Page 60 of The Callahan Effect

Mom's attention returned to Jack, her smile warm enough to erase the last of the tension lingering inside me.

Mom looked from me to Jack.

"So, how long have you two known each other, Jack?"

"We met at the first hockey practice after the team returned from its preseason retreat."

"We've spent a lot of time together since then," I added.

Emma laughed.

"That explains the expression on your face."

"What expression?"

"The one you've had ever since you called."

Dad regarded me thoughtfully.

"You've obviously become important to each other very quickly."

"I know it sounds crazy, but it doesn't feel that way."

"It rarely does when you've met the right person," Mom replied, glancing at Dad lovingly.

"Does Patrick know?" Dad asked.

"We told Coach this morning after practice."

Dad leaned back slightly. "And?"

"I spent all last night worrying he'd throw me out of his office...maybe even off the team."

Mom frowned. "What actually happened?"

"He thanked us for being honest." I glanced at Jack before continuing. "Then he made it very clear that as long as we treated each other well and kept things professional around the team, he had no problem with us being together."

Dad nodded slowly.

"That says a great deal about him."

"It does." I smiled. "I respected him before today. After that conversation, I respected him even more."

Jack held up another message.

Dad wants Mason judged by the player and the man he is, not by who he loves.

Mom smiled.

"I think that's exactly how it should be."

Emma leaned closer to the camera.

"I have one very important question for Jack."

Jack looked at her expectantly.

"Can you put up with my idiot brother for the rest of your life?"