He couldn’t live without them—even for a season. Did that mean he wanted them to move to Boston? She’d wanted to give the girls roots in Calamity. And she didn’t want to leave the Petticoat Rulers—not after finally finding her people. But she supposed it would only be for a few years until he retired. And keeping the family together did seem the higher priority.
“Ready, LaLee,” Paisley called from upstairs.
She’d have to figure it out later. But just as she put the note and key back in the envelope, she noticed two things. One, the map had a note on it that told her to arrive at ten tomorrow morning.
And the tickets weren’t for the Brawlers.
They were for the Renegades.
It hit like a lightning strike. What did that mean? Was he in town for a game?
No, dummy. He didn’t send a ticket for one game. He sent them for next season.
Does this mean…
Is Cole moving home?
* * *
Wood snapped and popped in the fireplace, and the basket of pinecones he’d placed on the hearth did its job, filling the cabin with its cinnamon scent. In the kitchen, Cole stirred the hot chocolate, his body a live wire as he waited.
For All-Star week, he had several days off, but he’d wasted no time. The moment he’d sent the letter and tickets, he’d packed his bag and headed for the airport. Of course, his team—and the press—didn’t know his decision to not renew his contract yet. They wouldn’t know until after he held the Cup in his hands.
Only his dad, Jaime, Declan, and now Hailey knew.
Would she forgive him?
Would she show up?
He had no idea. If she did, he’d spend the rest of his life making up for what he’d put her through.
To commit to her, to say I love you and promise forever, and then bail?
What an asshole.
He’d lost her trust, and it would take time to earn it back. But he’d never stop trying.
He’d fucked up a lot in his life, but to put the three of them through that kind of emotional whiplash was the worst thing he’d ever done.
You don’t toy with their fragile hearts.
He’d forever regret stealing his dad’s plane that night and the life-altering damage he’d caused Booker, but it wasn’t a life sentence. And most importantly, he couldn’t lock himself away so that he’d never hurt anyone else again. Life didn’t work like that.
He’d keep trying to be a better man. He’d keep working on himself.
And he’d be the best damn dad to those girls he could be.
And Hailey? She’d never have to doubt him again. He fucking loved her with every fiber of his being.
If she didn’t come, if she wasn’t ready to forgive him, he would understand. He’d be as involved with the girls as possible and, hopefully, over time, his actions would prove his promises.
Tires crunched over hardpacked snow. His heart flipped over, and he dropped the spoon. Hot chocolate spattered on the stove. When he reached for a dishtowel, he knocked over the can of whipped cream. Adrenaline rushed through him so hard his hands shook.
They’re here.
She came.
Car doors shut, and the voices he adored fill the air. He hurried across the living room and placed his hand on the doorknob at the exact moment Hailey grabbed it on her side. They looked at each other through the glass, and he held his breath.