Page 46 of Triplet Babies for Pucking Christmas

“Yeah,” I smile at him. “I think Noah will be the perfect chance for me to figure out how to parent.”

He smirks back at me. “Well, you and me both, Savannah.”

Chapter Eighteen

Troy

Practice is in full swing, but I’m only half here. My head’s somewhere else—specifically, with Noah and Savannah. I can’t help it; it’s been a hell of a week. Noah’s little face keeps popping into my mind, and I’m hoping Savannah’s okay handling everything.

I glance around the rink. Finn and Declan are in their usual spots, leading drills with the kind of focus and intensity that makes them excellent captains, keeping the team in line.

Jake’s on my left, giving me a smirk every time he passes me the puck, like he knows my mind’s not really in the game today. Axel’s practically bulldozing everyone who comes near him, and Jamie’s on the opposite side, catching my eye every few minutes like he’s waiting for a chance to talk.

“Come on, Adams!” Coach Nate’s voice booms across the rink, snapping me back to reality. “Stick in the game, or you’ll be sitting the match out on Friday!”

I snap to attention, digging into the ice and working through drills, doing my best to keep my head down and my focus sharp.

But Noah’s soft cooing from this morning’s doctor visit keeps sneaking into my mind, along with the way Savannah looked, holding him so naturally. Dammit, I need to pull it together.

Practice ends, and Jamie skates over, leaning casually on his stick. “So, how’s Noah?”

“He’s good,” I say, catching my breath. “And Savannah?”

“She’s good too,” I reply, trying to keep it casual. “Actually…you should come by and see him. You’ve been MIA for two days.”

Jamie raises an eyebrow. “How about breakfast tomorrow?”

I nod. “Works for me.”

He pats my shoulder, then gives me a lopsided grin. “Well, I’m out. Got some things to handle. Later.”

“Later,” I say, waving as he skates off. I can’t head out yet; Coach Thorne’s asked to see me. I head down the corridor toward his office, noticing the place is looking more organized than usual.

The clutter’s all but gone, the paperwork stacked neatly, and there’s a couple of fresh plants by the window.

Looks like Jade’s doing, and I can’t help but smile. Coach’s girlfriend must be rubbing off on him.

I knock, and Coach looks up from his desk, waving me in. “Troy, come on in.”

I sit down, and he leans back, studying me with his usual sharp, assessing gaze. “You feeling ready for the game Friday?”

“Yeah, Coach. Good to go.”

He nods but narrows his eyes a bit. “You’ve been a little…distracted lately. Everything all right?”

I hesitate, glancing down, then finally decide it’s time to just come clean. “A baby was dropped off at my place,” I admit, rubbing the back of my neck. “It’s…a long story. I’ve been up most nights trying to figure it out.”

Coach raises his eyebrows. “You’re telling me you’ve got a surprise baby?”

“Yeah. Could be mine, or it might be Jamie’s,” I say, feeling a little ridiculous even saying it out loud. “It’s complicated.”

Coach lets out a low whistle. “Damn, son. That’s one hell of a situation. Wish you’d come to me sooner. Could’ve given you a little support.”

I nod, feeling the weight of it all pressing down. “Didn’t know how to handle it. But…thanks, Coach, really.”

He leans forward, his face serious but understanding. “Look, if you’re gonna keep playing now that you have the kid to take care of, you’ll need a support system. Who’s helping you out?”

“Savannah,” I say, a small smile breaking through. “She’s Millie’s friend, actually.”

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