Page 157 of The Nanny Goal

The team flies south to open the series. Miami takes game one, just like everyone expects them to. But Hamilton steals game two, playing tight, disciplined hockey—and suddenly, the series is tied heading back to Hamilton.

I land in Toronto mid-afternoon. Alexei has a private car waiting for me, since he can’t pick me up himself. By the time I get to his house, he’s left for the arena already, but Georgiana, Maria, and Sergei are all happy to see me.

Inessa is a little unsure. She gives me a reproachful look, like,where were you?

I drop to me knees in the foyer and wait.

She hides behind Maria’s leg for a beat, then runs at me, throwing her arms around my neck.

“Are we going to the game together tonight?” I ask.

She nods.

I squeeze her so tight, and I’m glad I’m home for three days. There aren’t enough hugs in the world to fill the hole in my heart when I’m gone, but I’ll stock up on the ones I can get in the time that we have.

I send a selfie of the two of us to the WAG group chat.

Emery

I’m home! Cuddles with my girl and then we’ll meet you all at Kiley’s!

Shannon sends back a photo of my jacket on a hanger, on a rolling rack with all the others.

Shannon

We’re ready to make you official!

Harper

I seem to remember a drunken wine cellar conversation about how much you really didn’t want to be a WAG…

Emery

Well, I was trying to pretend I wasn’t in love with Alexei, so…

Ani

WHAT?

Kiley

That’s amazing

Becca

We need the entire story tonight

* * *

It’s not only matching WAG jackets that I find at Kiley’s.

The girls have made tiny sandwiches for us to eat, variations on the ones I developed for Ani’s baby shower.

They have matching outfits for Inessa and Charlie, too, little hoodies with their dad’s numbers on the back, and team-inspired badges down the arms—a Glengarry-wearing boar, red and black crossed hockey sticks, and “Mini Highlanders” in the middle.

“I love these,” I murmur, my fingers tracing the mascot.

Shannon points to the grown-up quilted jackets. “We have the same badges on the inside.”

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