Page 251 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

“Isaac…”

“You know she loved you… loved you so fucking much. One look, man. That one look and I knew she wanted to spend a life with you as much as she wanted to spend a life with me. I was scared. Was too up and revolved around all the things in my current possession that I worked years to achieve and accomplish. I didn’t want it to be stolen from me. All because… my woman loved more than me. That she had such a big heart that she could easily love another as much as she loved me. It’s funny when I think about it now because, at the end of the day, I don’t think that ever was the problem. That wasn’t what I was afraid of.”

“That… wasn’t?”

“It wasn’t, West. The scariest part of it all was the idea I could love you just as hard. That I’d catch myself watching you when you’d coach on that ice, fully immersed in the moment, wondering what it would be like to bring you into our relationship. Into our marriage. You were already submersed in our lives. Mikayla wished you were her second dad until she was ten and knew it wasn’t ‘allowed.’ Even after everything… even when Jessica passed, you didn’t pull away. You didn’t shun me like everyone else I used to know. You were right there. In the rain… from the moment I stood before Jessica’s grave, which was overflowing with flowers. You told me that day, you’d always be by my side. By Mikayla’s side. In the end, you held your word and never let it go.”

“You know I’d never forsake you, Isaac.”

“I know… because you love me.”

The quietness that follows feels different from the others.

Comforting and filled with acceptance.

“That I do.”

Time passes. The tick of a clock brings an odd sense of ease.

“Bridgett passed by earlier.”

“Did she?”

There’s a giddiness there. A nervous hum in the air.

“She wanted to ensure all the potential therapy and treatments Maddox and Mikayla will need after this would be scheduled smoothly, so when they wake, we don’t need to stay long in the hospital. We can go back to your place.”

“Not sure my baby wants to return to that cramped place. You saw a glimpse of the new house the boys bought. Our little townhome won’t appease her anymore.”

“That’s where I can confidently say you’re wrong, Isaac. You know Mikayla never cared about money or fame. She didn’t give a shit about any of it. All she cared about was being surrounded by those she loved. That’s all she ever asked for.”

“And a bigger bed.”

There’s a soft chuckle.

“You and I know very well why she wants a bigger bed in the attic.”

“Hmph. O’Riley figured out a way to fit one in there, too.”

“He really loves her. I’m glad we could stay and watch them and give his mother a break. She’s been through a lot.”

“She has.”

“Bridgett said if we’re not up for this weekend, we can cancel.”

“Don’t cancel.”

“Why?”

“A distraction would be nice.”

“That’s not your true reasoning.”

“Maybe.”

“Isaac, what’s the real reason why you don’t want to cancel?”

“I don’t want this to become ‘the one that got away’ scenario.”

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