Page 14 of The Love Comeback (Glaciers Hockey #3)

Chapter Twelve

Ella

“Come on!” Colton urges as he bounces just outside of the driver’s side door. “Let’s go! We’re gonna be late.”

“We’re not late,” I mutter, shaking my head. However, I can’t help but smile at his urgency. Skating lessons with Kade have become such a staple in his life, and I love seeing the light back in his eyes.

Inside, the familiar chill of the rink greets us, and Colton immediately spots Kade standing by the boards in his Glaciers warm-up jacket. Colton speeds off toward him, and a sense of warmth settles in my chest at the sight.

Maybe it’s not so bad having Kade around after all. Maybe we can be … friends. For Colton’s sake. It’s okay to let Kade back into my life as a friend, right ?

The only thing that matters is that I don’t fall for him again.

“Kade!” Colton calls out, his voice echoing in the cavernous space.

Kade turns, and the smile that spreads across his face at the sight of Colton makes something in my chest flutter traitorously. He high-fives Colton with enthusiasm, then glances up, his eyes finding mine across the distance. His smile softens as he waves hello.

I wave back, trying to ignore the way my heart picks up speed.

By the time I reach the two of them, Colton is mid-story about how Aaron is going to be trying out for the travel hockey team this spring. His words are tumbling out in an excited rush. I catch the tail end as I approach.

“—and they get these super cool jerseys with their names on the back and everything!” Colton says, dropping his bag to gesture with both hands.

“That does sound pretty awesome,” Kade agrees, his eyes briefly meeting mine over Colton’s head.

“Kade, do you think—” Colton’s voice suddenly drops. “Do you think I’d be ready to maybe try out, too? I mean, I know I’m not as good as Aaron yet, but maybe if we practice extra hard?”

The hope in his voice is so raw that it makes my throat tight.

Kade crouches down to Colton’s eye level. “You’ve got natural talent, buddy. I’ve seen it from day one. You’ve got good instincts, and you work hard. I can definitely get you ready for hockey tryouts, assuming Ella’s okay with it. ”

Colton’s entire face lights up, as if someone just flipped on a switch inside him. He looks back at me, seeking confirmation, approval, permission—all of it wrapped up in one hopeful glance.

“Can I?” he asks.

And that’s when I realize—this isn’t just about hockey for him. It’s about belonging and connection . It’s about finding his place.

“I think we can give it a shot,” I say, swallowing the internal panic so as not to dim the light in his eyes.

“But it’ll take some serious work,” Kade adds, standing up. “Tryouts are what, six weeks away?”

Colton nods.

“Then we better get to work.” Kade ruffles Colton’s hair. “Put your skates on. We’ll start with some new drills today.”

As Colton darts off to the bench to lace up, Kade turns to me, his expression shifting to something more serious.

“I hope that was okay,” he says quietly.

I nod, appreciating his consideration. “He really wants this.”

But I honestly have no idea what I just agreed to, and that causes a wave of dread to wash over me.

Kade studies my face, and I have the distinct feeling he’s reading between the lines.

But before he can say anything else, Colton calls out, “I’m ready, let’s go! ”

With a nod, Kade heads toward the ice, where Colton is waiting by the gate, already laced up and bouncing on the rubber mats. I make my way to the bleachers, settling into what’s become my usual spot, close enough to watch but far enough to give them space.

Kade leads Colton through a series of warm-up drills, his voice carrying across the rink.

There’s something mesmerizing about watching him teach—the way he demonstrates each move, the patience with which he corrects Colton’s form, the genuine enthusiasm he shows for every improvement, no matter how small.

“That’s it!” he calls out as Colton successfully navigates around a series of cones. “Now try it again, but keep your head up this time. You want to be able to see the play developing around you.”

Colton responds in earnest, doing exactly as instructed.

“Nice job!” Kade gives him a thumbs-up. “You’re getting it. Now let’s work on those crossovers. They’re crucial for tryouts.”

For the next twenty minutes, I watch as Kade breaks down the complex footwork of a hockey crossover, showing Colton how to push with one foot while crossing the other over, generating power while turning.

It’s clear from Kade’s patient repetition and Colton’s determined attempts that this is challenging, but neither of them shows any sign of giving up .

When Colton finally executes a clean crossover, Kade’s face lights up with genuine pride. He gives Colton an encouraging pat on the shoulder, and my nephew beams as if he’s just won Olympic gold.

“Did you see that, Ella?” he calls out to me, executing another wobbly but successful crossover.

“I did!” I call back, giving him a thumbs-up. “Looking good out there!”

His smile grows even wider, and he turns back to Kade for his next instruction, eager to soak up every bit of knowledge.

As they continue with the lesson, I shift to a quieter corner of the bleachers and pull out my phone. I need to know exactly what we’re looking at financially if Colton makes this team. I open my browser and search for information about the spring travel team.

The web page showcases smiling kids in matching jerseys lifting trophies and celebrating goals. But as I click through to the registration and fee pages, my stomach sinks lower and lower.

League fees: $1,200 per season.

Tournament fees: $300-$500 per tournament, 4-6 tournaments per season.

Travel expenses: Varies, but plan for hotel stays, meals, gas for away games.

Equipment requirements: Full gear in good condition, often including team-specific items .

The numbers blur together as I scroll, each one feeling like another door closing. The total cost would be well over $5,000 for the season. My fingers tremble slightly as I open my banking app, though I already know what I’ll find.

After rent, utilities, groceries, basic living expenses, and the small amount I try to put away each month for emergencies, there’s hardly anything left.

A notification pops up on my screen, reminding me that my car insurance payment is due next week. Another $175 that I’ll have to carefully budget around.

I quickly close my banking app with a heavy sigh, the harsh truth of our situation settling over me like a dark cloud.

Katie and Brett’s passing not only left an emotional void in our lives, but also a significant financial burden.

With his parents having more debt than assets and no life insurance, Colton didn’t receive much inheritance.

I’ve been meticulously budgeting my meager teacher salary with what little Social Security survivor benefits we receive to cover our basic needs. And while my new teaching job came with a raise, it’s certainly not enough to cover an immediate $5,000 expense.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

When I open them again, I look up to see Colton attempting a spin on the ice, laughing as he wobbles and nearly falls. Kade catches him by the arm, steadying him, and they’re both grinning like it’s the most fun they’ve had all day .

The joy on Colton’s face is so pure, so unrestrained. He doesn’t know much about rent payments or insurance premiums or the cost of travel teams. He just knows that he loves hockey, that he’s good at it, and that he wants to be out there on the ice with a team around him.

I take another deep breath and tuck my phone away.

Maybe I can pick up some tutoring gigs or some side hustle.

Because one thing’s for certain—I’m not going to be the one to dim that light in Colton’s eyes. Not if there’s anything I can do to keep it shining.

As the lesson wraps up, Colton skates over to the boards where I’m now standing, his cheeks flushed with exertion and excitement.

“Did you see me?” he asks, breathless. “Did you see how I did those crossovers at the end? Kade says they were really good!”

I smile, reaching out to brush a sweaty strand of hair from his forehead. “You were amazing out there. I’m so proud of how hard you’re working.”

“Thanks. Kade says if I keep practicing like this, I’ll definitely be ready for tryouts,” he says, his eyes shining.

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” I assure him, admiring his hope and determination. “We’ll make sure you’re ready.”

And I’ll try to figure out a way to pay for it…