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It won’t be easy. I knew this going in. But the reality right this exact moment is a sucker punch.

I like to think of myself as an independent woman. Capable. Smart. Brave. And, sure, I am those things. Just the fact that I’ve managed to raise a really decent kid on my own is proof of that. But even while living in Savannah, I was, at most, thirty minutes away. I’ve never lived this far from a support system. I was never truly alone like we will be here.

Like we are now.

I’m struck with a sudden and painful homesickness like I’ve never known. The excitement I’ve felt about change and a fresh start is quickly collapsing into something a whole lot more like panic with a side ofOh, no—what have I done?

I swallow. “Right. You and me and all our people versus the world.”

The GPS informs me that our destination is on the right. I recognize the house from pictures and pull up to the driveway. It’s a cute little craftsman bungalow with a wide porch, emerald-green paint, and fresh white trim. It restores my excitement temporarily. But then I realize Liam is still quiet in the backseat.

Right. I almost forgot that he was about to confess something.

Whatever it is, do not start yelling, I tell myself.You are an iceberg. A veritable city block of chill.

I park in the driveway, then glance in the mirror to see Liam biting his lip. “Spit it out.”

“You promise you won’t yell?”

I drop my head to the steering wheel, wishing I had a paper bag to breathe into. What could hepossiblyhave done?

“I won’t yell.”

“You won’t ground me forever?”

“Definitely notforever. But with the way you’re talking, it sounds like maybe whatever this is might require some kind of consequence. I promise I’ll be reasonable. How’s that?”

“Deal,” Liam says. Then hesitates some more.

I swear, I can feel individual hairs turning gray while I wait and worry. Shifting, I take off my seat belt and twist uncomfortably to face him.

“Liam,” I practically growl. “Come on. Let’s get this over with. It can’t be that bad.”

Please,pleasedon’t let it be that bad, I silently plead with no one in particular.

I try to be thankful. Liam from a few years ago never would have done whatever it is he doesn’t want to tell me. I’m not happy about whatever it is, of course, but it’s a by-product of the good changes that have taken place. He used to be more socially awkward and a whole lot more serious. Now, he smiles more, jokes more, and is slightly less of his uncle Jake in a smaller body.

It also happens to mean he gets into normal kid trouble in a way he didn’t before.

After another few excruciating seconds, Liam says, “I took your credit card and signed up for hockey skating classes at the Summit.”

I totally forget all my promises and I shriek, “You did WHAT?”

CHAPTER2

Camden

I’m waitingoutside Coach’s office, trying not to worry about why I’ve been summoned or how long this will delay me getting home. I’m also trying not to eavesdrop, but it’s hard with all the yelling leaking out from behind his closed door.

I don’t catch every single word, since Coach, the Appies’ team owner, and someone else are yelling over each other. But I do get the gist, and it’s not good. Sounds like there’s trouble between the Appies and our NHL team. A rift is not good because when push comes to shove, players are assets. Not people. We can be moved around at will. Even with contracts and agents giving some semblance of security, I’ve seen a guy dress for a game only to be pulled out of the locker room because he got traded.

But serious tension between an NHL team and their affiliate isnotgood.

Before I can put together any concrete details, the door is thrown open and the Appies’ owner stomps by. Larry is followed by the head of the Appies’ legal team. He winces when we make brief eye contact.

Definitelynot good.

Stepping forward, I knock lightly on the doorframe. “Hey, Coach. You wanted to see me?”