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“That’s awesome, buddy.” I kneel beside him. “Where’d you get that?”

“Griffin gave it to me, and he signed it, too!” Jake beams. “He said I should keep practicing and maybe one day I’ll be out there with you guys. Then a whole bunch of the team took turns autographing it. Isn’t that super?”

My chest tightens. Jake’s hope, his innocence … it’s everything I never realized I was missing.

“You keep practicing, and I’ll make sure of it,” I say, my voice softer than I intend.

Jake’s grin lights up his entire face. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

And just like that, I’m a total goner.

Later in the day, while Jake’s busy testing his slapshot skills at one of the activity stations, I spot Wes leaning against the bar, a knowing grin on his face.

“Don’t.” I point at him as I approach.

“Don’t what?” Wes’s eyes sparkle with amusement. “Point out the fact that you’ve got it bad for Abby? Because buddy… it’s written all over your face.”

I groan, rubbing the back of my neck. “Is it that obvious?”

“Painfully.” Wes smirks. “And let me guess… she’s still holding back?”

I sigh, my gaze drifting to where Abby’s talking to one of the event coordinators, her smile warm but her posture guarded.

“Yeah.” My voice is quieter now. “I don’t know if I’m pushing too hard or if I’m not pushing enough. I don’t want to scare her away, but…”

“But you’re falling for her.”

I meet Wes’s gaze, and for once, he’s not joking.

“Hard,” I admit softly.

Wes nods, his grin fading into something more serious. “Beck… she’s been through a lot. Give her space. Let her come to you when she’s ready.”

I exhale slowly. “And if she never is?”

“Then at least you’ll know you gave it everything.”

His words hit harder than I expect. And I know he’s right.

Butwaiting?

That’s the hardest part.

As the event winds down, I find myself standing by the rink, watching Jake skate with the other kids. He’s fearless, laughing as he races around, and I can’t help but wonder…

What if this is what I’m supposed to be a part of?

But then I glance at Abby, and I sense a moment of clarity coming over me.

She’s watching Jake too, her expression soft. I wonder if her heart is still wrapped up in layers that I haven’t been able to fully unravel.

Am I doing the right thing by giving her space? Or am I just delaying the inevitable?

The truth hits me harder than a slapshot to the chest. I need to know where I stand with Abby. Before I fall any deeper.

As Jake skates toward me, his grin wide and full of joy, I make a silent promise to myself.