Page 33 of Penalty for Boarding

The moment I push through the doors of the daycare facility, two excited voices pierce the air.

“Daddy!”

My twins barrel toward me, their dark curls bouncing with each step. At two years old, they're already little forces of nature—just like their mama.

“There're my monsters!” I scoop them both up, one in each arm, and pepper their chubby cheeks with kisses while they squeal with delight. “Were you good for Miss Jenny today?”

“They were angels,” Jenny says, gathering up their things. “Charlotte showed everyone her warrior pose again.”

I laugh, picturing my daughter's determined little face as she demonstrates the yoga moves she's picked up from watchingOlivia work. “That's my girl. And what about you, buddy?” I ask my son. “Did you practice your stretches, too?”

“Like Mama!” Malcolm declares proudly, trying to touch his toes while still in my arms.

“Careful there, sport,” I chuckle, adjusting my grip. “How about we go find Mama and show her your moves?”

“Yay!” they chorus, and I thank Jenny before heading toward the training facility with my precious cargo.

We find Olivia in the training area, working with some of the AHL guys while Coach Luc oversees drills. The twins wiggle to be put down the moment they spot their mom.

“Remember the rules,” I call after them as they toddle across the rubber mats. “No running on the gym floor!”

“Look who decided to crash my session,” Olivia says with a bright smile as our children carefully make their way to her. The developing players she's working with all grin at the interruption.

“Mama! Watch!” Charlotte drops into a perfect child's pose while Mal attempts to copy her, his little bottom sticking up in the air.

“Hey, can we get these two as our trainers instead?” one of the rookies jokes. “They're way cuter than Dr. Barrett.”

“Keep talking like that and I'll have you doing wall sits until your legs fall off,” Olivia threatens playfully, scooping up Malcom who's now just rolling around for the sake of it.

Luc moves closer, grinning at the scene. “The next generation of Nighthawks in training,” he says with a wink. “Though I think these two might end up being trainers instead of players.”

“They can be whatever they want,” I say, my chest swelling with pride as Charlotte starts instructing the team, and the amused players humor her by following along. “As long as they're happy.”

Olivia catches my eye, and even after years of marriage, my heart still skips a beat. We built this life together—this beautiful, chaotic, perfect life. And I wouldn't change a single moment of it.

“Come on, monsters,” I call to the twins. “Let's let Mama finish up with her athletes, then we can all go home and have dinner.”

“Mac and cheese?” Mal asks hopefully.

“Only if you show me your super special stretch first,” I bargain, and both kids immediately drop into their poses, making everyone in the facility laugh.

This is my legacy now. Not just the records I've broken on the ice or the games I've won, but these moments. This family. This love.

And to think, it all started with a stubborn ankle and a beautiful doctor who wouldn't take no for an answer.

EPILOGUE 3 - OLIVIA

Ten years later...

The sunset over Whisper Valley is breathtaking, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink as I stand on our cabin's balcony. Calvin's strong arms wrap around me from behind, and I lean into his warmth, savoring this rare moment of quiet. Our twins are with Sara and Emile for the weekend while we celebrate a decade since that life-changing proposal at DuPont's.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Calvin murmurs against my ear.

I smile, covering his hands with mine where they rest on my stomach. “Just thinking about how different our lives are now. You, the ultimate hockey dad, spending your days making organic snacks and chauffeuring our babies around in that ridiculous SUV...”

“Hey,” he chuckles, “that SUV is perfect for hauling around all of Charlotte's dance gear and Mal’s hockey equipment. Besides, you love my packed lunches.”

“I do,” I agree, turning in his arms. “Everyone at work is insanely jealous of my gourmet meals. Though I think they'remore jealous of how you still look like you could step back onto the ice tomorrow, even three years after retirement.”

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