A tear slips down my cheek as I nod. “Yes, of course. I forgive you, Luke.”
His brows draw together, forming a crease between them. “Does that mean you’ll give us a chance?”
The longing in his eyes matches what I’d imagined in all those scenarios, but instead of throwing myself into his arms, I want to pull away. Like I said before, love has failed me three times already. In my mind, taking a fourth chance on Luke was my last try. And we’ve had three situations arise that have pushed us apart—the third one completely. I don’t think I can risk my heart a fourth time.
I run the tip of my tongue over my lips as I search for words. “I don’t know, Luke. I think I need time.”
His mouth opens as if he’s somewhat stunned, but then he swallows and bobs his head. “Will you do me one favor?”
Curious about what he would want, I give him a subtle nod.
“You’re covering the next home game, right?”
I nod again.
“Wait for me at the door afterward.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea?—”
“Please? After that, if you never want to see me again, I’ll understand.”
The intensity of his eyes wins over my indecision. “Okay. I’ll be there.”
He kisses my cheek, where the tear fell. “Thank you.”
Still staring at me, he steps back and then turns and leaves the wedding.
I hold my hand to my stomach and inhale, then release a shuddering breath as I touch the place his lips just touched, knowing I’ll never fully get over the hockey player who turned my world upside down.
CHAPTER 30
LUKE
I’ve never been so anxious for a game to finish. On the other hand, I’m nervous that the end of this game will also lead to the end of Soph and me. I want a shot at doing things right this time.
What if I walk out the door and she’s not there?
No, she said she would wait, so I’m believing and trusting she’ll be there. And hopefully, what I plan to show her will also convince her to give us a chance…like I’ve given my father.
We’ve done a lot of talking over the last couple of days. I admit, I blew up a few times, but now I have a better understanding of the demons he was fighting—how drugs became his only way of coping with what turned out to be an undiagnosed bipolar disorder and drug trafficking paid for them. This was also the real reason why he left—he was protecting us.
Prison helped sober him up and revealed he needed help, something the prison system managed to actually do for him. Never thought I’d hear someone say they were thankful they got put away.
And he made good use of his time, studying and learning how to be a plumber, which will come handy when he’s released from the halfway house to live with me in Clearwater.Mom’s house could use some work, and he needs a place to land. So it’s a win-win for both of us.
Seeing Kinsley warm up to him was part of what pushed me to give him a chance. And to see Sophie was right. Family is precious, even if it isn’t perfect, convenient, or ideal. Ours is a little messy at the moment, but we’re getting there. We have an opportunity to build something new and to be the family none of us thought possible.
Doesn’t mean it will be easy. I still have some anger to deal with and plan to get help with that. But the most important thing is, we have time.
I search out the seats where I know Kinsley and my father are watching and wave as I skate around the net and take position for a faceoff. We’re down a point and need to win this one to make it into the Kelly Cup playoffs.
Kinsley does her usual ‘I’m over it’ casual wave with her elbow resting on her knee. No eye roll though and a big grin. I think this is the happiest I’ve seen her since our mother died. And I have to say, seeing my father grinning and clapping for me is…surreal. Not something I ever imagined would happen, let alone be possible.
I take position and wait for the ref to drop the puck. My opponent jumps at it, but I’m faster. After I pass the blue line, I pass the puck to Ethan, who may just have his head more centered on leaving for his honeymoon tomorrow than the game, but he’s open and I need help.
He swipes it to Jayce who shoots it to Payton, making me grin inside my helmet. The kid’s come a long way in a short time. Kind of ironic to think of him in that light, considering I’m in a similar place. I have a lot to learn, but I’m ready and willing to leave the past in the past, and start living my life forward.
The crowd starts chanting.
