Page 33 of The Enemy Face Off

You can bet your bottom dollar I'm going to revel in it.

Why wouldn't I?

In hockey, you never know how long the good times will last, so you've got to make the most of them while you can.

After the game, Fraser jogs up to me as I'm leaving the arena, keen to get back to my hotel room. Even though the kids will be fast asleep, I still like to pop in and kiss them goodnight.

"Hey, man," he says when he reaches me. "I meant to speak to you earlier, but it slipped my mind."

"Winning does that."

"Heck, yeah, it does." We exchange exuberant high fives. "You were great."

"So were you, Mister Hat Trick."

He beams proudly. "This could be our year."

"Fingers crossed," I say, raising my crossed fingers. "Now, before we get sidetracked by our awesomeness again, what's on your mind?"

"It's about the wedding. Evie wanted me to pass on that we've saved you an additional two places."

"Two places?" I frown. "I'm not even bringing a plus-one."

Fraser bumps me with his elbow. "You havetwolittle plus-ones."

"Oh, right. Thanks, but I already made plans for the kids. Their grandparents are coming to visit and will look after them," I explain. "I wasn't sure how you guys felt about having children at a wedding. Some people don't like it."

"Not us. We'd love for them to come. It's really no problem. Our wedding planner is fantastic and can adjust seating arrangements with no trouble."

"That's nice of you both, and I appreciate that. But I think the grandparents are looking forward to spending a few days with Josie and Jonah."

"Fair enough." He claps me on my back, then lets a beat or two pass before adding, "It's good to see you like this, man."

"Like what?"

He gives my shoulder a squeeze. "Happy."

Fraser is right. I am happy.

Having Josie and Jonah enter my life was unexpected, to say the least, but it's also been the best thing that's ever happened to me.

But becoming a father to two little ones has been a huge adjustment. I expected it to be tough, but juggling the intense demands of training, competing, and being on the road, all while trying to be the dad I want to be, is no easy task. There are times when I feel completely overwhelmed and wonder if I'm cut out for this. But then I remind myself, what choice have I got?

It's my job to give Josie and Jonah the best start in life. If that means working harder than I ever have and figuring everything out, then that's what I'll do. Because I cannot fail at this.

I'm also lucky. With an amazing nanny, Boden, supportive grandparents I can count on, and Josie and Jonah being wonderful kids, I'm managing to keep things together.

For the most part.

One thing I'm struggling with?

It starts withbathand ends intime.

It's the night before Christmas so I insisted Boden get home to his family in Milwaukee for the holidays. I assured him I couldhandle the kids on my own for one night. Turns out, I can't even manage a simple bath time on my own.

"Jonah, no," I say firmly. He halts for a second, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief as he stills in the tub. "No more splashing."

"Oh-tay, Daddy."

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