Page 101 of Hockey Wife

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“Now, Georgia, I don’t like the idea of leaving you alone.” Trish pulled one of Connie’s suitcases out to her car, while Banks managed the others. “Dylan, surely you can bring her with you on the trip to Boston.”

Before Banks could comment, Georgia jumped in. They’d had this discussion all morning, a back and forth over whether it was okay to leave Georgia alone in Chicago while life and hockey went on without her. As it stood, the Rebels were headed to Beantown with a two-love lead in the series.

“He needs to bond with his teammates. And I will be perfectly fine with Cheddar.” She gave Connie a hug, then Trish, April, and Sandy. “Have a good trip back and send me a text when you’re home.”

Connie grinned. “You should come with us to Apple Falls. Plenty of room. We can introduce you to the neighbors.”

“Babcia, Georgia needs a break from us.” Trish held onto the hug with Georgia a little longer.

She couldn’t disagree, but if she had to spend time with any family, it would be this one.

Trish raised her hand. “Oh, I think I’ve forgotten my phone charger. Georgia, could you help me find it?”

Georgia sent a sideways look Banks’s way. He gave her a knowing eye roll right back.

“Subtle, Mom.”

“What? I need that charger.”

She marched back into the house with Georgia following and made a show of looking for it under a seat cushion while Georgia waited for her to get to the point. After about ten seconds, she pulled her daughter-in-law to sit down.

“So, can I say something without you taking it the wrong way?”

Georgia tensed. “Go for it.”

“If you divorce my son, I will never forgive you.”

“Excuse me?”

“You make him happy.”

“I-I don’t know about that. Things are kind of up in the air right now and?—”

Trish took her hand. “Are they? Or are they just settling down after the initial shock? Georgia, my son is not a risk taker or an impetuous man. He barely drinks.”

“Which probably explains his low alcohol tolerance.”

Trish’s expression was all pity. “Deny all you want. I know what I see here, and I hope you two give this thing a real go of it.”

She would not like what Georgia had planned as soon as they left. Best to keep that to herself.

“Mom, we have to go,” April called out.

“Coming!” Trish stood, dragging Georgia upright before giving her a tight hug. “If you need anything, and I mean anything, text, call, video, whatever. Okay?”

Tears threatened. This was likely the last time she would see them.

“Okay!” Smile wide, eyes bright. You’re fine, Georgia. You’re always fine.

Back outside, more hugs were dispensed in all the people combinations and finally, everyone was on their way. Georgia turned to Banks as the cars turned onto Sheridan.

“How are you doing?”

He blew out a breath. “I’ll see them again soon.”

“I know. But it’s okay to be upset that they’re gone.”

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