Page 34 of Slap Shot Daddies

I fake a gasp of disbelief. “Ten? Wow, your Tooth Fairy must be rolling in dough.”

He giggles, his small feet kicking energetically as he lies sprawled on his bed, a plush dragon nestled snugly under one arm. “Mom says it’s ‘cause I’ve been super brave at school.”

“Yeah?” I lean back against my headboard, settling in for his tale. “How’s third grade treating you?”

Wyatt eagerly dives into a story about his teacher, Mrs. Parker, who allows them the freedom to read any book they want for twenty minutes each morning. “Even hockey books, Dad. And I found this one about the greatest NHL goals of all time.”

“Great choice.” I grin, feeling a swell of pride. “Gotta study up so you can be the best, huh?”

“Uh-huh! And guess what else?” His eyes sparkle with excitement. “Coach says I might be ready for a real hockey team soon. Like, with jerseys and everything.”

My heart fills with pride at his enthusiasm. “That’s incredible, kiddo. We’ll practice together next time you visit, okay?”

His face lights up with joy. “Can I come soon?”

I stifle a chuckle, trying to keep the surprise in check. “Well, funny you say that…I was thinking,” I begin, watching as anticipation lights up his little face like a sunrise, “how about you come out next weekend? Stay with me for a whole week.”

Wyatt lets out an exuberant squeal, bouncing energetically on his bed like a spring-loaded toy. “YES! YES! I WANNA COME!”

I chuckle, shaking my head with affectionate amusement. “All right, all right, calm down, kiddo.”

“When? When do I get to come?” he asks, his eyes wide with excitement.

“I’ll talk to your mom and book your flight soon,” I reassure him.

Wyatt’s grin is so broad and infectious, it looks as though his face might split in two from sheer joy.

“Can we go to the rink? Can I meet your new team? Do they know who I am? Do they know you’re, like, the best?” he rattles off, his words tumbling over each other in his eagerness.

I laugh warmly. “We’ll see what we can do, bud.”

His enthusiasm is like a balm, momentarily lifting the fog of confusion and thoughts of Kenzie that have been swirling in my mind all morning. But then, the screen shifts, and Wyatt’s face is replaced by his mom’s. Lara. She brushes a stray blonde strand behind her ear with a casual grace.

“Hey, Ambrose,” she greets, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “So, a whole week, huh?”

I nod, determination in my voice. “Yeah. If that works for you, I’ll book the flight today. I’ll send you the details.”

She exhales, a soft sigh that speaks of both relief and acceptance, then nods. “All right. He’s been asking about you nonstop, so I guess this works out.”

A pang of guilt tugs at my gut, a familiar weight, but I push it aside. “I appreciate it, Lara.”

She dismisses my thanks with a wave of her hand. “I’ll get him packed. Just send me the itinerary.”

I nod again, and Wyatt’s eager face pops back on screen. “BYE DAD! SEE YOU SOON! LOVE YOU!” he shouts.

I smile, warmth flooding my chest. “Can’t wait, buddy. Love you!”

I set my phone down, already counting the days.

Next weekend can’t come soon enough.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Braden

I pushoff on my skateboard, feeling the pavement's texture rumbling beneath my feet as I glide toward the rink.

I need this time to think. Kenzie...

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