Baylor
DESTINY, STARLIGHT, AND Mags are all staring at me. I told them about my night with Alden and Kace. They are all in shock.
“Let me get this straight.” Destiny leans in. “You got the biggest player and hottest man I’ve ever seen to take you and your son to Chuck E. Cheese’s.”
I nod.
“I think I love you.” She hugs me. “Show me your ways, Yoda.”
We all laugh as I push her away. “Alden is a nice guy.”
“How is he in bed?” Starlight asks. I had let slip about Alden and me, but I didn’t go into any details. “He’s good.” Hopefully a vague answer will be enough.
“You’re lying. Which means he’s amazing or he sucks.”
Before the girls could interrogate me some more, someone walks into the shop. “Welcome to Ink Palace.” I call out coming around the corner.
“Hi, Baylor.” Amara smiles.
“Amara.” I greet her with a hug. “What are you doing here?”
“I was wondering if we could discuss my tattoo.”
“Sure. Come back to my station.” I wave her through. “Girls, this is Amara. She’s Alden’s sister.” I introduce Amara to everyone. “Have a seat.” I point to the chair in my station.
“I wasn’t sure how to start this process.” She opens her tote purse and pulls out a post-it pad. “I wrote down some things I like.”
“How big are you thinking?”
“A half-sleeve on my upper right arm.”
“Sounds good. Let’s see the list.”
She hands me the post-it. I glance over it. Books, cooking, nursing, Alden and her mother’s names, hockey, Canada, and…a leukemia ribbon.
“Why leukemia?” Maybe a family member passed on because of it?
“I had acute myelogenous leukemia as a child. I was quite sick. I was sixteen when I finally went into remission.”
“Oh, Amara.” She had said at dinner that Alden was there for her when she was sick. I thought she meant the flu or something less scary than cancer.
“I’m okay now.” She pats my hand.
“Alden was there for you.” It’s not a question – more of an observation.
“He hardly left my side,” she proudly says. “He’s the best brother ever.”
I smile. “Are you thinking color or black and gray?” I change the topic of Alden to something I can concentrate on.
“I’m thinking black and gray with pops of color.”
I grab my book and flip open to a tattoo I did a couple of years ago. It was roses with a lace background. It has color and black and gray. I mainly do color but black and grays are my second favorite to do.
“I love it.”
“When do you want to do it?”
“I’m turning twenty-one next month. Is that enough time for you? I don’t want to rush you.”
“That’s more than enough time.” I grab my paper and quickly draw out her upper arm. I try to get a measurement to see what I’m working with. I keep her list and my notes.
“Thank you, Baylor. I need to go. I have a job interview.”
“Huh?” I assumed she didn’t have to work.
“My clinicals are almost over and I hate relying on Alden. He’d never take any money from me, but I need to pay my own way.”
“It’s nice he takes care of you.” It is. “Where’s your interview?” She tells me at a small bistro. She doesn’t sound thrilled about it. “Um…Amara, would you like to work here?”
She blinks at me as if there’s something in her eye. “Really? I’m not an artist.”
“Oh no.” I shake my head. “I need a receptionist. Someone to take appointments and answer phones, things like that. Maybe run a broom and mop every once in a while.”
Amara jumps off the chair and hugs me. “Oh my God! Thank you!”
“Don’t thank me too much. I can only pay minimum wage.”
“It’s perfect.” She holds me tighter. “You don’t even know how much I need this.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
“When do you want me to start?” She releases me and steps back.
“How about tomorrow?”
“I have clinicals in the morning, may I come over after?”
“Sounds perfect.”
Amara hugs me again before she practically skips out of the shop. I know the girls will get along with her like I do. She’s a good person and hearing her childhood tragedy makes me like her even more. I go back to work since I have clients all day today and I love it.
AS I’M RUSHING Kace into hockey practice my phone dings. It’s an email from INK America. I had checked Alden’s schedule and made sure he was in town for the shoot. Actually, the entire thing is because of him. I don’t think it’s only because of my work. Maybe some of it. As Kace heads to the locker room to change I email them back and confirm the date and time.
Alden: When’s our next date?
I can’t help the smile on my face from seeing his text. He wants to go out again.
Me: INK America confirmed the date of the shoot.
