Page 283 of Breaking the Pucking Rules
My entire body erupts with goosebumps as a chill races down my spine.
I need you.
“We’ve just left the airport. GPS is saying just over an hour.”
“Did you hear that?” Casey asks. “Your daddy’s on his way.”
“Hi Daddy,” a little voice says through the speakers, and I swear, my heart rips in two at the weakness in it.
“Hey Peanut,” I breathe, speaking for the first time. “How are you feeling?”
“Pfft, it was barely even a hit. I’m fine.”
“Said like a true hockey player,” Casey teases.
“I’m sorry, Daddy,” Sutton said.
“Peanut, you have nothing to apologize for. I’m sorry I wasn’t at your game.”
“Wait,” Sutton says sounding a little more awake all of a sudden. “Did I score?”
“What?” Casey asks while a knowing smile curls at my lips.
“I took a shot; did it go in?”
A laugh bursts out of me. It feels so fucking good.
Mom looks over, her eyes burning into the side of my face.
“Yeah, it went in,” Casey tells her.
“Yesss,” she hisses.
I can’t wipe the smile off my face as I shake my head.
“I stopped them from having a shutout. That’s all that matters.”
It’s absolutely not what matters at all, but as a hockey player, I get it. I’m pretty sure Casey does too.
“Yeah, Rivers. That’s all that matters.”
There’s some movement down the line before Casey explains that the doctor has just arrived to do some checks.
“I can call back after,” she offers.
“No, let Sutton get some rest. We’ll be there soon.”
“Okay, sure. I’ll grab coffees and?—”
“Casey,” I say, stopping her mid-sentence. “Thank you.”
“Kodie, I?—”
“Not now,” I hiss, shooting a glance at Mom who’s sitting in my passenger seat with a smile. “We’ll see you soon. Make sure Sutton does as she’s told.”
“I’ll do my best,” she promises before hanging up.
“Kodie—”
