Page 88 of My Best Bet

We boxed up, quickly passing the puck and moving in toward the Bandit’s goalie.

Playing the high guy, I caught a pass and was moving in for a shot, but they totally called what we were going to do because two guys immediately flanked me. I struggled hard to keep the puck away from the Bandits because if they got control, they’d easily toss the puck into our empty net to win the game. I finally had a clear pass to JP on defense. My eyes darted to the scoreboard and JP’s must’ve too, because instead of setting up for another play, he sent off a Hail Mary slapshot into the fray in front of the net. Kappy jumped to avoid the puck, it flew under him and sailed right past the goalie’s glove. The puck hit the back of the net right before the buzzer.

Our team went nuts. Guys jumped off the bench and we all celebrated like we’d just won a Stanley fucking cup.

It was honestly one of the most fun games I’d played in a while— all because I wanted to impress my girls. Now that it was over, I couldn’t wait to get back to them.

In the locker room, I denied talking to the press, something management would probably yell at me about next week, but Iknew I was going to be hit with a million questions about the “flannel fighter.” Even though I would’ve loved to answer and give my two cents on her excellent fighting form, I had a feeling Mer wouldn’t want any more attention called to the altercation.

As soon as I showered and dressed in my team sweats, I slung a baseball cap on and made a beeline for the player’s family room. Kap and JP trailed after me.

The spacious room was lined with old Whalers memorabilia and tables overflowing with snacks and drinks. Family members all mingled while the little kids played a game of mini-sticks in the middle.

As soon as I entered, Lucy dropped her stick and ran to give me a hug. I scooped her up in my arms and she held my face with her little hands to make sure I was paying her full attention while she told me all about the fight, then she added, “And you did good, too! You missed that first shot though and I was kinda mad, but you made up for it by playing good, so it’s okay. Good work.” She patted my cheek, letting me know I should let her down so she could run free.

As soon as her blue cowboy boots touched the carpet, she ran off to Kappy and JP. They rarely had people show up to games for them, so I think they loved when Lu spent time with them after the game.

Mer rushed at me next. “I am sososorry,” she said with worried eyes.

I rubbed my jaw to keep a straight face. “I think you may have racked up some Safetysport violations there, ma’am.”

She covered her face. “I think I did! I’msosorry,” she wailed.

I laughed and pulled her shaky frame into a hug. “I’m not.”

“Violence is never the answer,” she mumbled miserably into my chest, “and I told her that, but I’m sorry that– wait,” she peeked up at me and her nose scrunched. “You’re not?”

“No,” I laughed, brushing a hand down her hair, which she wore in loose pretty waves for the night. “I thought it was great. We all did.”

Her tense body stilled, her eyes darted over my face. “So you’renotmad at me?”

“Mer, he put his hands on you. If I was there, I would've…” I blew out a breath. “I would’ve lost it. I almost did. Kappy had to grab me from jumping over the boards and skating over there myself.” I laughed incredulously. “He was a bully, it’s good to show Lu to stand up to bullies.” My forehead creased. “We should probably elaborate that she should try her best to avoid violence from now on though.”

I kept Mer locked against my chest so she couldn’t see how Lu was basically recreating the fight for Kappy and JP.

“I will say, I think you stole my thunder today.” I chuckled.

She blew out a shaky breath. “I can’t believe that happened. I was holding her and he shoved me and I just… I lost it.” Her blue eyes rounded with worry. “I love spending time with Lu and I feel like I let you down, and I’d totally understand if you didn’t want me to–”

“Mer, I’m not mad.” I ran my hands up and down her back, trying to relax her. “Not gonna lie, it was kind of nice to see your fight come back.”

Her shoulders sagged with relief. She turned slightly so she could watch Lu talking with the guys. She bit her lip. “Maybe I need something worth fighting for.”

26.Mer - Fixing it for you

Some of Colt’s teammates invited us out to a restaurant to celebrate, but when Colt turned them down, I was kind of relieved. For one, I was completely exhausted, but also… I couldn’t wait to fall asleep tonight with just him.

On our drive back through the rainy city, Colt cranked up the heat and played soft music. Lucy fell asleep in minutes and even my eyes were starting to feel heavy. Colt reached across the console and intertwined our fingers to hold my hand, and I don’t think I’d ever felt such peace on a drive home before.

My mind drifted to tonight… to what would happen once it was just the two of us. For two people who had such a deep connection, we’d never actually slept together. We’d always danced that line, but we were so young when we separated. I always wanted to wait until after my Olympic run, and he never pushed. But now… Now I wanted to be with him, which was kind of shocking for me to admit because I’d never felt that way with anyone else. Sex had been something I did in the past because the other person wanted it and I felt like I should, but I always ended up regretting it. I was never able to fully relax with anyone else, and deep down, I think I knew that I needed a strong emotional connection to be able to actually enjoy it.

When we made it to his house, he pulled in the garage, then unbuckled and rounded his truck for Lucy. She stayed mostly asleep as he lifted her, a tiny frown etched on her face from moving around. I trailed him as he carried her inside the house and then up the steps. Watching him hold his daughter and look down at her with such love filled me with more pride for him than when he skated out onto that ice tonight. Because being adad was another dream of his that he accomplished, maybe an even bigger dream than his hockey aspirations.

When he entered her bedroom, I waited for him out in the hallway and tried to talk myself up for courage.You’re going to spend the night with him. You’re going to spend the whole night with Colt. You’re going to sleep with Colt.My body went a little shaky at the thought. My brain was caught between excited anticipation and jittery nerves, and I couldn't quite tell which feeling was winning out.

As soon as Colt tip-toed out and gently closed the door, he turned and gave me a lopsided grin.

“Hi.” His shoulders sagged with exhaustion from the day.

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