Alden: Not the answer I’m looking for, but I’ll be sure to add it to my schedule.
Me: Aren’t you taking Kace skating tomorrow?
Alden: Yes. Come along and we can make a date of it.
Me: I can’t skate.
Alden: I’ll teach you.
I’m certain he can teach me a lot of things.
Me: Fine.
I see no point in arguing because, between him and Kace, I’ll lose either way. Hell, I originally figured Alden would turn me down when I suggested the family friendly date. I had no clue he’d say yes.
I watch Kace’s practice and when he’s done we go home. The crockpot is waiting for us with a full meal of chicken and rice. We work on his homework, then he’s asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. My exhaustion is catching up to me as I finish some quarterly paperwork. I’m on my way to bed when the buzzing of my cell phone interrupts me.
Rocco: I want to see Kace tomorrow.
I sigh. He has the worst timing ever.
Me: He can’t see you tomorrow.
Rocco: Are you trying to keep him from me?
Me: No. He has school and hockey practice.
Rocco: Why is my son playing some pussy sport?
I roll my eyes. He’s is such an ass.
Me: He’s very good. He can’t miss any practices either. What about this weekend?
Rocco: I’m in Buffalo at a convention. I’ll see if I have the time.
“Figures.” I mumble and put my phone on the nightstand. I’m not going to tell Kace until Rocco is certain he’s coming.
If he comes.
AMARA COMES IN right after her clinicals. The girls welcome her with open arms. I show her how to work the phones and take appointments with our book. It’s simple and she catches on quickly. Although, it’s not rocket science.
“Amara, seeing anyone special? Or are you a single chick who enjoys being single?” Starlight inquires.
“Single but sort of talking to someone.” Amara blushes.
“Ooohhh…” Destiny rolls over to the counter on her stool. “Tell us all about it.”
“He’s just a guy.” Amara shrugs.
“That means he’s hot.” Starlight joins in. “We need details.”
“Well…” Amara pauses. “We’re just flirting back and forth. He’s a friend of my brothers.”
I gasp. “Oh my God, is he a Bear?” Now I want to know.
“Yes.” Amara confirms.
“Who? Who?” Now we’ve all gathered around her like a bunch of high school girls talking about a school crush.
“I don’t want to say.” She shyly lowers her head.
“Spill it.” Mags pushes lightly on her shoulder. “We won’t tell.”
Amara sighs. “Nathan Paxton.”
“The goalie?” I think he’s a goalie if he’s the one on Kace’s poster.
“Yes.” She confirms.
“Does Alden know?” Destiny questions. It’s something I want to know as well.
“Hell no.” Amara shakes her head. “He’d kick Nathan’s ass and stop speaking to me.”
“Why?” I can’t imagine Alden being upset by such a small thing.
“Alden doesn’t believe I should date teammates.” Amara explains.
“Really? I’d think it would be better to know ‘em. He could keep tabs on ‘em.” Mags puts in her opinion.
“It doesn’t matter. Nathan knows we can’t date. I just like the attention. I’ve not had many boyfriends in my life.”
We could have sat there all day talking to Amara about her love life but clients began to come in for appointments. Amara got right to work and is a dream at it.
It’s all looking up.
KACE IS BOUNCING around me again. For the life of me, I can’t figure out where he gets his energy. It seems he’s constantly running. Today he’s at a whole new level since receiving good news from Coach Hank at practice.
“I can’t wait to tell Alden.”
“He’ll be very proud of you.” I ruffle his hair as I park the car outside the Bears arena.
“Can you believe I get to skate here?” Kace’s eyes are wide.
“I’m not sure how Alden pulled this off.” I mumble. He probably flirted his way to get access to the Bears ice rink.
Kace carries his skates over his shoulder and his two sticks. The smile is still bright on his face. I love he’s happy again. I’ve not mentioned a word about Rocco texting. I don’t want to ruin his day.
We give our names to the security guard who escorts us to the Bears locker room. He knocks on the door and Alden opens it.
“Hey, guys, come on in.” He waves us in.
“Oh wow.” Kace gasps.
I mirror his expression as I stare at the locker room. There’s no jerseys or equipment hanging but the stalls are a deep brown stain and the floor a dark yellow. The Bears logo is in the middle of it all.
