Page 142 of Rinkmates

“I know. Don’t worry. I won’t pressure you into moving in together just now. It’s just so I can visit you guys whenever I want. Once you’re ready, we can move in there, or your mom can have the house and I can come to you. I bet she’d love her own space one day too. And it’s not a decision we have to make anytime soon. I just want to see you.”

A happy tear spills down my cheek as I throw myself into his arms, burying my face in his neck. “I love you,” I whisper, my voice muffled against his skin. “I love you so much.”

He holds me tight, his lips pressing a quick kiss to my temple. “I love you, too, baby. More than anything.”

I release him and force myself to stop being such a crybaby as I watch my son skate joyful circles around the rink. I know this is it. This is the life I’ve always dreamed of.

Just then, Rory’s excited shout catches our attention, and we turn to see him waving wildly from the center of the rink. “Look! I can skate like Riley!”

He speeds up and brakes so much better than before. “Amazing, bud!”

I grin up at Riley. “Thank you. He’s so happy.”

Rory comes up to us, hugging my hips.

“Hey, your mom just told me you want to be a hockey player when you grow up,” Riley says.

Rory nods eagerly, practically bouncing with excitement. “Uh-huh! I’m gonna be just like you!”

Riley laughs, squeezing Rory’s shoulder.

“Come, let’s skate!” Rory says, casually reaching for Riley’s hand again.

Riley chuckles and glances at me with a playful arch of his brow. “Duty calls. You don’t mind, do you?”

I shake my head, shooing him away with my hands. “Go on. He’s been dying to show off for you.”

He winks at me and I watch them take off across the ice, Rory chatting away while Riley listens with that warm, focused expression I love so much, and I can see it clearly. They are my family.

Epilogue

FIVE YEARS LATER—RILEY

“So, Dad, I’ve been thinking about hockey camps for this summer.” Rory plops down beside me, his lanky frame folding into the chair. We’re sitting in the waiting area of the tattoo parlor. My wife’s finally getting the tattoo she’s been talking about since our wedding day two years ago. Rory’s nearly ten now and growing so quickly. I’ve started teasing Liora that she will soon be the shortest one in our household.

The worddadstill fills me with happiness every time he says it. This kid, with his mom’s stubborn streak and quick wit, has become such an important part of my life. Before Rory, the worddadmade me feel uneasy, drenched with so much hate. Even though my relationship with my parents never really improved, we do talk on the phone occasionally, and thanks to therapy, I’m able to visit them without feeling like a complete failure.

My father apologized at one point, and we’re making an effort to mend things. It’s still challenging, but having my own family has made it so much easier. Finding the love I’d always craved made my anger issues disappear like they were never even there. And whenever my dad slips back into his old patternsand makes me feel down, I look at my son and focus on being the kind of dad I always wished I had.

“Yeah? Which ones are you considering, bud?”

He lists off a few top-tier camps, his eyes bright with excitement. I’m bursting with pride. He’s amazing at hockey and school. Anytime someone gives me the slightest opportunity to talk about him, I whip out hundreds of photos because I’m just so damn proud.

“I want to work on my slap shot and defensive skills.”

“Solid plan.” I ruffle his blond hair, remembering the countless hours we’ve spent on the ice together, him, me, and Liora. Every home game, they’re there in the stands, cheering me on. It’s all I need. “You know, with your mom’s and auntie Priya’s skating school taking off like it is, we might be able to squeeze in some extra ice time too.”

Rory grins. “Amazing!”

Liora and Priya are absolutely shining with their skating school, and since my wife became a judge onGrace on Ice, the show has transformed into something truly magical. She’s managed to rid the show of all its toxic elements, creating a warm and welcoming space for everyone who loves to skate. She’s used her platform to raise awareness for mental health and support women in need.

Sometimes, though, she amazes me so much that I half wonder if she might be an alien because there’s no way one person could do so much. That woman scares the shit out of me. She even tackled law school and finished in three years, all while giving her all to Rory and me.

She earned her Juris Doctor degree and is dedicated to ensuring that the students at Priya’s school never face the same challenges she did. And watching her take down Sandford was incredible. My wife standing up for herself and our son was breathtaking. I wanted to jump in and defend her myself, butseeing her reclaim the narrative and show the world that even when you feel hopeless and overshadowed, you can still fight back—that was awe-inspiring. She’s a remarkable role model, and her commitment to helping more girls and women in abusive relationships through pro bono cases is nothing short of extraordinary.

As for me, I’m gearing up for my final years in the NHL. Ever since I broke Gretzky’s record, my body’s not as quick to bounce back from the grueling games as it used to be, but the fire still burns bright. Each time I lace up my skates, I’m playing for my family. I’m still an idiot but one who’s loved.

A piercing cry fills the air, and I turn to see Liora’s mom stepping out from the back, cradling Mavie, our baby girl, in her arms. Eszter stands at the same height as my wife. Her gray-ish blonde hair falls in easy, natural waves around her face, and her bright blue eyes have a way of pulling you in. Even with the gentle signs of age, there’s a classic elegance about her.

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