Page 18 of The Home Game: An M/M Hockey Romance

The following day, Antoni was surprised to get home from school and find a vehicle in the driveway. It looked vaguely familiar but he couldn’t quite place it.

It seemed a little ordinary to belong to one of Matty’s teammates.

“Hey!” he called out when he walked in from the garage and Matty responded.

Antoni kicked off his shoes, then hung his jacket on a hook. The mudroom was fully outfitted with cubbies, hooks, and bins for each one of them. God, Charlie was great. He’d really thought of everything they’d need.

Antoni stepped into the kitchen. Matty stood by the island and Antoni tilted his head in confusion. “Who is—”

Judy Chapman, the social worker for the kids stepped forward and he blinked. “Oh, hi, Judy. Sorry I’m running a bit behind my usual schedule. There was heavy traffic.” He smiled and tried to make it as sincere as possible.

He liked her and like he’d told Alexis yesterday, he knew she had nothing but the kids’ best interests at heart. But still, he hated the surprise visits. They made him anxious, even when he knew he hadn’t done anything to be worried about.

She smiled. “Not a problem. I tried calling earlier to tell you I was on my way but you didn’t answer.”

“I’m sorry about that,” he said. “I was on the 401 at the time and obviously I didn’t want to answer my phone while I was driving. I was planning to see who called when I got home.”

He should have synced his phone with Matty’s SUV so he could talk hands-free but he’d be getting the van back soon.

“No, I completely understand. And it’s no problem. Your parents were here when I arrived and Mr. Carlson just got home a few minutes ago.”

“Matty,” he said with a smile. “I feel weird being called Mr. Carlson.”

“Matty,” she said, smiling warmly before she turned to face Antoni. “And nothing to be concerned about. I just wanted to see how the kids were doing with the move.”

“Oh, uh.” Antoni cleared his throat, feeling off-kilter. He’d expected this check in but maybe not quite so soon. “Yes, of course. I understand why you’d want to see how things were going for us.”

“I’m impressed with how quickly you’ve all settled in,” she said.

“Uhh, yeah, it’s gone well,” Antoni said trying not to fidget nervously. “Matty’s team was a big help.”

“So I understand,” she said with a laugh. “Alexis spoke about them at length. It’s good to see her so animated.”

“It is,” Antoni agreed, relaxing a little. “She’s excited about hockey.”

“And River showed me everything in her room. She seems to love it. Eli sounded over the moon about their room as well.”

“Yes,” Antoni smiled. “All the kids seem to be happy with their new spaces. It was an extremely generous moving-in gift from Matty and the team.”

“I am glad to see how much more support you have now. That has been our greatest concern in all of this. We know you’re a wonderful caretaker but four kids is a lot for one person to manage—”

He opened his mouth to point out he had his parents and brother and his family but Judy held up a hand and kept going.

“I’m not dismissing the help your family has given you. Not at all. A network of reliable support is important. However, they are not with you overnight. And although it would never exclude you from getting custody, your mother’s health is also a factor. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease where relapses hit suddenly and with little warning. If she were to experience that, it would impact all of you.”

Antoni nodded.

“We are simply trying to be sure that you have as much support as possible. And please believe me when I say that I am not knocking the job you’ve done taking care of these children. It is clear that they are well-loved and well-cared for. But I think you can also admit that it’s difficult and stressful at times.”

“Of course,” Antoni assured her. “And thank you. I am certainly doing my best but you’re right, it can be difficult and stressful occasionally. But between my family and Matty and his team, it’s starting to feel a lot easier.”

“Good. The kids seem happy about the move and it’s great to see them embracing your partner playing a bigger role in their lives. That’s extremely encouraging.”

“Uhh,” Antoni said, glancing over at Matty, whose brow had wrinkled in confusion. “Did they say something about that?”

“Oh, yes. Alexis and Eli both said how much they like Matty. Both having him around and as a partner for you. Alexis especially.” She dug through her bag on the stool next to her.

“Um,” Antoni said, clearing his throat. “I, uh—”

“Now, there’s just a little bit of paperwork that must have slipped your mind. I know when we spoke initially you said you were dating someone and then shortly after, you said you’d be caring for the children solo. It’s no problem that your relationship status has changed. Sometimes it takes a little while for the partner to adjust to the idea of suddenly having a family they weren’t prepared for but they come around. We just need some information from Mr. Carlson—uhh, Matty—so we can have it on record.”

She huffed and straightened. “Shoot. I apologize. The visit was a last-minute addition to my schedule and I must not have moved the paperwork from my bigger bag to this one. I’ll grab it from the car and be right back.”

When the door shut behind her, Antoni muttered, “What the fuck?”

Matty gave him a helpless shrug.

