Page 167 of The Husband Game

He shook his head. “Yes.”

“Then I’ll do better.” She reached across the table to squeeze his arm.

Charlie blinked. “Thank you,” he said faintly. “That would mean a lot to me.”

He stood there for a moment filled with disbelief.

Was it actually that easy?

Of course, it hadn’t been easy to share such a vulnerable thing but … could it be that easy for him to gently correct people and help them learn not to say things like that?

Not everyone would take it as well as Meredith Fowler but maybe more of them would than he’d given them credit for.

Unsurprisingly, Charlie’s announcement put a damper on the happy mood around the table and conversation grew a little stilted.

Charlie’s first instinct was to apologize but … why? He hadn’t done anything wrong.

He breathed easier when Theo and Meredith became immersed in conversation with Elena and her kids.

“Please reach out if you ever need someone to talk to,” Emily said quietly. “I had a friend with anorexia and I … I know what a struggle it can be.”

“Had?” Charlie asked, a flicker of concern going through him.

Her smile was sad. “Unfortunately, her heart gave out and … they weren’t able to save her.”

“I am so sorry about your friend. Dustin had mentioned you knew someone with the disorder but he hadn’t told me the outcome.”

“He was probably trying to protect you.”

“I’m sure he was.”

“I hope I didn’t—”

“No, no, I’m glad you said something. It happens, unfortunately. My heart was damaged too,” he admitted, swallowing hard. “But I got lucky. And now I’m working hard to make sure it never gets worse. Dustin’s been a good support for me actually.”

“I’m glad.” Emily squeezed his arm. “I don’t want to overstep but if you ever need anyone to talk to, I’m only a text or a phone call away.”

“I’ll remember that,” Charlie promised.

He realized Dustin’s parents were watching them. He felt momentarily self-conscious but Theo Fowler gave Charlie a small smile.

There was no judgment in his eyes, just warm concern. Much like Dustin’s but far more fatherly.

And Charlie knew he’d been right. These were good people. Not perfect. But good.

* * *

The ice was as smooth as glass when Dustin skated out for the second period.

Dominic took the faceoff, snapped the puck to Dustin, and Dustin fired it off to Matty.

A few quick rounds of give and go, then their winger Eric Jensen tapped the puck into the net for the second goal of the game, giving the Fisher Cats a 2-0 lead.

The roar of the crowd shook the arena and Dustin felt it in his bones as he collided with his team.

There was nothing like skating in Toronto’s barn.

The crowd was bigger and louder than anywhere else and Dustin was still grinning as he lined up for the next faceoff.

---