Page 118 of Wyatt

Wyatt had stopped shivering.

“And that’s why it is freaking you out to be a father. Because you already love this kid and you know you will fail him.”

Wyatt’s mouth tightened.

“Being a father and playing hockey aren’t mutually exclusive. But it will cost you something. And your dad knew that, because it cost him you. Maybe that’s why he gave you his Bible, Wyatt. Because your other brothers knew him—they lived with him. They knew his life, his words. Knew that he loved them, even when he failed them. But you didn’t. You moved away, and…well, my guess is that he wanted to give you what they didn’t have…a look at his heart. The man inside. The man who failed, but still loved you.”

Jace stepped away from him. “Frankly, kid, I think you got the best inheritance of all.”

Wyatt’s jaw tightened.

“Get out of here and go see your son. I’m starting Kalen tomorrow anyway, so don’t show up for the game.”

“Coach—”

“It’s not permanent. But I’m not playing you again until you get your hips looked at.” He gave Wyatt’s shoulder a slap. “That’s only because I want you around for the Stanley Cup, Guns. You’re my number one.” Jace headed for the door. “But you better be glad you didn’t connect with that fist.”

Wyatt watched him go, then hobbled out after him. He found his bag and changed his clothes, Jace’s words like a burr in his chest.

The man who failed, but still loved you.

Wyatt grabbed his duffel bag and walked down the tunnel toward the glass doors. The bus was still loading, and he pushed through, then stood outside, debating.

Coco deserved better.

Mikka deserved better.

And that’s why it is freaking you out to be a father.

Overhead, the setting sun had started to bruise the sky, setting the horizon aflame to the west.

Because you already love this kid and you know you will fail him.

He did already love Mikka. It was like a switch flipped on, and seeing him had felt so…overwhelming. And holding him in his arms…yeah, a completeness there, as if…

As if he was in the zone.

He pulled out his cell phone and opened his Uber app. The phone vibrated in his hand and RJ’s number lit up the screen. “Hey, sis—”

“Wyatt. Please tell me you have the jump drive.”

Oh. Right. “Yeah, I got it. I made sure I kept it with me.”

“Can you please bring it to the Fairmont Hotel, downtown? Tate’s here with Glo…and Senator Jackson wants to talk to us.” She drew in a breath. “She says she can help me if she has proof.”

“I got this, RJ. I’m on my way.”

And then—he didn’t care if the proposal wasn’t perfect—he was going to track down Coco and beg her to marry him.

Finally.

It just didn’t matter that Wyatt wasn’t coming back.

Didn’t. Matter.

Coco was strong, smart, and she’d lived this long without him.

She didn’t need him.