Antoni continued. “What … is she someone else who thinks we’re dating? You said your coach assumed it and I know my lawyer did and …”

Matty looked equally confused. “I think Judy might think that but I’m not quite sure. I just got home from practice and lunch with the new coach. I wasn’t around when she talked to the kids but your parents said that was okay …”

“Yeah, no, that’s totally normal. They like to talk to the kids one-on-one,” Antoni assured him. “But shit, what do we do? I don’t want the kids to lie about us dating! What if when Alexis overheard us talking last night, she assumed that meant she had to lie?”

“Maybe?” Matty said quietly. “I mean, I can kinda see how it would seem to her …”

“Yeah, but … we’re not sharing a bedroom.” Antoni considered it. “Eli might not think about that but Alexis would, right?”

“Probably?”

“Fuck! I don’t know what to do! If Alexis told her that, I feel like if I go back on it now it’ll cause more problems.”

Matty shrugged, then hesitated. “We could go along with it.”

“I—I don’t feel good about lying to the social worker. She’s a good person. She’s just looking out for the kids’ welfare.”

“I know. But …” Matty looked uncertain. “But if it helps your custody …”

“And I’m really not good with the kids lying to anyone!” Antoni hissed.

“Of course not! I’m not either,” Matty said. “I mean, not that it’s my call but …”

Alexis walked in. “Hey, now that Judy’s gone, can I get a snack? I’m starving.”

“Yeah, of course you can,” Antoni said. “Grab whatever you want. But she’s not gone. She wants Matty to fill out some paperwork because she thinks we’re dating. Did you have something to do with that?”

“Umm, maybe?”

“Alexis!” he protested. “What on earth were you thinking?”

The sound of the door opening made Antoni’s heartrate spike.

“Just play along,” Alexis hissed and Antoni bugged his eyes out, then glanced wildly at Matty for help just before Judy came around the corner.

“Oh, hello, Alexis,” she said with a smile.

Alexis smiled back. “Sorry to interrupt. I’m just grabbing a snack. Matty’s been teaching Uncle Antoni to cook. Did I tell you he’s showing me how to make all of these awesome vegetarian snacks? Have you ever had roasted chickpeas? They’re really yummy.”

“I have not,” Judy said. “But I’ll make note of those things in your file. It’s great that you’re learning to cook more, Antoni, and I’m delighted to hear Matty’s been a big part in that.”

“He’s been a huge help,” Antoni said weakly. “I don’t know what I’d do without him.”

Which was true, but Jesus Christ, what the fuck was happening right now?

“So, Matty,” Judy said with a smile. “How about you fill out these forms right now?”

“I’d be happy to,” he said and Antoni shot him a look as he took a seat at the counter beside Judy.

But what could any of them do at this point? They’d just make it worse if they tried to untangle this mess now.

“So, how did you two meet?” Judy asked.

“Uhhh,” Antoni said. “Um …”

“Well, come on, tell her about the fact that you took one look at Matty and knew he was the one,” Alexis said, her tone teasing.

Antoni smiled while trying not to have a panic attack. The little shit was having fun with this! And God, he loved seeing Alexis happy and playful again, but not like this!

“That sounds an awful lot like the story of when my parents met,” Antoni managed tightly, though he kept a smile on his face.

“Yep!” Alexis grinned. “Just like that. Make sense that you and Matty would run into each other though since Uncle Enzo and Aunt Eliza live two streets over, right?”

“That does make sense,” Antoni admitted through clenched teeth.

“Oh how sweet,” Judy said with a smile. “I knew my wife was the one when I met her too.”

“Yeah?” Antoni asked. He hadn’t even known Judy was a lesbian. Or bi. He shouldn’t assume. After all, look at Matty. He’d totally missed that one.

“Yeah, we were at a Pride event actually,” Judy said, her tone fond.

“Oh, I love marching at Pride,” Matty said, grinning. “Did you know the team has been doing that for years? Before anyone on the roster came out.”

“I did know that. I’ve been really pleased to see how supportive the Fisher Cats organization is. It really makes you feel like things are changing for the better, doesn’t it?” She looked between Matty and Antoni. “So what about you, Matty? Did you know Antoni was the one for you the moment you met?”

“Ahh, well,” Matty said. “Not quite. I, uh, I’m demisexual. So it was a little slower. But I just … I immediately felt a draw to get to know him and the kids.”

“Oh.” She frowned. “You weren’t dating before he had the kids? Did I misunderstand?”

Matty’s eyes widened.

Antoni scrambled to explain. Fuck, they really needed to get their stories straight. “Um, well, you see—”

“We started off as friends,” Matty blurted out and Antoni shot him a grateful look.

“Well, that’s always a great basis for a relationship,” Judy commented with an approving look.

“My mom always says it’s the best one!” Matty said with a charming smile. “That’s how my parents met and they’ve been married for decades.”