“Over here is where you can lace up, bro.” Alden sits him next to his stall. “Baylor, you’re here.” He pats the stall on the other side of him.
“She doesn’t have skates.” Kace informs him.
“That’s okay.” Alden stands and pulls a box from his top cubby. “I got you some to wear.” He hands me the box.
“How did you know my size?” I open it up and a pair of black hockey skates stare back at me.
“Trust me, they’ll fit.” He winks, and I feel the blood rushing to my cheeks. He said the exact statement when we had sex. I really didn’t think he’d fit.
“Thank you.” I begin to put the skates on.
Since I’ve never skated before I’m quite wobbly when I stand up. Alden has to hold my hand as Kace leads us toward the tunnel and out to the ice. The majority of the lights are off, except the rink itself. Kace and Alden jump on the ice without any issues. On the other hand, I just stand by the door.
“Come on, Mom.” He waves me out but I don’t move.
Alden comes back over to me and holds out his hand. “I’ve got you.”
“I’m going to fall.”
“You might, but then I’ll help you get back up and kiss your boo-boos.” His sexy smirk isn’t helping my already knocking knees.
I put one skate on the ice and then the other. I hold Alden’s hand tighter than ever before. I might even break it.
“Walk. Just walk,” Alden tells me.
I pick up my feet and then set them back down.
“Now, slide forward.” Alden continues holding onto me.
My brain understands what I’m supposed to do, but my feet, as usual, don’t corporate and they go in different directions,
“Oh!” I yelp as I begin to fall.
“Gotcha.” Alden wraps his arms around me, holding me close to his body. “Fuck you’re hot.”
“Stop flirting,” I whisper.
“Mom, are you okay?” Kace races over to us.
Alden releases me a bit but still has a firm grip on my waist. “I’m okay.”
“You can do it, Mom. I’ll help.” He reaches for my free hand.
“Thank you, baby, but I think I should just sit down.” I tug on Alden. “I’m going to break a leg.”
He chuckles. “Nah, but I understand.” With the help from both of them, I sit back down on the bench.
For the next hour, I watch Alden give Kace hockey lessons. Stick handling, slap shots, skating techniques, and more advice to keep Kace intrigued and happy. I feel bad because all these years he’s never had a male role model or real father figure in his life. I’ve been focused on keeping the bills paid. I hadn’t realized how much Kace craves a male in his life.
“Who’s ready for food?” Alden asks as they skate over to me.
“I am.” Kace raises his hand.
“We need to celebrate again.” Alden announces. “Kace Royer is the new starting left wing of the Manchester Cubs.” He raises his arms and cheers. “Kace! Kace! Kace!”
We all laugh.
“Can we go to the hamburger diner?” My son looks between us.
“Let’s hit it, Buddy.” They fist bump and Kace heads down the tunnel. “Need help, malady?” He holds out his hand.
“Thank you.” I stable myself on the skates. “Thank you for everything.” I lower my tone. “He really enjoys talking about hockey with you.”
“Me too. It’s nice to remember when hockey was fun.” We walk together hand-in-hand.
“It’s not fun anymore?” I question.
“No, it has its moments, but there are times I’d like to take a sick day and binge watch Netflix on the couch.”
“I figured right now you’re on top of the world. Kace is counting the games down to the record.” He’s even asked to stay up late to watch the games.
“I was going to try to make it to his game on Friday, but I don’t think I’ll be able to.” Alden opens the locker room door.
I smile at him. “We know. You can’t be in two places at once.”
Alden helps me to the stall and then unlaces my skates. “Keep these and next time we’ll try again.”
I should argue there wouldn’t be another time for me, but I simply nod and take the skates from him.
Kace and he begin chatting again. My son tells him about when he first started skating. Aunt Lois is the one who taught him. She would babysit him and take him to the public rink. I remember how quickly Kace learned and loved every moment on the ice. I should have put him in hockey sooner.
I drive by myself to the diner as Kace wanted to ride with Alden. We walk in together and Kace picks out a booth for us to sit in. Again, he wants to be next to Alden. I shouldn’t be jealous, it’s actually cute.
We order drinks and food when it hits me...how is Kace going to feel after this is over? Shit! I never thought about that scenario. I can easily see how attached he is. Soon, Alden will be out of our lives and Kace is going to be the one who gets hurt.
