Alison brings over a tray with water, tea, and juice boxes for the kids. Noah and Meadow settle in quickly, pulling out their toys. Within minutes, Meadow takes a seat at Alison’s feet, gazing up at her with wide eyes.
“Do you like unicorns?” She holds up her stuffed animal.
Alison’s lips quirk into a small smile. “I think they’re magical.”
Meadow beams. “Jake got her for me. She’s my favorite.”
Her eyes soften further, and I see the emotion beneath them. She watches Meadow for a long moment, then glances at Noah, quietly fiddling with his action figures.
“You have beautiful children,” she says softly, her voice tinged with wistfulness. “They remind me of Jake when he was little.”
“They adore Jake,” I reply, smiling.
Alison nods. “He’s always been good with kids,” she says. “I always thought if things had been different… maybe I’d have done better with him when he was their age.”
I blink, surprised by the vulnerability in her words. There’s a quiet weight she’s carried for a long time.
“You raised a good man, Alison,” I say firmly. “He’s one of the best.”
Alison’s eyes remain distant as she watches the kids. “He’s always had a big heart, even when he didn’t show it. When he came back from camp all those years ago, I could tell something had changed. He mentioned you... briefly, of course. He was always careful about his feelings.”
The memory catches me off guard, and I smile softly. “That summer meant a lot to both of us.”
She looks at me, her eyes so reminiscent of Jake’s as they roam over my face. “Jake’s told me all about you,” she says quietly. “He speaks about you often. He clearly loves you very much, Charlie.”
My throat bobs. It’s one thing to feel Jake’s love; it’s another to hear it from someone else, especiallyhis mom.
“Jake’s brought us together," I say softly. "We’ve built a life with him, and he’s made us whole.”
Alison smiles, but there’s a hint of sadness. “He deserves that. He’s always deserved that.” Her gaze drifts to Noah, flipping through a book on the table. “When he came back from camp, there was something different about him. For a while, he seemed calmer. Sadder, but in a thoughtful way. Like he’d met someone who made him see things differently.”
My heart skips at her words. It’s strange to think Jake was changed by that summer as much as I was.
“Of course, it didn’t last,” Alison continues with a soft sigh. “He was drafted not long after, and everything swallowed him up—the fame, the pressure. I watched him get caught in it all, and I… I wasn’t there for him like I should have been.”
I reach out, gently placing my hand over hers. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.”
Alison looks at me, her eyes watery, and she nods. “I suppose so. I just wish I could go back and fix things.”
Before I can respond, Meadow climbs onto the couch, snuggling into my side. Alison watches her, a wistful smile tugging at her lips.
“She’s got Jake wrapped around her little finger, doesn’t she?” Alison’s voice is lighter now, almost amused.
I laugh. “Completely. He can’t say no to her, even when he tries.”
Alison chuckles warmly. “I can imagine. Jake’s always been a softie, deep down.”
There’s a pause, filled only with the kids’ noises as they play. I glance at Alison, sensing an opening.
“I know it’s a lot to ask,” I begin gently, “but Jake’s about to play in the Stanley Cup Final, and I know he’d love to have you there.”
Alison’s eyes widen slightly, and she shifts in her seat. “The Stanley Cup…”
“It’s a big deal,” I continue, my voice calm. “It could be Jake’s last shot. I know it would mean theworld to him if you were there.”
She remains quiet. I can see the hesitation, but also the resolve slowly forming. “I don’t know if I’d be any good at a big event like that,” she says with uncertainty.
“You wouldn’t be alone,” I reassure her. “You could stay with us. The kids would love to spend time with their grandma.”
