Page 95 of The Confidentiality Clause
A chuckle slips out. I can’t help it. “Not literally, but metaphorically, sure.”
“What does–”
I cut Dylan off with a clap of my hands. “Time to get on the ice. Who wants to do the chant?”
Griffin shoots his hand into the air. I try not to show favoritism, but I also have instilled a good work ethic and ambition into him that has him headed toward being a captain one day. He volunteers for everything, even the things that no one else wants to do, like clean up the trash left behind in the locker room. At just seven years old, he’s already showing great promise.
Pride swells in my chest as I put my hand in the middle. “Go ahead, Griff.”
He places his glove on top of my hand. A slew of others tops ours.
“‘Kill the Hawks’ on three,” Griffin bellows, and my eyebrows shoot up. “One, two, three.”
“KILL THE HAWKS!” my team of elementary school kids screech in unison. I might join in. No one will ever know. Except Brock, who’s appeared in the doorway to laugh at us.
“That’s some chant you’ve got,” he comments as we file out the door.
“If it helps them win, so be it,” I say with a shrug.
“You’ll win. No one can compare to Griff.”
I grin. “You’re biased.”
“Nah, I know hockey. That kid is going places. He’s better than you were when we were kids.”
“He better be, considering how many hours we’ve put in.”
As soon as Griffin could wear skates, we were on the ice together. I did as much as I could to help him with my schedule, but our time together increased after I retired. I didn’t expect to step back from playing, but after a season riddled with injuries and missing my kids, I knew it was time. I did all that I could to help my team get one final Cup, then hung up my skates.
My first year of retirement has been better than I could have imagined. I’ve gotten to watch our daughter, Stella, dance her heart out at her recitals and competitions. And I took over as coach for Griffin’s team. Getting to watch them grow up is better than all the wins I’ve ever had, combined.
We reach the end of the tunnel. Brock smacks me on the back, then goes to give Griffin a fist bump before heading to his seat next to Ariel, their daughter Isla, and Stella. Another great part about retirement has been moving back home to North Carolina.We get to see family more, and the kids love having their little cousin around to play with.
The team skates out onto the ice to warm up. I head to the players bench, where my beautiful wife is waiting for me as always. She used to sit right behind the bench, but she had a habit of climbing over. Eventually, she started staying there full time. None of the other parents question it. I’m pretty sure they’re all afraid of her.
I give her a brief kiss as I enter. She smiles and tucks herself into my side after.
“How do you think they’ll do?” she asks as we watch them skate around half the ice while the Hawks assume their places on the other side.
“I think they can do great if they work together.” I let out a laugh. “Your son takes after you with his killer instincts. He led the team in a chant about killing the other team.”
She grins. “That’s my boy. I’m looking forward to watching it happen.”
“Me too. I’m proud of him. He’s worked hard this season.”
“I’m proud of both of you. The way you’ve been coaching them…it’s amazing, Shaw.”
My throat tightens. “Thank you.”
“It’s also incredibly hot.”
A smirk tugs at my lips. “Yeah?”
“It’s got me thinking we should try for another.”
Desire flares within me. I look down at her teasing smile. “Careful, Love, I might hold you to those words.”
“I’m counting on it.”