I’m the worst mother ever.
“Baylor?”
I turn my attention to Alden.
“Are you okay?”
No. “I’m fine.”
“I have to go to the bathroom.” Kace announces and Alden moves to let him out. I watch him closely. I know he’s trying to be a little adult, but he’s my baby.
“Baylor, what’s wrong? You look sad.” Alden leans in close across the table.
I shake my head. I sure as hell don’t need to tell him my rambling thoughts.
“Come on. You can talk to me.” His tone is firm but sincere.
I say nothing.
“You know I’m going to bug you until you open up.”
I sigh. I know he will. Alden is very persistent. “It’s crazy.” Maybe that’ll back him off.
“I can deal with crazy.” He smirks.
“I didn’t think this through.” I start.
“You mean dinner?” He furrows his brow.
I attempt to explain, but Kace comes back and I clam up. I don’t want to ruin their evening. Again, Kace keeps control of the conversation as we eat. I’m grateful because it gives me time to figure out how to get out of this without hurting Kace.
There is no way.
I’m definitely not going to win Mother of the Year.
ALDEN KISSED MY cheek as we left him. On the drive back to our house Kace falls in and out of sleep. The kid has worn himself out.
My heart drops when I pull into my driveway and see Rocco on the porch. Shit! “Kace, wake up.” I nudge his shoulder. “Your dad is here.”
He opens his eyes and stares. He must think he’s dreaming.
“Go on. He’s waiting. I’ll get your stuff.”
Kace gets out of the car and goes to Rocco, but it’s not the same enthusiasm he has for Alden. I gather his backpack, hockey bag, and sticks.
“Open the door. It’s fucking freezing.” Rocco growls at me.
“Nice to see you too.” I sneer and unlock the door.
Rocco pushes past me almost dragging Kace to the couch. Rocco looks almost the exact same as he did ten years ago. The difference is he has more muscles and tattoos. His bald head has a massive eagle on the back and the wings wrap around to his temple. He has a skull with a top hat on the front of his neck and poker cards on either side. His arms are mostly American Traditional minus the gigantic back piece of an aquatic scene of topless mermaids and ships.
“Where were you?” He demands.
“I told you already.” I do my best not to argue in front of Kace, but it’s hard with Rocco.
“Kace-Kace, aren’t you glad I’m here?” He hates it when Rocco calls him Kace-Kace.
My son nods.
“You’re big for an eight year old.” Rocco pushes on his shoulder.
“I’m ten.” He corrects his father.
“Really?” He seems shocked by this information. He looks at me.
“He is.” I confirm.
“Oh well…” He pauses for a second and I almost thought he felt bad. “Your mom told me you’re playing sports. You need to go ahead and quit that shit.”
“What?” Kace and I say in unison.
“Sports are for pussies.” Rocco continues.
Kace looks at me and there are tears in his eyes. “Mom, do I have to quit?”
“Son, say goodbye to your dad and get ready for bed.” I order.
Kace sniffles and I see a tear escape as he heads to the bedroom without saying anything to Rocco.
“Have you lost your fucking mind?” I hiss at him.
“Sports suck. He needs to be learning a trade and responsibility.” He lunges back at me.
“Responsibility? What do you know about responsibility? And for your information, Kace is excellent at hockey. The coach even gave him a starting position.”
“Why? Are you fucking the coach?”
“Oh God shut up.” I raise my voice. “In fact, just go.”
“I drove all the way over here.” He stands and crosses his arms. Rocco is only a head taller than me. However, he’s rock hard and I’ve seen him fight.
I need to get him out of the house before he loses his temper. “Just go say goodbye to Kace and we’ll figure out another time for you to come back.”
“What the fuck ever?” He slams into my shoulder as he passes me and shakes the pictures on my wall when he shuts the door with all his might. He never glanced toward Kace’s room.
I drop to the couch and I cover my face with my hands. I take several deep breaths to calm my nerves.
“Mom, are you okay?” Kace softly asks as he touches my arm.
I remove my hands and look at my son. It was only yesterday he was learning to walk and now he’s a young man. “I’m fine, baby.
“Do I have to quit hockey?”
“No.” I pull him into my arms. “You’re the starting left wing for the Cubs.”
“I will if you want me to.” His voice cracks. I pull him back and his eyes are full of tears again.
