbotron, the arena lit up with thumping music and flashing lights, the crowd shouting their excitement. Antoni’s heart beat faster as they showed a video of game highlights from the previous season and he could feel the swell of energy from the people around him as they clapped and whistled.

The chanting of the crowd gave him goosebumps and when the video ended, Antoni was practically vibrating with excitement.

An announcer called out, “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the 2024/2025 home opener of the Toronto Fisher Cats!”

After the whistles and clapping died down, the announcer introduced the coaching staff then moved on to the players, each of them streaming out as their names were announced, then assembling in a circle at the center of the ice.

The cheers and clapping grew louder and louder as the bigger names were spoken—the crowd absolutely roaring when Nico came out—and when the circle of players was almost complete, the announcer called out, “From Victoria, British Columbia, number sixty-three, your alternate captain, Dominic Olson!”

Cheers rose from the crowd, along with a few boos.

“From Bridge Creek, Oklahoma, your other alternate captain, number eleven, Matthew Carlson!”

The arena rang with the sound of people cheering and chanting, “Mat-ty, Mat-ty,” and Antoni grinned from ear to ear as Matty burst out onto the ice, waving excitedly.

Antoni loved that Matty didn’t try to pretend to be cool or nonchalant about this. He was as giddy as a little kid and he wasn’t afraid to show it.

Antoni laughed when Matty thwacked Nico on the butt with his stick before he skated into position and a few members of the crowd whistled.

The announcer concluded with, “And from Chicago, Illinois, your team captain, number twenty-seven, Dustinnn Fowlerrr.”

As Dustin skated out, the noise of the crowd was nearly overwhelming, rattling Antoni’s bones and settling in his chest. River clung to him and he soothed her by rubbing her back. “You’re okay,” he promised, even though he doubted she could hear him.

“Where’s Matty?” she asked, wide-eyed, when the cheers finally died down enough to be heard.

“Do you see the number 11 on your jersey?” She didn’t really know her numbers yet so he pointed at the ones on her arm.

She nodded.

“Can you find that out there?” he asked, pointing at the players.

“Yeah!” She pointed straight at Matty. “There!”

“Yeah! Great job! You found Matty.”

She clapped, her eyes lighting up. “Yay! I like Matty.”

“Me too, kiddo,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “Me too.”

River spoke in full sentences more often now. Longer, more complex ones were still halting and hesitant but it was a definite improvement. Was it being in preschool? The speech therapy? Was it Matty talking to her every night as he made dinner, gently coaxing her to use her words?

---