Page 141 of Rinkmates

My heart nearly breaks at the kindness in his gaze. It’s as if he already loves him just because he looks like me.

“I heard there was a future hockey star out here on the ice. Had to come see for myself.” Riley lowers himself to Rory’s level and grins at him before patting his helmet. “I’m Riley. Can I know the name of our little star too?”

Rory giggles, pressing close to my side. “I’m Rory. But you already know my Mommy. I saw you on TV!”

My heart flutters as I watch my son’s face light up with joy at meeting a real hockey player. I know he enjoys training with me, but let’s be honest—I’m not Riley.

“Yes, your mom is the best figure skater I know.”

Rory nods. “Yes! She’s been teaching me! Right, Mommy?”

He looks up at me, and I nod. “Yes, I showed him all the secrets I learned from you.”

Riley smiles up at me. “Is that so?”

There’s a moment of silence between us, and I can see it—us.

“How about you show me what Mommy taught you?” Riley says, and Rory nods.

“Yes! Come on! Watch me skate!” Rory grabs Riley’s hand and pulls him to the center of the rink, as if they’ve known each other for weeks rather than just five minutes. I watch as Rory proudly demonstrates his slap shots and Riley teaches him some new skills.

I watch them, a thousand questions racing through my mind, but I can’t seem to give voice to any of them. He’s here. He’s really, truly here.

Riley’s eyes meet mine again after we both finish applauding Rory’s goal, and the air between us hums with unspoken emotion. He takes a step closer, and I can feel what he wants, what we both want. But I hold back, biting my lip. I’ve made a promise to myself and to Rory. When I introduce a man to my son as my boyfriend, it has to be for keeps. No more false starts, no more heartbreak. Rory deserves stability, a father figure who will be there through thick and thin. But looking at Riley now, I can’t imagine him ever walking away. Not from me, and certainly not from Rory. I’m starting to believe that he really is in this for the long haul, even if we’re taking things slow.

Riley shows Rory how to brake, and before long, Rory is gliding smoothly over the ice, practicing exactly as Riley instructed. While Rory concentrates on perfecting his technique, Riley skates back to me, where I’ve been watching them.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I whisper when he reaches my side, fighting back the sudden sting of tears. “You have no idea.”

Riley’s smile softens as he reaches out to brush a stray lock of hair from my face. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

“Well, I thought you were at training camp,” I say, lightly smacking his chest since he told me we couldn’t see each other for another two weeks. I pretended it wasn’t affecting me much, but I missed him the moment he said goodbye last time. After living with him for six months, long distance feels like the worst.

We both watch Rory skating and braking over and over again, and I’m so proud. He’s so determined to hone his skills. I was the same at his age.

“I couldn’t wait any longer,” Riley says, the back of his hand brushing gently against mine. “Do you think I should have waited? You only mentioned that we could meet soon, but when you said it, I just had to come see you. I’m sorry if I rushed things.”

“No, it’s perfect. Really. But how did you know we were here?”

“Your mom.“ He winks at me.

“Of course.” I giggle. “She wanted me to say yes to your pleadings weeks ago.”

“You know I would have given you more time. I was just impatient to meet him. He’s amazing.”

“He is,” I reply. “And I’m glad you’re here and that the rink is where you two first met.”

“Um, speaking of overstepping and such, I might be here for two weeks.”

“What?” I say.

“Coach gave me some time off, and, well, maybe, just maybe, I bought a house down the street. The big one with the wraparound porch and the huge backyard.”

My jaw drops. “You…you bought a house? But…”

He gently presses a finger to my lips. “No what-ifs. I told you. I believe in us, and I want us to have a future together. All of us.”

“But what about my mom and your apartment in New York and—”

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