Page 55 of Slap Shot Daddies

By the time I get home, a restless energy courses through me, making it impossible to sit still.

Wyatt is set to land in just a few hours, and the anticipation bubbling inside me feels almost unbearable, like a pot about to boil over.

To channel my nerves and excitement, I resort to the only remedy I can think of, and I embark on a cleaning spree that could rival any professional.

The vacuum roars to life, sucking away every speck of dust from the carpets. I vigorously scrub the counters until they gleam with a spotless shine. The fridge undergoes a meticulousreorganization, its contents now perfectly aligned like soldiers ready for inspection.

Even the throw blankets on the couch are not spared. I fold them with precision, tucking corners like a seasoned domestic expert.

Braden wanders in at some point, eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "Uh, buddy…you good?" he asks, his voice tinged with amusement.

"I need to keep moving," I grumble, wiping down the dining table for the third time, my movements almost manic.

Braden just smirks, shaking his head in disbelief. "You’re like a kid on Christmas," he teases.

He's damn right. That's exactly how I feel. My glance flickers to the clock. Two more hours to endure.

I shove Braden gently out of my path and head upstairs to take a shower, letting the hot water cascade over me, massaging the tension from my shoulders.

One hour to go.

I pull on a pair of jeans and a hoodie, grab my keys, and dash to the car, my mind a whirl of excitement and impatience.

Thirty minutes left.

I arrive at the airport far too early, but I couldn't care less. I'd rather stand here, jittery and eager, than risk missing even one precious second of seeing my boy.

My heart thuds loudly in my chest as I scan the arrivals board, each beat echoing the anticipation thrumming through my veins.

Wyatt’s flight has just landed.

The moment I catch sight of him emerging through the terminal doors, a surge of emotion almost overwhelms me. Wyatt spots me, and pure joy transforms his face into a radiant smile.

“Dad!” he shouts, his voice cutting through the bustling crowd.

He darts toward me, his small figure weaving gracefully among the travelers, his backpack bouncing rhythmically with each determined step. I drop to my knees just in time for him to slam into my arms, enveloping me in a heartfelt embrace.

The familiar scent of his kid shampoo and the soft aroma of fabric softener fill my senses, and I hold him tighter, my throat thick with emotion.

“Missed you so much, buddy,” I whisper into his soft hair, my voice barely holding steady.

Wyatt leans back, his hazel eyes gleaming with excitement. “Missed you too! I got the coolest new hockey stick. Mom let me pick it out myself!” he exclaims, his face alight with pride.

I chuckle, my hand playfully ruffling his hair. “Can’t wait to see pictures of it.”

We collect his luggage and make our way to our favorite burger joint near the airport. The inviting aroma of sizzling beef and crispy fries greets us as we step inside, the perfect prelude to our time together.

As we dive into our meals, I share with him the exciting plans I’ve arranged, hockey games, trips to the arcade, and visits to the sports emporium.

Wyatt grins between mouthfuls, a smudge of ketchup adorning his cheek like a badge of honor.

“Honestly, Dad,” he says, licking his fingers with relish, “I’m just happy to see you.”

My heart swells, and I reach across the table to tousle his hair again. “I’m happy to see you, too, bud.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Kenzie

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