Page 194 of The Home Game

He frowned, turning to look for Matty. “Were we expecting anyone?”

“I don’t think so,” Matty said. “Let me check.”

He pulled open the door and froze.

Worried, Antoni stepped closer, afraid it was the Swansons or something, but no, it was an older couple Antoni didn’t recognize.

They were comically shorter than Matty, about half his height, with graying hair and sturdy-looking bodies.

“Who’s that?” Antoni asked Dustin with a frown.

Dustin snickered. “That would be Matty’s parents.”

“Oh, shit.” Antoni blanched. “I guess I should go meet my in-laws, huh?”

“Probably a good idea,” Charlie said with a laugh.

Antoni jogged over, sliding his hand into Matty’s and squeezing once. He looked ready to faint.

The woman pursed her lips, staring up at her son. “Matthew James Carlson. I cannot believe you didn’t tell us you got married and have four children! Your sister found out on Facebook. That is unacceptable!”

“Umm,” Matty said, a sheepish expression crossing his face. “Sorry? Life has been a little crazy lately and—”

“You got married two months ago!” She put her hands on her hips, glaring.

“Yeah. Sorry about that?”

She shook her head but there was something warm in her brown eyes that reminded Antoni of Matty’s when he was holding back a laugh. “Well, I think it’s about time you introduce us to your husband and our grandchildren then.”

EPILOGUE

JANUARY

The courtroom was small, just big enough to hold Antoni and his family, the Swansons, two lawyers, the judge, and a few court personnel.

Antoni’s heart beat like a frightened rabbit as River squirmed on his lap, already antsy at having to sit still.

Matty sat to his left, holding Reese, though his free hand was wrapped tightly around Antoni’s.

Palm sweaty, nerves turning his breathing shaky, Antoni held his breath as Judge Connor Hogan looked out over the courtroom, ready to share his ruling.

“After reviewing all of the information in front of me, there’s only one reasonable decision that I can make today.”

Antoni gripped Matty’s hand so tight his fingers ached.

“Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have petitioned for custody on the basis of Mr. Bianchi being an unfit guardian. To be frank, I have found no evidence to support that. The parenting assessment done by Ms. Chapman does not corroborate that. Nor do the reports from the children’s pediatricians or their therapists. In fact, they all consistently show that Mr. Bianchi has created a stable, loving home for the children. Initially, there were some mild concerns about his financial status and questions about his broader support network and ability to care for four children as a single parent. However, since then, it’s become clear that those circumstances have changed.”

He met Antoni’s gaze, then looked at Matty.

“While it has been brought to my attention that perhaps this relationship started in a somewhat unconventional manner, it is also clear that the commitment you have made to each other and to raising the children is strong. I am extremely impressed by the extensive network of support you have created with Mr. Carlson’s teammates along with, uh, their spouses and partners.”

The judge cleared his throat, then continued. “The children’s parents made it clear that they believe Mr. Bianchi to be the best choice as guardian. Supporting the deceased parents’ wishes is always my priority. In addition, Alexis, Eli, and River have all spoken to Ms. Chapman and myself about their desire to remain in Mr. Bianchi’s and Mr. Carlson’s care. Reese is too young to make his wishes known, but since his pediatrician has stated that his growth and development is flourishing, I will take that as a sign that he is living in a home where he is safe, happy, healthy, and loved.”

Judge Hogan looked at Matty again. “Mr. Carlson, in the future, I would advise you to avoid any physical altercations with people off the ice. However, since you do not have a history of non-work-related violence and because I received dozens of letters from your teammates, your coach, other people within the Fisher Cats organization, and from players around the league, all attesting to your good character, I am choosing to trust that your display of aggression toward Mr. Swanson was a misguided but well-intentioned attempt at protecting the children.”

“Yes, sir,” Matty said, sitting up straighter. “It won’t happen again.”

“Good.” He looked over at Bill and Robin. “Your unwillingness to support Eli’s gender identity and expression indicate to me that placing the children in your care would be detrimental to Eli’s mental health and wellbeing and likely, those of the other children as well.”

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