Page 72 of The Only Goal

Sooner or later, I’m going to have to face Hudson and the practical realities of my future. I can’t keep saying I’ll divorce him and then not actually do anything about it.

This isn’t some fairy tale where Prince Baxter can whisk me away to his magical kingdom. There are papers to draw up, a lawyer to hire—I’m still not sure how I’m going to afford that—and I can’t keep pretending that my marriage will evaporate all on its own.

Plus, there’s Kai to think about. I have to put his needs above all else.

As much as I hate to agree with my mother, Kai does deserve a stable home, good schools. Can I give that to him without Hudson?

Does Baxter even want to take that on?

He probably would, but…

Thinking about all this stuff gives me a headache.

I guess I just want to delay the inevitable for as long as I can.

I’m not ready to go popping bubbles.

CHAPTER 34

BAXTER

As soon as Casey invited Kai to one of the Cougar practices, the little kid was begging to go. We’re technically not allowed in here, but of course Casey pulled a few strings, and Asher helped him sweet-talk the coaches into letting us watch one practice. So here we are, sitting in the stands and watching my friends speed across the ice. Kai’s snuggled up on my knee for a better view, and because the kid’s so skinny that staying warm in the arena is nearly impossible for him.

I tuck my arm a little tighter around him, loving the way he cheers and keeps glancing up at me with a huge grin. His eyes are like “Did you see that?”

“They’re pretty fast, right, buddy?”

He nods, his gaze glued to the rink.

The practice finishes up with a short game, and Kai flinches every time someone gets checked, then laughs as they tussle for the puck.

When Ethan flicks his stick and the puck goes firing into the goal, Kai lifts his hands in a cheer. Nothing comes out of his mouth, of course, but I can tell he’s excited.

“Think you might want to play hockey one day?” I murmur.

He whips around to look at me. “Like that?” He points at the rink.

I nod.

His thoughtful little face is adorable, and I wait him out while he slowly thinks about it.

“Do you think I can?” His voice is so soft, I nearly miss it.

I lean my head a little closer. “Kai, I think you can do whatever you want. With a little hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

It’s like I’m handing him a gold star. His face lights with the sweetest smile, and I’m pretty sure I just made his day.

His back straightens with a proud grin, his chin rising just a little, and I’m pretty sure I’m falling hard for this lil’ dude. I’m already in love with his mother, so it makes sense, right? But I never thought I could love a kid so much as well, especially one that isn’t mine.

But this quiet, sweet boy on my lap is turning my heart to putty.

Assistant Coach Fisher blows the whistle, ending the practice and shouting at everyone to hit the showers. He’s one of the younger coaches, just started this year, and seems to be pretty capable. He’s strict and no-bullshit. I watched him working with the defensemen this session, and he seemed pretty switched on and decisive. Hopefully, he’ll be a good asset to the team.

Casey skates to the edge and beckons us down. “Come on, kid, I’ll give you a spin on the ice.”

Kai’s eyes pop wide, and he turns to check with me.

My heart pinches with affection, and I nod, letting him off my knee so he can walk down the stairs.

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