Page 2 of Montana Guardian

"It's a big honor, but from what your former coach said, you earned it. Are your parents ready for their responsibilities, too?"

My brow furrows as the boys stiffen beside me. Any mention of Mom and Dad these days has that effect.

"Our parents aren't in town. I'm Gage and Levi's legal guardian. What responsibilities?"

"Oh, sorry, I shouldn't have assumed..." Ryan scratches the back of his neck and offers a sympathetic frown. "To lessen the pressure on school personnel, the district made adjustments to the division of labor between parents and coaches. As Gage's guardian, I suppose those duties fall to you. Basically, you're responsible for organizing the team banquet, this season's fundraiser for travel expenses, and soliciting ads for our game programs, which is really just another form of fundraising.” He sticks out his chin toward Gage. “Remind me at our next practice to give you the form outlining everything."

"Sure thing."

What the heck?I had no idea Gage being captain would lay so much at my feet. I'm not against volunteering to help the team, but that sounds like a massive list of responsibilities. Time-consuming chores when I'm running on fumes already.

Did parents approve this change beforehand? Because I don’t remember seeing this topic on the PTA agenda or in the district emails.

"I'll let you get back to shopping. Sorry for bumping into you, but I’m glad we got to meet." Ryan smiles and waves before heading toward the produce section, and I stare at Gage.

"Did you know about this? The whole fundraising thing?"

He shrugs. "Nope, it's new this year. But you've got this, sis. You're the most responsible person I know."

Because I have to be.

I bite my tongue before announcing the bitter fact.

Taking care of one's siblings doesn't leave a lot of leeway for risky behavior. And I've been the parental figure for my littlebrothers for longer than just the past two years since our parents took off.

Mom and Dad have always focused on their lives, whether networking with business colleagues or vacationing with their friends. I'm the only constant the boys have had with how our parents jet in and out of our lives.

Forcing a grim smile, I nod in silence, continuing our shopping journey while thoughts of the future swirl around my head. It sucks how my next three months have suddenly been booked solid without warning.

The only positive thing is that I'm a teacher. Making lists and being organized is my way of life.

You've got this.

But what I wouldn't give for a shoulder to lean on, just for a minute.

Unfortunately, that's something I've never had, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

CHAPTER TWO

RYAN STANLEY

“I feel a connection to her.”

"Good job, Hornby! Attack the net!" I watch as Gage dribbles the puck down the ice. He's a talented player, better than I expected to find in small-town Montana, but I guess it doesn't matter where you're from, a naturally gifted person can come from anywhere. And Gage Hornby is as good as anyone I played on my way to the professional hockey league.

My gaze wanders to the stands where his sister Paige stands cheering. Honey-blonde waves rest on her shoulders as her brown eyes follow her brother’s movements.

Despite barely knowing the woman, I feel a connection to her, and it's not just a physical attraction. Paige is taking care of her younger siblings like I took care of Brooke after our parents died.

I don’t know the full story about their parents—whether they’ve passed or are just absent—but becoming the caretaker for a sibling is tough. Choosing to bear that responsibility tests a person and reveals their true character.

With Gage being such a good kid, I can only believe it’s Paige’s influence, emphasizing the fact that she’s not only beautiful but kind and trustworthy, too. Which has been rare to find in thecircles of women who used to surround me after games and at athletic events.

Gage shoots the puck into the top left corner of the net as the goalie stretches to block it and fails. The crowd’s cheers become an uproar when the loud buzzer declares a goal, and my eyes immediately find Paige clapping happily, her little brother standing beside her.

Getting involved with a player’s family member is a bad idea. It’s not officially off-limits according to the athletic rules, but it probably should be. Not that I plan on giving Gage special treatment if anything were to happen between me and his sister.

What the fuck are you talking about?

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