Page 57

Byron

I don’t even have time to brace for the celebratory hug from my teammates, my eyes are glued to the five-foot-nothing pipsqueak standing on her seat with her arms thrown over her head.

Her smile takes up her entire face. It’s at that moment that I realize I can’t let her slip through my grips again.

Lola is waiting for me the moment I step off the ice.

“You did it, baby!” she yells. I use my thumb to wipe away the tears. I know she is kicking herself for crying in front of thousands of people but I love how vulnerable she’s letting herself be.

“Do you think he’s proud of me?” I barely choke the words before a few of my teams pat me on the shoulder as they head into the locker room to shower.

Once my focus is back on her she tells me earnestly, “He is proud of you.”

Her green eyes lock on to mine and some of the pain that’s been sitting on my shoulders eases .

“I’m sorry I haven’t been so present lately.

I just wanted to soak in every minute I had with my dad.

Then I was nervous about how my mom was going to handle all of this.

” I take a deep breath trying to get my rambling under control.

“I’m not pushing you away. I hope you know that I need you now more than ever. ”

Her eyes grow soft and shine with so much love. She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me into a kiss.

“And I’m not running.”