Page 124 of In The Game

There’s a loud noise, and I’m pretty sure he slammed his fist on his desk.

“Why the hell didn’t you call me sooner? We need her to sign an NDA, I’ll fax a copy to you. What’s the mother’s name? When did you get the paternity test?”

“Her name is Raleigh Dunham. I haven’t done a paternity test.”

“Wait…like Raleigh-Raleigh? As in, puck bunny Raleigh?”

Easy, motherfucker.“She’s going to be wife Raleigh soon, so take that word out of your mouth.”

“Look—” He sighs. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but… we need to have a paternity test done. Do you know for a fact it’s yours?”

How am I not supposed to take that the wrong way?“No test. He’s mine. Trust me,” I respond through gritted teeth.

“You’re not putting me in a good spot here.”

“I’m sorry. I know it’s a lot.”

“Ya think?! Goddamn it, Conway… You call me up and suddenly you’re retiring, a dad, and getting married. You can’t keep secrets from me like this. What if the press found out first! We need PR brought in on this so they can get ahead of it in case anything slips. Who have you told about retirement?”

I run my hand through my hair. “I briefly brought it up to Sullivan that I was considering it. And Raleigh.”

He breathes a sigh of relief. “I assume she’s in support of it. Did Sullivan try and stop you?”

I don’t like how he phrased that. “First of all, Raleigh pushed back when I told her. And Sully doesn’t understand it, but he’s got my back.”

“Yeah, well, it doesn’t make much sense to me either. Are you sure you want to quit after this season? After this last round of playoffs, we can negotiate some killer bonuses. I just think—”

“I’m fucking tired, man. I’m thirty-eight. I don’t want to be on the ice after forty. I’m done. I want to focus on my family and Camp Conway.”

He’s quiet for a while, but makes a hum of understanding. He knows there’s no point, my mind is made up.

“You know I love you, bud. Hell, I’d probably do the same if I were in your shoes. I’m here to advocate for you. But I need to know, are you absolutely one hundred percent sure this is what you want to do? If I tell them you’re done and you change your mind, there’s no way we’ll be able to negotiate the same contract. They may not even take you back at all.”

“It’s what I want.”

“Okay. Let me make some phone calls and get back to you.”

I scuff my foot over some of the landscaping rocks. “Thanks, Jeff. I know I’m not making your job easy.”

“Not even a little, but I still love ya. I’ll be in touch.”

As soon as I hang up the phone it’s like an enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I didn’t expect the massive relief I’m feeling. With both fists in the air, I let out a whoop and toss my phone onto one of the lounge chairs before diving into the pool with my clothes still on. When I break the surface and inhale, it feels like the first breath of my new life. Floating on my back, I watch the gold and bubblegum sky fade into soft blue. It took them to make me realize what I want in my life. What makes me happy and fulfills me—one more thing I’ve gained since they’ve come into my life. As cliché as it is, they make me feel complete.

When I get out of the pool, I clean up in the outdoor shower, washing the rest of the sweat off me from my run. My soaked clothes fall to the tile with a slop. I wrap a towel around my waist and do my best to tiptoe across the house, grimacing as I look back and see all the wet footprints I’ve left on the wood floor. Goose bumps rise on my skin from the loss of body heat. In our bedroom, Raleigh is out cold. I throw on a fresh pair of boxers and a T-shirt and crawl back in bed, only to be surprised by a Mini Bear snuggled under the covers. He must have come in here sometime when I was out on my run.

Climbing under the sheets, I drape an arm over them and their warmth soothes my chill. I welcome the relaxed smile that forms on my lips. Life is so fucking good.

They are my world now.

It only reassures me I’m ready to close that chapter and am making the right decision.

I’ve had a solid career. I’m in the 400 Club. I’ve got a Ted Lindsay Award and a King Clancy Memorial Trophy for my work with Camp Conway along with various other charities I’ve been involved in over the years. We closed out last season with playoffs, but after this next one, it’s time to hang up my skates.When you know, you know.

Arthur turns over and snuggles into my side, still sleeping.Yeah, I definitely know.My chest expands with love for the two most important people in my life. I tuck my head down and press a kiss to the top of his little head. I’d do anything for them. My hand brushes the hair out of Raleigh’s face. She’s so beautiful.

I’ll be damned if I don’t make her my bride before the year is up.

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