Page 204 of Breaking the Pucking Rules
“I’ve been working on that trick with Daddy, and he wasn’t here to see it.”
“Oh, sweetie.”
What she’s feeling right now...I remember it all too well.
“He’ll be so excited to hear all about it later. And he’ll be so proud of you.”
She nods. “I know. I just…I miss him.”
Me too.
Before I know what’s happening, she’s surging forward and wrapping her little arms around me. It’s awkward with her equipment on, but she doesn’t let that stop her.
Unable to do anything but hug her back, I squeeze her tight, hoping that I’m helping. Over her shoulder, my eyes find her gran, sitting with the other parents watching our game. Sympathy oozes from her. She’s well aware that Sutton is struggling, and she doesn’t know how to help.
Honestly, until Kodie is standing before her, nothing will.
“Just a couple more days, sweetie,” I say, desperate to take her pain away.
She sniffles, pulling her game face back on.
“I know. And I’ll do that again.”
“You absolutely will,” I say with confidence. “Go and get a drink. You’ll be back on again soon.”
She nods at me before waddling off on her blades. I keep my eyes on her as I stand to my full height and try to breathe.
“Is she okay?” Megan asks without taking her eyes off the ice.
“She’s fine.”
Megan nods before shouting, “Rivers, Smith, Andreev—get back out there.”
Instantly, they’re on their feet and moving toward the gate for another shift. The only difference to watching the pros is that they can’t jump the boards.
Pulling my cell from my pocket, I prop it up the best I can to capture footage of the game. I may not send it to him today, or even this week. But I’m sure he’ll appreciate anything he misses when it comes to Sutton.
As predicted, we hold our lead until the end, winning the game five to nothing.
The Polar Bears are ecstatic as they celebrate another win, but just like always, they make sure to take their time to shake hands with the other team.
After a brief post-game speech from Megan, the parents come and join us while the girls tug off their skates and lose their pads.
“Coach C,” a little voice calls as I’m tidying up.
Looking over my shoulder, I find Sutton running toward me.
Her arms open, and when she wraps her arms around my legs this time, she’s not hindered by pads.
“Thank you,” she says quietly.
“Ah, sweetie, I didn’t do anything.”
My stomach twists when she gazes up at me with her large, chocolate-brown eyes. They’re the exact same color as her dad’s.
“I know you understand,” she says.
I nod, attempting to swallow the lump in my throat.
