Puck Drills & Quick Thrills (CU Hockey 5)

The house feels empty without them, even though our house is still full of people. Empty-nest syndrome is a real thing. I just never thought I’d experience it.

I still feel like I’m screwing up on nearly a daily basis, but if I’ve learned anything since becoming their guardian, it’s that this is what parenting is. Ninety percent doubt, ten percent happiness. But somehow they make it all worth it.

I remember a time where I looked forward to only having nine years before the twins would turn eighteen. Now I want to postpone their birthdays because in a few years, I can see them playing for the juniors, and that could take them anywhere.

I’ve never once thought I could replace our dad as their father, but fuck if it doesn’t feel like I’m their dad. I have visions of walking Zoe or Hazel down the aisle in the future, being at each and every graduation ceremony. I plan to give embarrassing speeches at birthdays and attending any and all of their weddings if they have them, and Jasper will be there right next to me through everything.

I want to be there for all the important parts of my siblings’ lives. Just like they have been there for mine. Like the most important day of my life two years ago.

Jasper and I got hitched right before Asher took off for Buffalo. He was my best man, along with Rhys. Jasper had Dave and Greg. That might have been a mistake. Dave made constant jokes about marriage all throughout the ceremony, even when his husband kept poking him in the ribs.

We catch up with them every Wednesday still, though our old asses generally go to their house instead of a college bar.

The door to the corporate box opens, and Richard Cohen steps through with his partner, Seth Grant. Trailing in behind them is Zach Grant, Seth’s brother-in-law and the husband of Foster Grant, who’s playing against Asher tonight.

It’s not the first time their teams have faced off with one another, but it is the first time they’ve done it in a playoff series, and this is the deciding game. It’s why we’re all here, taking up most of Montreal’s space.

Zach immediately gravitates toward Kole. Asher says they’ve become really close from long-distance bonding over being hockey husbands. Not that Kole and Asher are married. They never will be, from what I’ve heard. Asher apparently was willing, but Kole is of the “Marriage is just a piece of paper” mentality. They have the white picket fence, the furbabies, and they’re basically a married couple. It’s their way of compromising, and marriage or not, they’re both insanely happy.

Glancing around the room of CU alumni, at this small group of friends who have come here to support their old friend and teammate, I’m almost regretful that I didn’t keep in touch with any of my old college buddies.

These guys have the kind of friendships that will last a lifetime. They’ll always be in each other’s lives. I have no doubt about that.

Coach Hogan joins Jasper and me when the game gets started.

“Having Asher and Foster on the ice opposite each other is probably weird for you, huh?” I ask. “You coached both of them. How do you know who to cheer for?”

“Please. Asher’s the hockey-loving son I never had.” He pauses and points at me. “Don’t tell him I said that though. He’s still intimidated by me, and I don’t want that to change. He uses his manners in my presence.”

I laugh. “You have to teach me that trick.”

Though I have to say Asher’s and my relationship has never been more solid. I guess living four hundred miles apart is the key to a balanced relationship. During his off-season, he took all the kids on vacation and gave me and Jasper much-needed alone time. Even if I was working at the CU summer camp, coming home to only Jasper for two weeks straight was a vacation of our own.

I can’t wait for a repeat. Is it bad that I want Buffalo to lose tonight to bring Asher’s vacation time forward? With Kole’s schedule, they can’t take the kids on vacation again, but they can have them stay at their place in Buffalo. At least for a couple of weeks.

Down on the ice, Foster Grant scores a goal, and everyone in the room jumps out of their seats, cheering and hugging.

Damn it.

Okay, so maybe I do want Asher to win this one after all.

Foster Grant has become one of the biggest players in the NHL. His skill has only grown, he’s been invited to All-Stars week twice now, and he has a long future ahead of him.

As for me and my relationship with hockey, I’m just happy I get to help shape the players of tomorrow. Simms is currently playing for the AHL. Kaplan was drafted but also contracted to the AHL for more skill training. Both of them have the potential to be out there with Asher and Foster someday. I stream their games sometimes, and watching guys I’ve personally coached fulfills me more than any NHL game I personally played.