Page 12 of Power Play

“I have training early tomorrow and have to be at the rink by nine. I’m usually home by one for my pregame nap, and then I head back around three. After the game, we head straight to the airfield.”

“Okay.” It’ll be a long day for me, but I’ve been solo parenting for the last week, so a few more days isn’t the end of the world.

“We’re only gone for three nights, and then I’ll be back and we can figure out the new normal.”

“And call your agent.”

“Yeah. That, too. I’m guessing you have emergency custody, so we’ll have to figure out how transferring guardianship and all that works. Especially with the placement being in Arizona…”

“We’ll get through it.” My hand drops to his, still on my knee, and I squeeze it reassuringly. “You said it yourself, I’m not going anywhere. Between the two of us, we’ll get everything straightened out. It’ll all work out. You’re the biological father. I have temporary custody. As long as one of us has her, we should be fine.”

A weak smile tugs at the corner of Al’s lips. “You’re right.”

As if he realizes he’s still touching my leg, he withdraws, and I notice the absence of his palm against my skin immediately. Funny how one innocent touch can make such a big difference.

“You’re going to make an excellent father,” I tell him quietly. “You’re doing everything right. I know it was a shock, and I know it’s probably not how you wanted it to happen, but you’ve jumped all in into this, and you’re going to rock it.”

“Thanks,” he says, just as soft. “You’re killing it, too. You’ve been doing this on your own for a week, and you’re not even her parent. I don’t know how I can ever thank you.”

“Just love her. Treat her right and love her.” My eyes well up again, and I blink a few times to clear them. “She’s pretty damn special.”

His eyes pin me to the sofa. “She is,” he whispers. “And so are you.”