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My parents are waiting just beyond the barrier. I throw my arms around my dad’s shoulders, hugging him tightly. But instead of hugging me, he grasps my arms and holds me out in front of him. Eyebrows drawn together, he stares at me like he’s rethinking his entire life.

“Married?” he demands. “You’re married? Did I hear that right?”

Oops.

Stomach sinking, I step back, but I keep my head high. My mom laughs, snagging my attention, her dark blue eyes shining as she hauls me to her chest.

“I’m so happy for you. Not only because you won gold, but because you and Michael finally figured things out.” She leans back, beaming. “I knew there was something different about you.”

“Bella, stop,” Dad mutters. “I can’t wrap my head around this. My baby girl won Olympic gold, and now we find out she eloped? Please tell me this is a joke.”

“It’s not a joke, Dad.” I take a breath. “In August, after Aunt Ava’s birthday, Michael and I flew to Vegas. We got married.”

He drops his head and slaps a hand to his face. “I need a minute.”

Mom kisses my cheek. “I’m excited,” she says brightly. “You look happy. That’s all that matters.”

“It matters, sure.” Dad pulls himself together, eyeing me. “But this happiness won’t last long because I’m going to kill Michael the moment our plane lands in New York.”

My heart sinks. “Dad.”

“He should’ve asked for my blessing,” he goes on, ignoring me.

“Dad,” I repeat, firmer now.

“I watched that boy grow up,” he says, voice rising. “I drove him home from practice more times than I can count. He was always welcome in our house. I’ve always considered him family.” He gestures wildly. “I rooted for him. I’ve been watching the Phantoms for three years even though I couldn’t care less. And this is how he repays me?” He looks straight at me. “By eloping with my only daughter? With my little girl?”

Mom squeezes my hand and whispers, “Go. I’m sure you wanna talk to Michael.”

I study my dad, a sharp pang piercing my heart. I never thought he would be this unhappy with the news.

“I will talk to your dad. Everything will be fine, I promise.”

I kiss her cheek and then head to the locker room, trying to push down my worries.

As I click the FaceTime button on my phone, I shift, getting comfortable on my bed. It’s almost nighttime for me, while it’s only around 5 p.m. in New York. I should have put my pjs on, yet I’m still in my bathrobe, my hair wet. I’m too tired to do more. The shower alone drained the last remnants of my energy.

Michael’s face appears on my screen, a huge smile playing on his lips. “Hi, baby.”

“Hey.” I fall onto my back, holding my phone above me. “Congratulations on your win. I watched the highlights on my way to the hotel. You were unstoppable.”

“I was unstoppable?” He threads his fingers through his hair. The sight of our bedroom behind him makes my chest ache. I miss him so damn much. “Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? You were unreal. I watched every second of your free skate. You nailed it, baby. That gold is yours. No one else even came close.”

Tears prick at the backs of my eyes. “I wasn’t sure you’d get a chance to watch.”

“I would’ve lost my mind if I missed it.” A crooked smile tugs at his mouth, his eyes softening. “But I got lucky. The game ended ten minutes before you skated. The guys watched with me. Even Ash joined us.”

“You sure got a lot done in the ten minutes between the game and my program, or so I’ve heard?” I raise a brow.

“What do you…” His jaw unhinges, his eyes going wide. “I didn’t have time to watch the interviews or read the news yet. Wait…does everyone know? In Sweden too?”

I nod.

Even through the phone screen, it’s obvious how drastically his face has paled. “Even your parents?”

I nod again, biting the inside of my cheek. “Dad lost it.”

He throws his head back. “Fuck.”