Page 76 of The Only Goal

“I’m not denying you access,” I argue, feeling sick to my core. “I can go and get him right now. You guys can talk.”

“You know he’s allergic to talking on a phone. He’ll just stand there saying nothing.”

“But he could hear your voice.”

“Tell me where you are. I need to know where you are for my own peace of mind. You’ve got my kid. I deserve to know his location.”

With a heavy sigh, I murmur, “We’re in Nolan. It’s a small town in Colorado.”

“Why’d you go there?”

My insides pinch so tight it actually hurts. I fist my sweater and agonize for a moment over what to say.

If I mention Baxter, will he freak out?

It’s none of his business anyway… is it?

“Tammy? You still there? Why Nolan?”

“Because it’s a safe, happy place,” I blurt. “We’re staying in a beautiful old villa that’s about to be opened up as an exclusive bed-and-breakfast. It’s peaceful here. And Kai’s doing really well.” I suck in a breath, then say what I know I’m supposed to say even though I really don’t feel like it. “Now, if you want to see him, let’s set a time and I’ll bring him to you.”

His stony silence settles into my bones, and I shudder when he finally breaks it in a gruff voice. “I’ll check my schedule and get back to you. But stop ignoring my messages. I’m his parent too. I… I miss you guys. I want you to come home.”

I shake my head, and it’s like he can sense me doing it.

His sigh is heavy. “I made one mistake, Tam. Are you going to hold that against me forever? We’re a family.”

Closing my eyes, I ward off the tears.

A family?

Are we really?

When a wave of raucous laughter reaches me from the kitchen, I have to wonder. How is it possible to feel more at home with someone I haven’t seen in years and a bunch of strangers I’ve only just met?

How is it that speaking to my husband fills me with zero warmth, yet one smile from Baxter can make me feel like I’m glowing?

Family. This old villa filled with hockey players and their girlfriends… that’s family.

CHAPTER 36

BAXTER

“Kai.” Tammy’s voice is shaking as she steps into the kitchen with a forced smile and holds out her phone. “Your dad wants to talk to you.”

Kai jumps off the stool, brushing cookie crumbs off his mouth before taking the phone. He doesn’t say anything, just holds it against his ear and listens.

I try to catch Tammy’s eye, but she won’t look at me. She crouches down beside her son and holds his hand, giving him an encouraging smile.

“Say hi, back. Remember? He can’t see your face, so you have to use your voice.”

Kai nods but still doesn’t talk.

Tammy closes her eyes, dipping her head for a moment. I can feel her pain and frustration from across the room. This situation sucks for her. I can only imagine what Hudson said on the phone—was he mean? Demanding? Or gentle and cajoling?

The guy could sell anything to anyone. Seriously. He’d always been cheesy and persuasive. I used to convince myself that the only way Tammy got with him was because he cast a spell on her and she was swept away by his effervescent charm.

But did she really love him?

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