Page 57 of Defensive Desire

And I mean every word.

Dad raises his glass slightly, that subtle gesture of approval warming me more than I expect.

"Well, I'd like to meet the man who's put that smile on your face, Emma."

"Me too," Brad volunteers. "I've got questions about that check he threw in the final Vegas game."

"Well," Mom says finally, reaching for the serving spoon as if we haven't just had the most honest conversation of our adult relationship. "Yes, well. I suppose you're all right. We'll have to meet this young man properly then."

It's not acceptance. Not quite.

But it's the closest we've come in years.

Later, as I help clear the dishes, Melanie bumps her hip gently against mine.

"That was... impressive," she whispers. "I've never seen you stand up to Mom like that."

"Me neither." I admit, stacking dessert plates. "It felt..."

"Liberating?"

"Terrifying. But also... right." I smile, thinking of Logan. "He would have been proud."

"He sounds good for you." Melanie's voice carries unexpected sincerity. "I'm glad, Em. Really."

"Thanks." I hesitate, then add, "Your life is pretty great too, you know. These kids, Brad... you've built something beautiful."

She squeezes my hand and smiles. "We have different dreams, Emma. But both are valid."

When I leave that night, Mom presses a small package into my hands.

"A belated birthday gift," she says stiffly. "I saw it and thought of you."

I open it once I'm safely in my car, letting a vintage brass coffee scoop, delicately engraved with swirling patterns, fall into my lap.

It's beautiful. Thoughtful, even.

I run my thumb over the intricate design, something tight in my chest loosening just slightly.

It's not an apology.

But it's abeginning.

I place the scoop on the passenger seat and pull out my phone.

I survived! I text Logan.And something unexpected happened. I think I found my voice.

His response is immediate:Never doubted you for a second, Coffee Witch. Proud of you.

I lean back against the headrest, smiling up at the stars above Iron Ridge. For the first time in forever, I'm driving away from my parents' house feeling lighter, not heavier.

Chapter Fourteen

Logan

The locker room chatter hasn't stopped all week.

It's not the usual pre-season energy either. Not the kind that gets the guys hyped for the first puck drop.