Page 68 of Love You Already
“My daddy and I talked about my hang-ups with having kids and building a family. It was one of those conversations where your brain just opens up, dumping all the trauma and memories you didn't think you had into the open. Well, after that, I went to my mom's gravesite to talk to her too. I realized part of my reasons for not wanting to build a family with you were based on losing her and not wanting that to happen to you. I can't imagine hurting you, Lachlan.”
“Ace... that's not… we're not — I can't promise you that we'll be perfectly healthy until we mutually die in our nineties or something. This isn't The Notebook, and I don't have a crystal ball.”
I sniff as the emotions pour out of me. “I know that, and I'm not asking you to. From that day, from those talks I had with them, I realized I needed to let that go. Instead, I started to think of the future we could have. One where we have kids, and they are like mini versions of you on the ice. They'd go with me to the games and cheer on their dad. If you retire, we won't get that.”
“Yeah, but you'd have me all the time. I'd be on the ranch helping them learn to ride a horse like Beckett taught me. They'd get to grow up the way you did, surrounded by family instead of only seeing their dad for half the year. I think your vision is great, Ace. I'd love to show them the ice and make them love the sport like I do, but there's more at stake here. Besides, we're a ways away from having any little ones, aren't we?”
“Well, I'll be honest. I'm not as opposed to the idea anymore. It's not like I'm rushing to get pregnant now. I'm still taking my birth control. I'm just saying that maybe we could try to line it up so my due date would be in the off season. You'll have to help me with the math.”
He pulls me across the couch into his arms. “I'll help you with anything that builds up our family. You and me, Ace. We're a team all our own.”
CHAPTER 32
IT'S THE BEST FUCKING SURPRISE IN THE WORLD.
Lachlan
“This is amazing. I can't believe you guys got this all coordinated this fast.” My wife says as she takes in the excitement of the rink.
Fans fill the stands with signs declaring everything from their undying love to offers of not so safe for work topics. She smirks at those, thankfully not looking perturbed. The others are already on the ice warming up for the charity game we decided to play today, a week before the preseason starts.
When Coach brought the idea to the team to have a fan event that doubles as something for charity, the guys were excited by the notion. Our PR team came around to get videos and promos ready for everything. Normal stuff by NHL standards. Everyone played along, amping up the energy and making sure the excitement came across the screen.
Of course, I knew the big reason for the event was for Riggs to settle in more. I was more than thrilled to notice him loosening up with the others. He cut a joke or two, even going so far as to making promises about how many goals he would get during the game.
In the three weeks leading up to today, Riggs played better than he ever has. His passes improved, and his speed alone nearly doubled. He was no longer huffing and puffing after practice. At least no more than the rest of us.
“It's all because of you, Ace. Coach didn't tell the team that, but he didn't have to. Your ideas are all over this. He talked to you more, didn't he? How'd he get your number?” It didn't bother me to have her be in touch with Coach about the team. In fact, I think it's a great idea. If anything were to happen to me, they need to know to reach out to her first.
She shakes her head. “This isn't me. I gave him a few ideas when he called. Nothing this extravagant.”
I chuckle. “This is the NHL. Everything is bigger here. Plus, we can't invite the fans out without going above and beyond for them. It's still your idea. Take the compliment, wife.”
Her eyes roll as she crosses her arms over her chest. The big blue puffer jacket she wears makes the move look utterly ridiculous instead of intimidating like she planned.
“Get out there for warmups. I've got a game to watch.” She struts away. I watch until she blends into the crowd and gets seated. I made sure she's right at the glass. It meant I could see her every time I skated by. We each got a space around the arena to seat family since this game is just our team going head-to-head with itself. We didn't want to bring anyone else in. The fans get all Coyotes, all night.
When I get onto the ice, everyone greets me with teasing. Kissing noises and joking rhymes about love and marriage trail after me the entire way to the bench. Coach greets me with a smile.
“I saw your girl is here. That's good. Glad you brought her around, Matthews.”
I smirk. “I'm sure. How'd you get in touch with her about all this?”
He shakes his head. “Todd had her information. When I casually mentioned how she was helping us, he was more than happy to pass it along. He's the reason she made it into the arena that first day to surprise you anyway.”
“You're all against me, huh? I see how it is.”
His boisterous laugh echoes around us. “Nothing like that, kid. I'm happily married to a woman who is my world. Yours is a beaut, but not mine. As for Todd, I can't say. He seemed to think she was wonderful.”
I ignore the jab from him as I turn to check on Riggs. “You think he's ready for this? Is he going to be able to fill the spot we need him to?”
Coach leans over the wall to follow my line of sight. “There's only one way to know. We'll see if he's an external motivation kind of player tonight. If so, then we just make sure he understands the stakes at practice are the same as during the game. If we can accomplish that, we might make it to the playoffs. From there, the cup isn't that much further away.”
“You say that when there are fifty some odd games ahead of us to reach that point. Bold of you, Coach.”
He claps my shoulder. “There's only this game. And then the next. And then the one after. Stop thinking big picture.”
Easier said than done. I feel like all I can see is the future. The kind with my wife and kids being the center of my world. Despite Rose's vision of bringing kids to the stadium to watch me play, I can't imagine not getting to see all those little moments. I've played with guys who didn't get to hear first words or see their first steps. Sure, they were the providers and made sure there wasn't a thing missing from their kids’ lives.