Page 112 of My Wife
“To make sure all the mechanics are working properly. You know, for later like on our wedding day,” she speaks nervously, haltingly as if the truth doesn’t fill the space between our lips.
So we will be kissing again. Part of me isn’t mad about that. Quite the opposite, actually.
The remainder of the week is a continent-trotting whirlwind with games in Los Angeles, where I see my parents. They insist on going to Toronto too. First, we play the Ottawa Outlaws before heading to the Blizzard Dome, the Titans arena.
Because of the travel schedule, I won’t see Jessica until after the game, which I fully intend for the Knights to win even though my brother has a home advantage.
Three twenty-minute periods of ice time make for a sixty-minute game during which we eat it by giving the Titans openings for three power plays, all of which were successful. I get my seventh goal of the season, resulting in a shootout.
Valjean is all over me, doing his level best to cause trouble. I pour all my focus into the game, putting off telling my parents about the kid until afterward.
When afterward comes with a one-point loss, Hendrix is all too pleased with himself. I remind him that I provided over twenty saves.
This season isn’t going as well as in the past, but we’re still on track for the Finals.
I can’t dash after the game because I’m the captain, but I feel scattered. The recaptain I give is lackluster with me reminding the guys to remain focused when I feel anything but. My head is fuzzy and jumps from thought to thought—the game, the kid, Jessica, the kiss, the game, my family, telling them I’m a dad, the game, repeat.
Before I leave the locker room, Grady claps me on the shoulder. “Hey, you did good. Don’t beat yourself up.”
I snort.
“I know you’re your toughest critic, but the Titans are a top team.”
“We can do better.”
“And we will, but, uh, maybe you need to, uh, you know?—”
I glare at him.
He glances at his feet and then meets my gaze. “Spend some time with your family. Whether they’re totally dysfunctional or entirely wonderful, it can help you reset, you know?”
Grady is a formidable man and player. I’ve gleaned he’s had some trials in his life. But I have a newfound respect for him even though I didn’t really want to hear what he had to say. I don’t intend to be a difficult person to talk to or to be intimidating, but the walls I’ve built to keep out distractions are high.
Yet Grady faced me head-on.
Meanwhile, I haven’t been able to tell my parents that they have a grandson.
“Yeah,” I reply to him when what I mean isthanks.
He gives me a nod and then leaves.
Taking a deep breath, I ready myself. It’s time to be a man.
The Ellises form a human wall in the hallway, all smiles and words of encouragement. Before I can say much more than hello to my sister and her kids, she’s off and running with my nieces and nephews who want to get autographs from the other players. Traitors.
Hendrix slides behind me, claps me on the shoulder, and says, “Nice try, bro. Maybe next time.”
An unstoppable ball of excitement, the kid barrels toward me, signing with one hand and gripping Jessica’s with the other. To anyone who doesn’t know he signs, they’d just think he’s a squirmy super fan who ran out of patience ... I mean, who’d think I’m a dad?!
Hendrix arches an eyebrow. “Is this safe? Authorized? Does Liam have a permit?”
I roll my eyes.
“Liam is great with kids,” my mother says.
It’s not entirely false. Even Ingrid would admit I’m a decent uncle. But that’s in measured amounts of time on holidays and during family gatherings.
My brother freezes mid-thought. His eyes dart between me and the child, his mouth opening and closing without sound. “Who do we have here and why didn’t I know my big bro is a ‘daddy’?” The last word hangs in the air, weighted with shock.