“I want you to wash your face, brush your teeth, get into your pajamas, and go to bed. You have a big day tomorrow.” I kiss his cheek and send him down the hall.
I’m the world’s luckiest mother.
MY DAY HAS been insane. Work. Running errands. More work. Grab Kace from school. Quick snack in the car. Rush to the rink.
My usually hyper son hasn’t said more than ten words to me since I picked him up. When we walk toward the rink he’s completely white.
“Hey.” I grab his hand and pull him away from the small crowd around us. “Are you going to be all right?”
He’s frozen in place.
“Talk to me, Kace.”
“What if I fall? What if I don’t make a goal?”
I’m about to tell him it’s all going to be okay when my Facetime begins to ding. It’s Alden.
“Hey,” I say to him.
“Let me talk to Kace.” He orders.
I turn my phone around and hand it to Kace.
“Hi, Alden.” Kace’s voice sounds small.
“Hey, Buddy. Are you ready for your game?”
“I’m scared.” He confesses.
“I figured but don’t be. We’ve all been the same way before our games. Hell, I’m nervous about my game.”
“You are?” He’s eyes go wide.
“I sure am.”
“I didn’t think you ever get scared.”
“Well, I do. But I have a top secret trick that helps. Want to know what it is?”
Kace nods.
“Take a deep breath and quietly say, ‘I’m going to do the best I can.’ Repeat it back to me.”
My son takes a deep breath. “I’m going to do the best I can.”
“See! You got this. Don’t worry about goals or minutes on the ice. You listen to your coach and do the best you can.”
The color returns to his cheeks as does his smile. “I’ve got this.”
“I know you do, Buddy. I really wish I could be there.” There’s a sad tone in Alden’s reply. “But you can tell me all about it when I come by, okay?”
“Okay, and Alden?”
“Yeah, Buddy?”
“I know you’ll be great tonight too.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you soon.” Alden disconnects.
Kace takes another deep breath. “I’m going to do the best I can.”
I give him a second before asking, “Are you ready, Kace?” I hold out my hand.
“I’m ready.” He takes my hand and we go into the rink.
AUNT LOIS IS next to me as we cheer on Kace. He’s doing magnificently. He has already scored one goal and has one assist. I may lose my voice and my hands already hurt from clapping. I’m proud of him.
Alden: I’m about to hit the ice. How’s Buddy?
Me: GREAT! 1 goal and 1 assist.
Alden: That’s my boy!
My heart skips a beat. Alden truly is a great guy. It’s obvious he cares for Kace. I still have no clue what’s going to happen with us. This is putting me in a weird position since I can clearly see how Alden and Kace feel about each other. Someone is going to be hurt and I want it to be me instead of Kace.
I suck.
Kace’s game ends and the Cubs win by four. The kids celebrate on the ice and all the parents stand and cheer for all of them. I feel the tears building up with pride for my baby boy.
“Excuse me?” A woman in her mid-thirties comes up to Aunt Lois and me. “Are you Kace’s mother?”
“I am.” I’m a bit apprehensive of her. The mothers at Kace’s school are not the kindest ladies. It’s off-putting when females come up to me.
“I’m Timothy’s mom. Heidi.” She holds out her hand. “Timmy hasn’t stopped talking about Kace.”
“Oh Kace has been the same way.” Timmy is Kace’s new best friend. “We’ll have to let them have a day together.”
“Timmy would love it. Listen, the reason I introduced myself is because I’m the one who orders the shirts.”
“Shirts?”
“The ones with the Cubs logo and your child’s number, and then it’ll say ‘Kace’s Mom’ on it.”
“Oh, I want one that says Kace’s Aunt.” Aunt Lois jumps in.
Before I can answer her Kace comes running over to me and hugs me. He’s got to stop growing. He’s almost to my chin and he’s only ten.
“Mom, did you see the whole game?”
“I watched every second of it. You were fantastic.”
He beams and then hugs Aunt Lois, who praises him just as much.
“About the shirts?” Heidi brings my attention back into focus.
“Yes. Right. I want one,” I answer.
“One what?” Kace asks and Aunt Lois explains about the shirts. “We should get one for Alden.”
“No, baby, I don’t think—”
“He would love it, Mom. I know it.” The hopeful gleam is in his eyes.
