I nod, trying to calm my racing thoughts. “Right, yeah. I just... I wanna do this right, you know? I wanna be there for you, for our kid. I wanna be the kind of father I never had.”
Aurora’s expression softens, and she squeezes my hand.
“Youwillbe. You’re not your father, Aiden. You’re going to be an amazing dad!”
Her words hit me like a check to the boards, bringing back memories of my old man’s cruel words and indifference. But as I look at Aurora, at the trust and love in her eyes, I know she’s right.
I’m not my father. I never will be.
“We should celebrate,” I say suddenly. “Let’s go out tonight. Somewhere fancy.”
Aurora raises an eyebrow. “Fancy? Who are you and what have you done with my Aiden?”
I laugh, pulling her close. “Hey, I can do fancy when the occasion calls for it. And this definitely fucking calls for it.”
As we walk out of the arena hand in hand, I can’t help but marvel at how much my life has changed in just a year. I came to this team looking for a fresh start, a chance to prove myself on the ice. Instead, I found a family, a home, and a love I never thought I deserved.
The future stretches out before us, full of possibilities and challenges. There’ll be late nights and early mornings, diaper changes and first steps. There’ll be wins and losses on the ice, triumphs and setbacks. But as I look at Aurora, feeling the strength of her hand in mine, I know we can handle anything life throws our way.
“Hey,” I say, stopping her just before we reach the car. “I just want you to know... I’m all in. You, me, this kid - we’re a team. And teams stick together, no matter what.”
Aurora smiles, that radiant smile that never fails to take my breath away. “I know. We’ve got this, captain.”
The End