Judy tilted her head to study both of their faces. “So, just to be clear about this …”

Antoni sighed. “Judy, the truth is, I was dating a guy named Keith when Bethany and Corey died. He bailed on us. After I had some time to come to terms with it and realize that was for the best, I was—I was in the neighborhood and Matty found me in my van crying. He invited me in for a snack and to talk, and he was—he was like no one I’d ever met before. The kindest, most caring man I’d ever encountered. As we got to know each other better, our feelings grew and when it was time for me to move, it seemed like a natural choice to move in here. I hope that’s not going to create problems for my custody but I do want to be honest with you.”

Damn it, he hated lying. It didn’t feel right. This was as close to the truth as he could get without making this whole situation worse. Lying by omission was better than flat-out being dishonest, right?

Or was that just a weak attempt on his part to make himself feel better?

Judy’s smile was soft. “Of course. I don’t necessarily think there’s an issue. We just want to be sure that the children are in a stable, loving home with adequate support.”

“They are,” Antoni said firmly.

“Oh! You should tell Judy about the wedding plans!” Alexis said brightly.

Antoni let out a strangled noise. She’d been so quiet he’d almost forgotten she was there. “The wedding?”

“Yeah.” She sauntered over to the refrigerator and pulled out a can of the flavored carbonated water she was obsessed with. “You know, you and Matty getting hitched.”

Antoni stole a glance at Matty and the tips of his ears were red. Jesus, Matty was going to regret that he’d ever met Antoni and the kids.

“Alexis,” Antoni said tightly. “We—”

But she stepped closer to Judy, her expression guileless. “Look, Uncle Antoni and Matty think we don’t know. But they want to get married. They’re just worried about how it’ll look for the custody stuff since it’s so soon, but I think they’re being silly. Being married is good, right? It shows that you’re in love and committed and all that, yeah?”

Judy studied her face for a moment before she nodded. “It does, Alexis. But of course I understand their concerns.”

“You do?” Antoni said hopefully.

“Yes, it’s a big commitment. And while the court does tend to look favorably on marriage, no one would want a couple to marry only for those reasons.” Her expression was a little stern as she glanced between Matty and Antoni.

He tried not to look guilty.

“Well, of course not!” Alexis said, popping the tab on her water. “But I mean, if they’re already in love and all that, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if they decided to go to the courthouse, right? I just want Uncle Antoni and Matty to be happy together. I’d feel so bad if they weren’t getting married just because of the custody stuff, you know?” She gave Judy an angelic smile.

Antoni didn’t know if he wanted to hug her or strangle her. She looked like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, all while digging them deeper and deeper into this damn hole they’d accidentally created.

To be honest, she reminded him so much of Bethany right now.

He felt a pang in his chest. If Bethany could see her daughter now, she’d be as horrified and proud as Antoni was.

Judy’s expression softened. “That’s sweet, Alexis.”

Judy looked between Antoni and Matty, her expression assessing. “I just question if that’s really what’s happening here. I know Antoni is sleeping in the primary bedroom and Matty is in the guest house. I don’t want to make any assumptions but it does … raise a few questions.”

“Uhh, yes,” Matty said. “We … um, I felt it was important not to rush things with the kids. I wanted to be sure they were comfortable with me before we took that step. Besides, I’ve had my nose broken a few times in hockey and I worried my snoring would keep Antoni up.”

Jesus, Matty was almost as good as Alexis was at this.

“Oh.” Judy’s concerned expression smoothed out and she chuckled softly. “Well, obviously, a couple’s sleeping arrangements aren’t our business so whatever you both feel comfortable with is what’s most important. We just want to be sure that all those decisions are in the children’s best interests.”

“Of course,” Matty said. He stood and walked over to Antoni, pulling him against his side. Despite Antoni’s trepidation about the situation they were in, Matty’s touch grounded him, made him feel a little less like he was helplessly spinning toward disaster. “I just want you to know that I care about Antoni and the children. And I’ll do whatever it takes to be sure they’re safe and happy.”

Still feeling completely upside down about the whole situation, but relieved that Matty was so willing to help them navigate it, Antoni pushed away his fears and allowed himself to melt against Matty, pressing a hand to his chest. “Matty’s been incredible,” he said honestly. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through this without him. I know everything has happened quickly and believe me, I was hesitant at first too, because my priority is the kids. But the one thing I’m absolutely sure of is that I’m a better caregiver with Matty in my life and the kids are happier and healthier because of it too.”

Judy nodded. “I’m happy for all of you.”

“So they can get married soon, right?” Alexis said sweetly.

“Well, that’s up to them,” Judy said. “And, Antoni, it might be worth speaking to your attorney about that too. But from my perspective, I can’t see any reason you and Matty shouldn’t marry. We’ll get these forms filed and of course, there will be a mandatory background check on Matty, but from what I can tell, you’ve created a safe, supportive environment here for the kids and it’s clear you’re both committed to their happiness and well-being, which is exactly what I like to see.”

Antoni managed a weak smile. What in the hell kind of situation had they gotten themselves into?