Page 27 of Pucking Fate

“Pretty much. I’m spending time with Finley all week, getting to know him. But he still doesn’t know that I’m his father.”

“Why not?”

“I’ve got to prove I can be reliable and a good role model before Maya will tell him.”

Luke makes a grumbling sound of protest.

“What?” I ask him. “She’s not wrong. I up and left her…more than once. And I’ve slept with a lot of women, very publicly.There’s no reason she should just take my word that I can be a good father to Finley.”

“I don’t know, man. He’s your kid.Your. Kid. I would’ve been furious if one of my ex’s kept my son from me for all those years, refusing to tell my kid the truth.”

“Maya will tell Finley, eventually. I can be patient with this, even if I fucking hate it.”

“Let me guess—your easy agreement is all thanks to the fact that you’re coughing up lots of hotshot hockey player cash?”

“God no. It’s nothing like that. She hasn’t asked me for a dime since she has Preston.”

“Then what is it? You aren’t still fawning over her after all this time, are you?”

“I loved her,” I tell him. “And I messed it all up. She ended things weeks before the pregnancy. So, this summer isn’t just about getting to know Finley. I also want Maya to trust me enough to give me another chance with her.”

“And you’ve just forgiven her for keeping him from you this long?”

“What choice do I have? I don’t blame her. She didn’t want me coming and going out of his life and upsetting him. He’s a sweet kid. Innocent in all this, you know? And if things work out, I’m hoping she’ll move to Greensboro before school starts in the fall. Mostly to be close to her brother, who helped raise Finley, but also so I can see them more often.”

“Sounds like you’ve got your hands full.”

“I guess I do. I’m sorry I’ve been MIA.”

“How long are you going to be up there groveling in Maryland?” Luke asks.

“However long it takes,” I admit.

“Well, good luck. I’m here if you need to talk. But just remember that you have every right to see your son whenever the hell you want.”

“I’m not going to take Maya to court over custody. He belongs with her. She’s a good mother and all he’s ever known.”

“You should have a chance to be a good father to him too, though, not just on her timeline.”

“I’m getting there. And we’ve been closer lately.”

“How close?”

“We’re not sleeping together, like at night or any other way. But we have been fooling around the past two nights, which has been so damn good.”

“And you’re ready and willing to give up all other women for this one?”

“Yeah, I am. I would have years ago if she hadn’t ended things.”

“Well, good for you, man. I hope she’s worth it. I just hate that I’m losing my wingman this summer.”

“You’ll be fine with Tyler and Jason as backup wingmen,” I assure him.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll let you go handle your shit. Call me when you’re back in town so we can get in some training together.”

“Will do,” I easily agree before ending the call.

While I wish my best friend was a little more understanding about the situation, it also helps to have an outside opinion about Finley and Maya.

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