Page 72 of Hot for the Hockey Player (The Single Moms of San Camanez: The Vino Vixens #2)
As hard as I tried to become indifferent when it came to my father, it was damn near impossible.
Every time I thought of him, every time I had to discuss him and the lawsuit with Gabrielle, my heart hurt.
Because yeah, this man was supposed to love me.
Support me. Regardless of whether I did what he wanted me to do, or I if followed my own passion.
That wasn’t how the Roy family operated.
At least the one I came from.
My new family, the family I chose, operated like that though, and I was grateful that they welcomed me into their world with open arms. I was, however, expected to “earn my keep” as Gabrielle teased, and help out during the busy season of hosting tourists, picking grapes, and crushing.
But I didn’t mind. I learned so much my first year and loved that I was a contributing member of the Westhaven Winery family.
My presence also seemed to boost tourism a bit since a lot of people said they came to the island and vineyard specifically to meet me.
While I didn’t want my celebrity status to overshadow the winery, if I could talk those people into buying a bottle—or a case of wine—then I figured my influencer status wouldn’t be considered such an inconvenience.
Not that Gabrielle or her cousins ever indicated that it was.
“We do this a lot,” Laurel said, scraping the bottom of her yogurt cup. “Stand around eating yogurt in the kitchen.”
I snagged Gabrielle’s eyes, and they crinkled at the corner.
“I like it,” I said matter-of-factly before scooping the last bit of my strawberry-kiwi into my mouth. “A family that stands in the kitchen eating yogurt together, stays together.”
The kids both snorted and rinsed out their cups before putting them in the recycling. I took Gabrielle’s from her and did the same with ours.
“I’m gonna go do some editing on that show we recorded yesterday,” Damon said, heading to his room.
“I’m going to go read,” Laurel added, taking off to her room.
Their doors clicked shut, and I grabbed my woman around the waist and hauled her against me. She smiled serenely up at me as she linked her fingers behind my neck. “I know I’ve said this before, but … I really am sorry for how things turned out with your dad and your brother.”
I shook my head and tightened my grip on her hips. “I still have one brother who’s not a moron. And I’m still going to hold out hope for my mom.” I shrugged. “Maybe my dad will die and my mom will find the courage to reach out.”
Her eyes widened at my cavalier attitude.
“Yes, it hurts, but I know deep down I’ve done nothing wrong.
I’ve also been wondering if maybe part of the reason my dad has been so adamant that Riot and I should have stood by Rebel is because maybe my dad is guilty of something from when he was a player.
Sexual harassment and assault were even more prevalent and ‘accepted’ back then than it is now. ”
Her nod was small. “I have wondered that too. No women have come forward, but I did put a PI on it for a few weeks to see if we could find anything to help with our case.” She played with the hair at the nape of my neck.
“I just hate to see you hurting. Because we both know you are. You put on this brave, everything-is-okay face, but it’s not. ”
A sharp, spiky ball hung thick at the back of my throat.
“I know. Everything is not okay right now … but it will be. Justice will prevail. I have to believe that.” I pressed my forehead to hers.
“How are you doing? He was pretty relentless dragging your name and family through the mud too. All that stuff about your ex.”
A small shudder rippled through her and where my fingers had pried the hem away from her waistband and rested against her skin, goosebumps rose up.
“Yeah, it hasn’t been easy. But we’re managing.
You and I both know we did nothing wrong.
Everyone that matters to us knows that and believes it.
But I’m not going to lie and say that the entire island learning all of my dirty laundry hasn’t taken its toll. ”
“We should get away when the judge gives his ruling. Regardless of what it is, take the kids to Europe for a month or two. Just get away from all of this.”
Her mouth opened, then closed as unease crawled into her eyes.
“What’s the matter?”
“I … I don’t have a passport. I’ve never been on a plane. I’ve never left the continental United States.”
How did I not know this?
Smiling, I pressed my lips to hers in a quick, chaste kiss. “Well, then we definitely need to change that. A family backpack trip right before the crazy summer starts with all the tourists.” Then I hauled out my phone and brought up my favorite vacation package website.
Her hand on mine, over my phone, stopped me and I turned to face her again. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
I lifted one shoulder. “I’ve heard rumors that I might be.”
She smirked, that coppery twinkle I loved back in her eyes. “Thank you for being patient with me. For loving me. For loving my kids. This has been a hard year, but it’s also been a wonderful year. I just need you to know that.”
Spinning her around, I lifted her up and plunked her peach of a Pilates ass on the counter.
She spread her legs so I could step in closer.
“I’ve never been happier than I have been this year.
Even with all the shit with my dad, being here on the island with you, the kids and your family, and getting to know all these kooky islanders, has been more rewarding and energizing than any hockey game. My heart is full.”
“So … a trip?” She bit her bottom lip. “Where are you thinking?”
“Anywhere, baby. Where have you always wanted to go?”
Her eyes grew watery but the excitement in them was unmistakable. “I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and tour the vineyards there. Stay at a villa in Tuscany, sit on the veranda and drink wine as the sun sets over the hills.”
I punched in Tuscany. “Tuscany it is.”
Then we spent the next hour cuddled up on the couch, researching on my phone places to stay, thoughts of my father long gone, with nothing but hope and anticipation for the future in our hearts.
Because no matter what happened, with Gabrielle by my side, it was going to be one hell of a wonderful, beautiful life. And I, for one, was here for it.