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Jake leaned in a little. “Beck?”

“Yeah, champ?”

His voice drops to a whisper. “Are you gonna leave us?”

The words slam into me like a slapshot to the chest.

“I heard Mom say you might have to go to a different team.”

I stare at him, heart clenching. “I don’t want to leave, Jake.”

He smiles and nods like that settled it.

But it doesn’t. Not yet.

Still, I know one thing at that moment. The question isn’t just about where I want to go anymore.

It’s about who I don’t want to leave behind.

***

The house is quiet when I get back to Abby’s place.

Jake’s hockey gear is scattered across the living room, his stick propped against the wall. Spotty is curled up near the fireplace, snoring softly.

It feels like… home.

“Hey.” Abby’s voice is soft as she steps out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

“Hey.” The way she looks at me—like she’swaitingfor something—makes my chest ache.

“Dexter?” she asks softly.

I nod; my throat too tight to speak.

For a moment, the silence stretches between us, thick with everything we’re not saying.

“Beck…” Abby’s voice cracks just a little, and that’s all it takes to undo me.

“I don’t know what to do, Abs.”

The words spill out before I can stop them. “I love this game. I’ve loved it my whole life. But now… I loveyou. And Jake.” My voice breaks. “And I’m scared I’m going to lose it all—no matter what I choose.”

Abby’s eyes soften, but there’s pain there too. It’s the first time she’s seen me with tears in my eyes, but I just can’t contain them anymore.

“We’ll figure it out,” she whispers, her hand brushing against mine. “But you have to be honest with me, Beck.”

I swallow hard and wipe my eyes.

“Boston offered me a three-year deal,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. “A chance at the Cup. But… I’d have to leave.”

Abby’s grip on the dish towel tightens, her knuckles turning white.

“And the Ice Hawks?”

“One-year extension,” I say softly. “Then… coaching. Or management.”

Her lips press together, but I see the flicker of pain in her eyes before she looks away.