Page 109 of Hat Trick Daddies

“Just keep your eyes on the puck and aim for the net,” Brooks says. “You’ve got this.”

I nod, swallowing hard as I focus on the puck resting on the ice in front of me. I haven’t done this in so long. What if I mess up? What if I look stupid?

My heart feels like it’s trying to leap out of my chest as I bring the stick back, aligning myself with the goal. The rink seems to quiet for a moment, and I exhale sharply, swinging forward.

The stick connects with the puck, and it rockets toward the net. Time seems to slow as it sails past the goalie and hits the back of the net with a satisfying thunk.

The crowd explodes with cheers, their excitement washing over. My hands tremble slightly as I lift them in triumph, a huge grin spreading across my face.

My eyes sting with tears as I wave to the crowd, soaking in the incredible moment.

Coach catches me as I skate off the ice, wrapping me in a warm hug. “Pretty good for a rookie,” he says with a chuckle.

“Thanks, Coach,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion.

I glance back at the boys, who are all grinning like proud fools, and my heart swells. This moment, this night, it’s everything I could have dreamed of and more.

I make my way back to the seats where Jinx, Kenzie, and the triplets are waiting.

The three of them look up as I approach, and Jinx flashes me a thumbs-up. “You were incredible out there, Ally!” she says, scooting over so I can sit.

Kenzie claps her hands excitedly, leaning in for a quick hug.

Marcus, Derek, and Elise grin up at me from their stroller, their little faces full of energy. I press a kiss to each of their foreheads, feeling a wave of pride wash over me.

As I settle in, people in the nearby seats turn toward me. A woman in a team jersey smiles warmly. “That was some great skating,” she says. “Really inspiring.”

“Thank you,” I reply, my cheeks heating up.

A young girl, no older than eight, tugs on her mother’s sleeve before turning to me. Her eyes are wide with excitement. “I want to play hockey now!” she declares.

Her words hit me in the chest like a warm burst of sunlight. “You should,” I tell her, leaning down slightly. “It’s so much fun. You’d be amazing.”

Her grin lights up the space around us, and her mother nods, mouthing a quiet, “Thank you.”

I sit back, basking in the glow of positivity around me. This night feels perfect.

The game resumes, and my attention snaps to the ice.

Nick, Tyler, and Brooks are skating with an intensity I rarely see outside of playoffs. They maneuver through their opponents like seasoned predators, their passes crisp and their teamwork seamless.

Every goal feels electric, the crowd roaring with every success.

But I notice the little gestures, Nick looking up after a block and winking, Tyler blowing a subtle kiss before setting up an assist, and Brooks flashing a small, knowing smile before his next play.

The women around us giggle, nudging one another and whispering, assuming the boys’ flirtations are aimed at the entire crowd. I smile quietly to myself, knowing every gesture is for me.

When the final buzzer sounds, signaling a Marauder victory, the stadium erupts in cheers. My heart swells as the boys take one last lap around the rink, each of them glancing up toward me, their pride unmistakable.

As the crowd begins to settle, I lean back into my seat, pulling the stroller closer.

The triplets look at me with wide, curious eyes, their tiny hands reaching toward me. I pick up Elise first, cradling her close and pressing my cheek to her soft auburn hair.

Derek and Marcus babble happily, and I kiss their heads in turn, feeling so much love I could burst.

“You know what?” I whisper, brushing a hand over Marcus’ dark curls. “You can play as much hockey as you want when you’re older. Just like your daddies.”

The word slips out naturally, and for a moment, my breath catches. “Daddies,” I repeat softly, my heart swelling with joy.

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