Page 24

“Rulers?” Jake’s brow furrows.

“Wait for it…”

As if on cue, Biscuit saunters into the room, her fluffy orange tail held high like she owns the place.Which basically she does.Mitts, my black and white tuxedo cat, follows closely behind, while Hat Trick—a mischievous tabby—peeks around the corner, his green eyes full of curiosity.

“Whoa! Yeah, that’s right! You have cats!” Jake drops to his knees, his face lighting up with pure delight. “Hi, guys!”

Biscuit, ever the diva, sniffs the air and approaches Jake cautiously. The moment Jake sits down and extends his hand, she nuzzles against it, purring loudly.

“She likes you,” I say, amused as Mitts circles Jake, inspecting him like he’s a new recruit on the team.

“Biscuit’s the boss,” I explain, crouching beside Jake. “Mitts keeps the peace. And Hat Trick…”

“Where’s Hat Trick?” Jake asks, glancing around.

“Right… there.”

Before I can finish, Hat Trick pounces—leaping onto Jake’s lap and sending him into a fit of giggles.

“Whoa!” Jake laughs, his hands gently stroking the playful tabby. “Hat Trick, you’re funny!”

“Careful,” I warn with a grin. “He’s a sneaky one. Always looking for an opening.”

Abby watches from the sidelines, her arms folded but her expression soft. Her eyes follow Jake’s every movement, and I can see it—the warmth, the affection, but also the flicker of hesitation.

She’s still afraid.

I get it.

But seeing Jake so happy—so completely at ease—makes me even more determined to show Abby that this…

This could be their home, too.

***

As Jake continues bonding with the cats, I glance at Abby and motion for her to join me in the kitchen. She follows, her expression guarded but curious.

“I, uh… wanted to ask you something,” I begin, keeping my voice low. “About something special for Jake.”

Her brow furrows slightly. “Special?”

“Yeah.” I pull out my phone and scroll to the email about VIP Kids’ Day. I hand it to her, watching as her eyes skim the details.

“It’s a charity event,” I explain softly. “The team’s hosting it for kids from underserved communities—giving them a chance to experience hockey firsthand. We’re raising money for scholarships, equipment, and after-school programs.”

Her eyes lift to mine, and I see something flicker there—something warm and unguarded. “That’s… amazing, Beck.”

I shrug, but my heart pounds harder than it should. “Hockey gave me everything. I just want to give back. Make sure kids who wouldn’t normally get a chance… get one.”

Her lips part, but no words come out.

“And I want Jake to be part of it,” I continue softly. “I’ve got VIP passes. He’ll get to tour the locker room, skate on the practice rink… meet the whole team.” I know he’s done a little of that already, but this will be a more structured event, and I think he’ll really enjoy being part of a group of kids.

Jake’s laughter echoes from the living room, making both of us glance toward him.

“He would love that,” Abby murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.

Okay then, here goes.