Alyssa’s wide eyes dart to mine.
“Watch your language,” Avery tells him.
My little man of the house.
Stephen covers his mouth with his hand. “Sorry about that, bud.”
“Finish up your homework.” I guide the kids back into the dining room, and glance at Stephen over my shoulder. “You, kitchen. Now.”
Chance’s nostrils flare when Stephen steps into the kitchen behind me. “What are you doing here?”
“Same as you, it seems.” Stephen reaches around him and pops a pepper slice into his mouth. “I came to talk to my girl.”
Chance grunts. “Yourgirl?”
I snap my fingers in front of their faces. “Listen to me, and listen good. You can’t just show up at my house. I have a life. I have kids to take care of. If I’m not calling or texting you, it doesn’t give you an open invitation to stalk me.”
Chance keeps his eyes on the meat as he seasons it, and gives me a curt nod.
Stephen plants his hands on his hips and lets out a long breath through his lips. “Look, I’m sorry for barging in like this. But I’ve been going crazy since I saw you at the game the other night. I’ve wondered what happened to you for years, and now you’re standing in front of me. I can’t believe it.”
Without warning, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me in for a hug.
This man has always worn his heart on his sleeve. It’s the thing I love most about him. He says what he feels, and he means what he says. He’s never ashamed of who he is—and he shouldn’t be. He’s one of the greatest people I’ve ever known.
I sink into his embrace, and inhale the familiar scent of his cologne. Tears sting my eyes as reality sets in.
My boys are back.
They’rehere.
And I know they’re not reallymyboys, but to me, it feels like they always will be.
I pull back and drop my gaze, trying to hide the evidence of my emotions.
But Chance’s fingers tip my chin until I’m looking into his eyes. “Do I get one of those too?”
I slip my arms around his midsection, squeezing him as his arms come up around my shoulders. His tight muscles relax against me, and he lets out a long sigh.
Where would we have ended up had I not left them junior year? What would’ve happened to us when they got drafted to the NHL and we inevitably parted ways? It’s a question I’ve wondered for years, if I made the right choice.
I never expected to see them again, let alone to have them standing in my kitchen.
And I can’t help the excitement bubbling under the surface.
Where will we go from here?
By the timedinner is over, Stephen has us all doubled over with laughter—even Avery.
The kid doesn’t smile much, but when he does, it’s a brilliant one that could rival the sun.
“Can you come to my field hockey game on Friday?” Alyssa asks.
I hold my hand up to interject. “Oh, I don’t think they?—”
“I have a game this Friday,” Stephen says. “But I’ll have your Aunt Presley send me your schedule, and I’ll see when I can come watch you.”
Alyssa beams, but my stomach twists with unease. These kids have been through a lot, and I’m hesitant to introduce new people into their lives, especially if they aren’t going to be permanent.
