Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
“Yup. Your turn again, Fee.” I write down rules three and four.
“Um…” She taps her lip. “How about always be honest with each other?”
“Love that one.” I jot it down.
Callie bounces in her chair. “Oh! Never say it’s too hard or I quit!”
“You sound like a true goalie.” I wink.
“It’s Lexi’s turn again,” Fee says.
“We always keep our word, to ourselves and to others,” Lexi adds.
I dip my chin in agreement. “It’s okay to fail, as long as we learn and try again. Okay, Fee and Callie, last two rules, what should they be?”
“Always have fun!” Callie shouts.
“Yes to that. I love it. Fee, what’s rule ten?”
“Listen to each other?” she asks.
“That’s perfect. I think we have a great list.” I read them over, before I ask, “Are we missing anything?”
“I think it’s good,” Callie says.
“I like it,” Fee agrees.
“Me three.” Lexi smiles.
“It’s unanimous, then. I’ll get Peggy to help me turn it into a poster.”
“I could do that! I’m good at graphics,” Fee offers.
I grin, it’s amazing to be surrounded by so much love. “Even better.”
We finish breakfast, and the girls help clear the table before they go to their rooms. Lexi wraps her arms around my waist. “I adore you.”
I stroke her cheek. “And I adore you.”
“Thank you for making them feel heard.”
“We’re a family. Families make decisions together.” I kiss her softly, marveling at how lucky I am to have found Lexi, and that against all odds we came back to each other when we needed each other the most.
“How do you always know what to do and say?” she whispers.
“I don’t. I just know that the first time around, I didn’t have a partner to do any of this with. And this time I do. So I want us to make decisions as a unit, and the best way to do that is to ensure everyone has a voice.”
She fingers the hair at the nape of my neck. “I’m a little obsessed with how incredible you are.”
I pull her tighter against me. “I’m a little obsessed with everything about you.”
“Kiss me, please.” She tips her chin up, and I drop my head, covering her mouth with mine.
“Oh. Ew. No. New rule! No making out anywhere that isn’t behind a closed door!” Fee groans. “I’ll be in my room, rocking in the corner, if you’re looking for me!”
“Add it to the list,” I call over my shoulder.
CHAPTER 44
LEXI
“Thank you so much for coming tonight. It really means a lot, Dad.” I usher him into my hotel room here in New York. I leave for the arena soon, but we’re managing a short visit before he fits in another quick meeting prior to the game. How much of it he’ll actually see is a question mark, but he’s here supporting me, and that’s the most important part. I’m learning how to accept his limitations and appreciate these moments for what they are.
Having Roman definitely makes it easier.
“I’m glad I could make it work.” He hugs me tightly, then holds me at arm’s length. “How are you holding up?”
I’m sure I look tired. Sleep hasn’t been the greatest the past few days. “Okay. Happy to be back at work, but nervous about the media after the game.”
There will be questions. I’ve been on leave for almost three weeks while they performed the internal review. Evidently Donnie threw everything he could at trying to discredit me. He said I was biased because I was in a relationship with the goalie, and favoring Roman. Thankfully, the defensive line shot holes in that theory by saying Roman had been helpful in supporting me—and them, as he has for years—rather than the other way around. As a veteran player, his knowledge base is far more expansive, and his willingness to share it has helped the team.
The support from the players has been a balm. Every time a player is questioned, he has the nicest things to say about me and my role as an assistant coach. The same goes for Vander Zee. It’s been rough watching games from the couch, but I’ve finally been cleared to travel with the team. Head office is still in the process of filing the paperwork, but they’ve deemed Donnie’s allegations unfounded. With playoffs coming up, and the importance of having the full coaching staff available, I’ve been allowed to return to work.
“Your team supports you,” Dad reminds me.
“I know. But playing against New York is always tense,” I admit. Bowman continues to be a dominating force on the ice this season.
“How’s Roman?” Dad asks.
“Good. Protective. Worried about me more than anything.” I smile at the memory of breakfast in bed this morning and how he takes care of me. “He has my back every step of the way, though, and it’s just…so nice to have him to lean on.”