“Well, he calls you Buddy. We’ll get one that says Kace’s Mom, Kace’s Aunt, and Kace’s Buddy,” I tell Heidi.
“Great. You can pay when they come in.” She smiles as Timmy comes up to her.
“Okay, let’s grab some dinner and head home.” I suggest.
“Mom, could we go home and eat there. The Bears are playing.” He clasps his hands together.
“All right.” I invite Aunt Lois but she says she’s tired and heads home.
When we get back to our house, I make Kace’s favorite meal of mac and cheese and hot dogs piled with ketchup and mustard. I make him take another shower before he stinks up the place.
I turn on the game as I begin to cook. I try to focus on the announcers to see if they say Alden’s name. Kace informed me tonight Alden has to get a point to tie the record and tomorrow’s game to beat the record. I’m hoping he gets it.
“Come eat, Kace.” I set his plate on the table.
“Why can’t we eat by the TV tonight?” He begs.
Normally, I would say no, but I want to see the game too. “Okay but don’t spill anything.”
“You’re the best, Mom.” He carefully picks up his plate and plops himself in front of the TV.
I sit on the couch and nibble on my food. I’m as focused on the game as Kace. There’s one period left and no one has scored yet. My stomach is in knots, and I’m not sure if my food will stay down. I hold my breath as Alden takes the ice again. Every time the puck is passed to him I can’t breathe at all.
But he comes up empty each time.
He goes back to the bench and as the camera focuses on him it’s clear to see the determination in his eyes. He wants this point. I know the look because he gave it to me when I told him no for sex. My eyes remain glued to the screen as the seconds tick down. He jumps the boards one more time. The score is still zero to zero.
“Mom, I’m nervous.” Kace comes over and curls up next to me.
“Me too.” I kiss the top of his head.
The Bears are not able to get the puck away from their net. Everyone is fighting for it. Suddenly, the puck is free and Alden’s on—what I learned to be called—a breakaway. Kace and I jump to our feet, yelling for him to shoot. He rears back his stick and slaps the puck as hard as he can…
It dings right off the post.
Kace and I both groan as if we’re in actual pain. My eyes are still on Alden as he goes back for the puck again. He fakes left and shoots the puck.
It sails right over the goalie’s head and the buzzer goes off.
Alden leaps into the air with his arms up and the biggest smile on his face. Kace and I are jumping up and down and cheering for him as well. The entire Bears team clear the bench and celebrate with Alden. The camera moves out to show a shot of Alden’s mom and Amara. Elizabeth is crying. She’s proud of her son and should be. I can almost foresee the future. With Kace’s passion for hockey, I could be just like her, watching my baby playing professional hockey and breaking records.
“Mom.” Kace shakes my shoulder. “Can we watch Jungle Book now?”
“Oh.” I check the clock. It’s late and he should be in bed, but it is Friday. “Go ahead, but then it’s bed.”
“Deal.”
He turns on the Blu-ray and I clean up our uneaten food. When he wakes up tomorrow he’ll be starving and will want a massive bowl of cereal. Like hot dogs, he can eat it anytime and all the time. Then again, I could too.
After I clean up the kitchen, I take a quick shower and change into a comfy pair of flannels. Some would think it’s strange I love flannels, but I do. I curl up on the couch with my sketchbook and work on Amara’s piece. She has a lot she wants to incorporate, but I think what I’m coming up with will work. A knock on the door startles Kace and me.
“Who is it?” I call through the door.
“Alden.”
I unlock the door and open it. Standing in a perfectly tailored suit and trench wool coat, he’s delicious.
“What are you doing here?”
Before he can answer me, Kace comes bounding from the living room and wraps his arms around Alden’s waist. Alden’s face lights up and he hugs him back.
“Alden, do you want to finish watching Jungle Book with me?”
“Hell yeah!” Alden removes his coat and jacket and tosses them over the couch. He and Kace curl up together as I become invisible. I’m okay with it. They’re both happy.
“We watched your game. We’re proud of you,” Kace says. “I got a goal tonight. Oh,” he bolts upright, “I have something for you.” He jumps off the couch and runs to his bedroom.
“We are really happy for you.” I sit down on the chair, moving his coat.
