Page 48 of Pucking Strong

“Look, honey.” Teddy points out the window, helping Karolina sit up. We have to be careful with her cracked ribs. None of them are misplaced, but she’s still not meant to do any twisting or bending for a few more weeks. “See all the signs they made for you? Look at all that glitter. It’s like a parade for a princess, right?”

She smiles even as I sense her flash of nerves. Teddy talks quietly, pointing to the kids in the crowd, telling her their names. His words from the other day still sting. He told me I don’t know any of my teammates, and he was right. I play with these men day in and day out. I attend their weddings and their baby showers. But the details of their lives feel so far away. It’s not my life, not my routine, so I don’t really pay attention.

In contrast, Teddy pays attention to everyone and everything. He was only an intern for the Rays, and that was six years ago. I couldn’t tell you who was on the team six years ago. I bet he can. He knows their families too. He watches. He listens. He’s instinctively attentive to those around him at all times.

Feeling my gaze, he glances across the aisle. “What’s wrong?

“Nothing.”

“I bet you’re ready to get back on the ice, huh? Back to the routine?”

I nod. My whole life is run by my sport. My diet and exercise, my sleep and travel schedules, my holidays. I operate with the consistency of a well-crafted watch. Or I did. Now, I look across the aisleof this private jet, and I see two lives suddenly tied to mine. Twopeople. Two personalities with different wants and needs, different pulls on my attention. In the span of two short weeks, I went from being alone, a perfectly coordinated timepiece, to being … what am I now? A father? A guardian? Christ help me, a husband?

No, we’re not using that word.

Partner.Teddy O’Connor is my legal partner … at least until I can find a way to free him. Then I’ll pursue finalizing Karolina’s adoption on my own. Once the welfare court sees how happy she is with me, surely they must grant me full permanent custody.

But that’s a problem for another day. Any moment now, the plane’s side door will open, and I’ll walk down the airstairs with the man I just legally married. Teddy O’Connor is my partner, which makes me gay. It’s a lie, of course. When it comes to sexual attraction, I don’t think I’m … well, anything, really. Is that even possible? To be attracted to no one? I’ve always just assumed there’s something broken in me, some software update that never got properly installed.

“The stairs have a hydraulic lift,” says Teddy, distracting me from my thoughts. “And Rachel arranged a medical transport to get her home. She’ll be more comfortable than trying to get her into your sports car.”

Shit. Why didn’t I think of that? I drive a blue Porsche 718 Cayman. Ostentatious, I know. It was the one indulgence I allowed myself when I signed my first Rays contract. But it only has two doors. There’s no way to get Karolina in and out safely. I suppose I need a more versatile vehicle now. I’ll have my agent trade in the Porsche as soon as possible.

The flight attendant helps us get Karro’s wheelchair ready at the top of the lift. Teddy makes the transfer, helping her get situated with her casted leg propped up. She holds tight to Teddy the Bear, looking so nervous as she tries to find a smile. I brush my hand over her hair. “Hey,” I murmur in Swedish. “You know, you make me very happy.”

She nods, giving her bear a tighter squeeze.

“I’m glad you’re here with me, mitt lilla lamm. This is a newadventure for us both. Hold my hand?” I hold out my hand, and she takes it. I give hers a squeeze. “Don’t let go.” I nod at Teddy, and he smiles.

“Alright, Princess. Time to go greet your new loyal subjects. You ready with a royal wave? Hen, you gotta wave too.”

“Why do I have to wave?”

“Because you’re Princess Karolina’s court jester.” This makes Karro giggle.

“And what does that make you?”

“I’m her official food taster and popcorn maker,” Teddy teases.

Below us, the crowd of Rays all smile and wave, calling out in greeting.

“Welcome home, Karlsson!”

“Hey, Karolina!”

“Välkommen hem,” Lindberg shouts.

The flight attendant operates the lift, and we slowly begin our descent.

Teddy does a silly gesture with his hand that makes Karro laugh again. They’re both all smiles, treating the lift like a rollercoaster as we glide slowly downward. I can’t help but smile too. Shaking my head, I wave. A few people in the crowd laugh.

We get down to the bottom, and another attendant is ready to help us off the lift. Poppy’s daughter rushes forward, her blonde ringlets bouncing as she holds out a sparkly pink crown. “This is for you, Lina.”

“Oh, wow.” Teddy drops to one knee. “So pretty. Want me to help you put it on, honey?” Karolina nods and he takes the crown from her, fixing it to the top of her head. “This is Grace,” he adds, ruffling the little girl’s curls. “And see her mommy right there? That’s Miss Poppy. Doesn’t she look just like a pretty Barbie?”

Poppy St. James looks as glamorous as ever in a bright purple dress and lilac high heels. With her curled blonde hair and bright pink lips, she really does look like a Barbie. “Oh, aren’t you just a doll baby?” she coos, bending down with a smile. “I heard your favorite color is purple. Do you like my dress?” She does a little sway as Karolina smiles and nods, eyes wide.

Feeling protective, I give Karro’s hand a squeeze. “She’s a little shy.”

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