Page 108 of Hat Trick Daddies

I keep an eye on the entrance, scanning the rows for Jinx and Kenzie. They promised to help watch the triplets while I skate, and I can’t help but tap my foot anxiously as I wait.

My babies babble softly in their stroller, their little hands gripping the plush toys they’ve become inseparable from.

Finally, I spot them. Jinx’s unmistakable fiery hair bounces as she waves enthusiastically, and Kenzie follows, smiling wide. I wave them over, pointing to the two seats I saved for them.

Relief washes over me as they climb the steps toward me, their presence immediately settling my nerves.

As Jinx and Kenzie reach me, the triplets’ faces light up with joy. Marcus lets out a happy squeal, his golden eyes sparkling as Jinx coos at him, her fire-engine-red hair attracting his gaze with ease.

Derek, ever the stoic, gives Kenzie a long, thoughtful stare before his lips curl into the tiniest of smiles. Elise, always the little charmer, reaches out her tiny hands toward both of them, her auburn hair catching the light.

“You guys are lifesavers,” I say, standing to give each of them a quick hug.

“Are you kidding? We wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Kenzie replies, adjusting Elise in her lap.

Jinx grins at Marcus, who’s already trying to climb out of his stroller. “These little ones are the real stars of the night. Look at them—they’re naturals!”

I laugh, leaning down to kiss each of my babies goodbye. “You behave for Aunt Jinx and Aunt Kenzie, okay?” Marcus giggles, Derek gives me a side-eye, and Elise gurgles happily.

My heart aches leaving them even for a little while, but I know they’re in good hands.

With one last wave, I make my way down the stadium stairs, the hum of the crowd growing louder with each step.

My nerves spike as I approach the tunnel leading to the locker room, but the thought of skating out with the boys, my family, steadies me.

I clasp the jersey tighter and inhale deeply. This moment is for all of us.

As I approach the locker room, the door swings open, and out come Brooks, Nick, and Tyler, already in their gear and radiating confidence. Brooks grins when he sees me. “You ready, Ally?”

I swallow hard and nod, though my voice wavers. “As ready as I’ll ever be. This feels like taking my medical school finals all over again.”

Tyler chuckles, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “Except this time, no one’s grading you. You’re going to crush it.”

Nick smirks, adjusting his gloves. “You’re an amazing skater. Don’t overthink it. Just have fun.”

Their reassurances make me smile, and I nod again, my confidence bolstered. “Okay, okay. Let’s do this.”

I pull the jersey over my hoodie, the fabric fitting snugly and perfectly. The Maurader colors feel like a badge of honor, and the bold “1” on the back reminds me that I’m part of something incredible.

I lace up my skates, my fingers trembling slightly as excitement and nerves mix.

The boys skate out first, their names announced one by one, and the crowd roars. My heart pounds as I step onto the ice, the cool, smooth surface familiar beneath my blades.

I push off, joining them, and the cheers erupt louder. The stadium lights shine brilliantly, reflecting off the ice and making the entire rink look like a sparkling wonderland.

As I glide around, I feel the rush of freedom and joy that skating always brought me as a child. The wind brushes my cheeks, and the sounds of the crowd echo in my ears.

For the first time in a long time, I let go of everything; my fears, my insecurities, and just live in the moment.

Brooks skates over, his grin warm and encouraging. “Hey, want to give shooting a puck a try?”

My face lights up. “Are you serious? I’d love to!”

He laughs. “Then come on. Follow me.”

I trail behind him, gripping the stick he hands me tightly. I’m so glad he’s been able to heal fully and get back to playing again. It wouldn’t feel right to do something this special without him on the ice with us.

The rest of the team lines up to take their shots, and the crowd cheers each time a puck hits the net. My heart races as I step up, the stick firm in my hands, and I take my place behind Brooks.

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