Page 38

THIRTY-EIGHT

leo

W hen I reach the Crushers’ office, I don’t bother knocking. Victoria’s dad is inside, and this conversation is long overdue. If there’s one thing I know about him, it’s that logic gets through to him—and I’m ready to lay everything out.

As humiliating as it might be, I’m even willing to pull out the skates I kept, along with the ring, to prove just how much she’s always meant to me. Because I want him to see that no one will love her or fight for her the way I will.

“Coach Jenkins, do you have a minute?” I ask from his office door.

He looks up from his computer slowly, his brow furrowed. “Leo, I’m in the middle of something right now.”

“It’s about your daughter.”

He stops what he’s doing, then nods toward a chair. “Have a seat.”

I clear my throat. “I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye. I’ve got a quick temper, and I’m probably not the guy you expected to be dating your daughter. But I’m hoping you can accept what I’m about to say with an open mind.”

He leans back in his chair, folding his arms. “Go on.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “When Victoria had the chance to go to Seattle with Peter, I encouraged her to go. I wanted her to have a shot at Nationals, even if it meant giving her up for a year.”

He looks at me, puzzled. “So, what’s the problem?”

I drag a hand through my hair. “But that’s not working... for either of us. I don’t know how to fix this distance problem, but I promise Victoria and I will come to a solution we’re both happy with—one that honors our commitments to my team and her skating partner. I don’t think one person has to give up their dreams for the sake of the other.”

He tilts his head. “Why are you here, Leo?”

My heart kicks against my ribs as I open my mouth, ready to say the most terrifying words of my life. “Because I love Victoria, and I’m here to ask for her hand in marriage. I know you might not think I’m good enough for her, but I swear, I’ll spend my life proving I am. I’ll take care of her, make her happy, and never stop fighting for her. And if that’s still not enough—if being with your daughter means losing my place on this team—I’ll walk away and play somewhere else. But know this—” I lean forward, holding his gaze. “I’m not just asking. I’m willing to earn your approval. As a player. As a man. And most of all, as the person who loves Victoria more than anything in this world... even hockey.”

For a moment, Coach Jenkins says nothing. Then he rests his elbows on the desk and folds his hands. “I have something to confess, Leo. And you can never— never —tell my wife.” He pauses, his expression unreadable. “I didn’t pair Victoria with you just because of your probation.”

I blink, my frown deepening. “Sir?”

“For years, my daughter has been unhappy. Figure skating has brought her so much anxiety, chipping at the joy she once had for the sport. I watched it drain her, little by little, every time she stepped on the ice. But the last time I saw her truly happy... was when she was with you.”

I shake my head. “I thought you pressured her to break it off?”

He exhales, rubbing his hand along his jaw. “That was my wife’s doing. Victoria’s mom was the one who made up that story about ruining your career. I always felt guilty about my silence in the matter, but our marriage hasn’t always been easy. I think my wife didn’t want Victoria to follow the same path she had. But Victoria is not her mother.” He pauses for a beat. “I’d hoped working together during your probation might bring back the smile I missed seeing on my daughter’s face.”

“So, this wasn’t about punishing me?” I ask, remembering how he drilled that point into me.

“I did want you to learn something,” he admits, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “But more than that, I wanted to see if there was still something between you. I stood by in silence once when I shouldn’t have, and I wanted to make it right. If that meant throwing you together and seeing what happened, then so be it.”

I blink, stunned by his admission. “You’re quite the matchmaker, Coach.”

“I know.” His smirk grows wider. “Don’t think you’ll get off easy in practice, though. You’re still one of my best players. As long as you put my daughter first, I’m willing to give you a chance.” He stands and extends his hand. “You have my blessing to marry Victoria.”

I clasp it firmly, and for the first time in my life, I have the ridiculous urge to hug the man—and I’m not even the hugging type.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” he admits, looking me over with approval, “but you’ve changed since I put you on probation. You remind me of someone...”

“Who?” I ask.

His grin shifts into full-on proud dad. “Me.”

I let out a surprised laugh. “Is that why you accepted my leave of absence request?”

He shakes his head. “No, you can thank Victoria for that. She made it clear how much it mattered to her. And at the end of the day... she’ll always be my little girl.”