Page 164 of Lucky Shot
“Definitely.”
He rushes out of the room, a flurry of excitement.
“You must be exhausted,” Ruby says quietly when my son is out of earshot.
“I am,” I admit. “But I was able to sleep on the flight.”
In fact, I’m sleeping a lot better in general. That might have something to do with the woman in my bed most nights. We’ve kept the downstairs bedroom as her room, but it acts as her office now. I like peeking in on her, watching her fingers fly over the keyboard or sitting in deep thought. She’s already finished her next book and started another.
I’ve continued talking with the team psychologist too. I wouldn’t say my fears and anxiety are gone, but I’m navigating it. Every day. Little by little. It’s easier with Ruby by my side.
“You’re a good dad,” she says.
I swipe my lips over hers again.
When I pull back, she has a devilish glint in her eyes. “Maybe the two of you should hang. Boys’ day.”
“Are you trying to get out of skating on the lake, Red?”
“It’s so cold out there.” Her voice is part whine and part laugh.
“I’ll keep you warm.”
She groans but then a smile tips up the corners of her mouth.
Twenty minutes later we’re out on the lake. Aidan has his hockey stick and a few pucks. I drag out a net for him so we can shoot around. A few neighbors are outside, enjoying the little sunlight poking through the clouds. One of Aidan’s friends down the street joins him and the two kids fly across the ice, mostly messing around but occasionally taking shots at the net.
I stick with Ruby, holding her mittened hand and slowly circling the lake.
“It really is beautiful here.” Her nose and cheeks are pink. “But I can’t wait to visit Arizona next month.”
“Me too.”
I met her family in November when Olivia had her baby. The three of us, me, Aidan, and Ruby, spent a long weekend there. It was great meeting them, seeing Ruby so happy. Aidan and Greer hit it off and have been playing video games together every Saturday.
Dad comes out and gets the fire pit going, then brings out hot chocolate for everyone as we tire of skating and retire to sit around the fire. Aidan goes inside to grab his guitar, and his friend runs home to get his trumpet.
Dad grimaces as the two of them make noise that might be music. He sticks it out for a bit, but eventually goes back inside.
Ruby and I sit side by side in lawn chairs. Her head rests on my shoulder, and she has two blankets wrapped around her.
I don’t remember ever feeling this happy. It’s a thousand little dreams all wrapped up into one incredible life.
When Aidan’s friend says he needs to get home, we say goodbye to him and then it’s just the three of us.
Aidan strums lightly, not seeming as interested now that he’s alone.
“Did you learn that new song we talked about?” I ask him, breaking the silence. My breath is visible in the air.
He grins and nods his head rapidly.
“Another one?” Ruby asks, looking amazed and impressed by my son. “Can I hear it?”
Aidan looks to me for permission.
I had a slightly different plan, but this feels right. Just the three of us out by the lake, stars shining above us—and don’t tell Ruby I said this—but even the bite of cold in the air is perfect. It guarantees she’ll snuggle closer.
I give him the nod of approval and Aidan gets settled with his guitar in his lap. Ruby sits forward, giving him all her attention. I love how much she supports him and cheers him on. She’s been good for all of us.