“I really didn’t think I was going to get it,” he whispers. “I was a wreck.” He pushes his hand through his hair.
“I’m proud of you.” I take his hand in mine.
“Thank you.” His dark brown eyes stare into mine.
I squeeze his hand and a shiver runs through me. Our connection is strong but breaks when Kace comes back into the room.
“Here.” He hands a puck to Alden.
“What’s this, Buddy?” He takes it and inspects it.
“It’s the puck from my first goal. I want you to have it.”
My mouth drops, just as Alden’s does.
“Buddy...Kace...this is a great treasure but you should keep it.” Alden tries to give it back.
“But you were there for me. You helped me.” He grows sad.
I want to glare at Alden, but his eyes are filling up with wetness.
“Kace.” Alden holds the puck tightly. “This is the greatest gift and I’m honored you gave it to me. Thank you.”
Kace throws his arms around his neck and I see my son’s beaming face.
“I have something for you.” Alden sniffles.
He’s crying.
Alden grabs his coat and reaches into the pocket. He pulls out a puck. There’s tape around it with writing I can’t make out.
“This is for you.” He hands the puck to Kace. “You are now the proud owner of the puck that I tied the record with.”
Kace holds it delicately. “Wow! This is the best gift ever.” He turns to me. “Look, Mom.” He holds it close to my face.
“That’s great.” My eyes try to focus on the words. It has the date, Alden’s last name, and the total points he has. “It’s time for bed.”
Kace groans. “Why?”
“Because it’s late. End of story,” I say.
He rolls his eyes.
“Buddy, you need to rest because tomorrow is a big day,” Alden tells him.
“It is?”
“You and your mom are coming to the game.” He announces.
“I’m going to bed right now.” He hugs Alden and then me before racing back down the hall, slamming the bedroom door.
Alden and I both laugh.
“I didn’t know you already planned my Saturday.” I tease him, but I’m excited.
“I figured it would be easier if I dominated this relationship.” His sexy smirk appears.
I laugh. “Do you want something to drink?” I have to get away from his stunning face and go to the kitchen.
He follows me. “I should find something to eat.” He hints.
“All I have to offer is hot dogs and mac and cheese.” Why did I offer anything to him?
“That’s my favorite meal.” He opens my fridge and grabs a bottle of water.
“Really?”
“Yes. Do you need help?”
“Um...no…” I can’t believe he’s asking me if I need help with a simple meal as this.
He stands close to me, leaning against the counter. He goes on about the game and how grateful he is for me giving Amara a job.
“She’s amazing. It wasn’t a big deal.” I shrug plating the food. “She really loves you.”
Alden takes the plates from my hands and places them on the kitchen table. “I adore my sister.”
I sit down next to him. “Are you sure the date of the shoot is good for you?”
“Yep, I have it in the old digital calendar.” He moans as he eats the hot dog. “This is good. It’s been forever since I’ve had a home cooked meal.”
I stare at him in disbelief. “This isn’t a home cooked meal.” I correct him.
“You know what I mean.”
We eat quietly before I tell him, “I want to thank you for helping Kace today. It meant the world to him.”
He nods and finishes his food. “He’s a good kid.”
I realize when a conversation gets serious, Alden’s sentences are short and blunt.
“Are you done?”
And he changes the subject. “Yes, I am.”
Alden picks up the plates and cleans them up. “I need to get home. The tickets will be waiting for you. Oh, and I got one for your aunt. You’ll be in the family box this time with Mom and Amara.”
“You’re very kind. Thank you.” I dry the plates and put them away.
“Not a problem.” He kisses my cheek and goes to grab his coat.
I watch as he puts Kace’s puck in his pocket. He’s a sweet guy. More than I thought he was. I know he likes Kace, and I can’t help the warmth running through me.
“Hey, Alden.” I step up to him. He’s a good ten inches taller than me. It makes him even hotter. “I want to thank you for today.”
“Um...I believe you already did.” He seems perplexed.
“Well, this is a thank you you’ll understand better.” My chest is touching his, and I raise up on my tiptoes and kiss his lips. “Don’t think more into it than a simple thank you.” Even though I want to rip his clothes off and ride him on the couch.
“I promise.” He opens the door. “By the way, you’re fucking hot in flannel.” He leaves on those words.
I gasp and look down. Shit!