Page 92 of Beautiful Collide

“We didn’t want you to spend your birthday alone.”

Anna nods enthusiastically, still holding the whipped cream can. “Yep.”

I blink and stare at the counter. This must be a dream. I missed my family, and here they are. On top of that, my gaze fixes on the towering stack of pancakes and crispy bacon sitting in the middle of the table. My family came here and made me breakfast.

“You didn’t have to do this,” I whisper.

My mom waves me off. “Of course, we did. It’s tradition.”

But it hasn’t been. Not for a while.Not since I left home.

I rub the back of my neck, glancing around the room. The sight of my family standing in my kitchen makes my chest tighten.

This is what I miss.

I clear my throat and try to lighten the moment. “How did you get here? I don’t want you spending money to see me.”

My dad gives me a pointed look. “Hudson, we’re not discussing that.”

“Seriously,” I press, walking over to lean against the island counter. “Let me reimburse you. I’ll cover the tickets, the hotel, whatever. Just say the word.”

My mom shoots me a look over her shoulder that saysstop, all while continuing to flip another pancake. “We’ve been over this. We don’t need your money.”

“Yeah,” Anna chimes in, licking whipped cream off her finger. “We’re good. Chill.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “You don’t have to do this, you know. I want to help.”

My mom turns around, her expression soft but firm. “We know you do. And we appreciate it. But I promise we’re good.”

I open my mouth to argue but stop.

There’s no point, and when my mom drops a plate of pancakes in front of me, the smell alone is enough to shut me up.

I take a bite, and like always, it’s delicious. After I swallow, I put the fork down.

“Will you guys come to the game? I’ll get you tickets.”

“Yes, we’d love that,” my dad says.

Thank fuck, because I didn’t want to fight with them today. They don’t come here often. Money is tight, and they always refuse my help. While they don’t have much, they have alwaysgiven me so much more. I just wish they would let me repay them for that. Small steps. I’ll take the win on the hockey tickets. Maybe next time, I can give more.

33

Molly

Tonight is a big night.

The boys need to win this game to take a commanding lead in this series.

I’m excited and nervous, and it’s not just about the game. Seeing Hudson always makes my tummy feel weird.

I purposely arrived late so I wouldn’t bump into him before they got on the ice. With quick steps, I head to my seat. I wonder if Josie and Cassidy will be here. Sometimes they sit with the hockey wives, but not often. Granted, none of them are married yet, but they practically are.

I think they sit by me because they feel bad and don’t want to leave me alone.

Fine by me.

Tonight, the seats reserved for us are extra-filled.

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