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MAGGIE

A little over a year later…

It’s amazing what can happen in a year.

Calla’s walking now. And falling down. And getting right back up again. Our curious girl is into absolutely everything. She keeps JT and me on our toes, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

She’s got her daddy’s hazel eyes and my blonde hair. She loves to give hugs and kisses. She hates bedtime, but sleeps through the night like a champ. Her Aunt Viv makes sure she’s always wearing the cutest outfits, and her Uncle Mickey is wrapped around her tiny little finger.

But he’s not the only one.

As a matter of fact, as the lights shine down on the ice in front of us and a disembodied voice announces the hometown players, all eyes are on Portland’s brand new goalie.

After the Wolves’ season ended, Diana called her marker, so JT and I picked up our family and moved across the country. We love it here already. It’s only September, but we’re already adjusting. JT’s garnered lots of media attention, and he deserves every bit of it.

And while the fans love having him in the net, his cheering section might be screaming the loudest. I’m a former cheerleader, after all, and Calla’s a baby. We know how to get loud.

But Uncle Hudson might be cheering the loudest.

He’s got Calla in his arms because those two are inseparable despite the fact that we now live on opposite coasts. Uncle Hudson calls almost daily, and Calla squeals when she sees his face on my phone.

He’s completely smitten with our little girl, and that’s one of the things that’s helped heal his relationship with JT. We’re all at a better place now, and Calla is thriving because of it.

The actions starts and my eyes are glued to the ice. It’s funny, because a year ago, I’d have guessed Uncle Hudson would pass the baby to me so he could scrutinize every second of play. Instead, I’m the one clocking the puck and watching my husband do what he does best. My uncle’s making faces at Calla as she bounces up and down in his lap. She’s not the only one with his love and devotion, though.

Jules sits on Uncle Hudson’s other side, her head resting on his shoulder and her hand wrapped protectively around her belly.

I’d like to think that my grandparents and even my mom are looking down on us. I imagine they’d be proud of how far we’ve come.

And I can’t wait to see where life’s adventures take us next.

The End