Wild Zone (Rough Riders Hockey 4)

“Water break, guys,” Tate called to the kids. “Then we’ll finish up with skating skills.”

He glided to the bench and picked up his own water bottle.

Beckett slid up beside him. “Who’s picking the music today?” he yelled. “I’m tired of Connor’s rap crap.”

The kids laughed and a bunch of them called out Derek’s name.

“Set it up, Derek,” Beckett told the kid.

Derek skated toward the iPod linked to the rink’s sound system while they took a break.

r /> Tate glanced toward the end of the rink where Olivia sat with Joe, and Beckett followed his gaze.

“Things are lookin’ pretty tight with you two,” he said, watching Olivia laugh at something Joe was telling her. “She’s hanging with your dad, bringing lunch to your kids, watching your practices, catering your dinner…” He turned a grin on Tate. “And by the smile you’ve had on your face all morning, I’m guessing she’s just as sweet in bed.”

Tate squirted water at Beckett. “Shut up.”

“Which means yes.”

Tate couldn’t stop smiling.

“Have you guys talked about her leaving yet?”

“A little last night.” He glanced at Beckett. “I want to get through the banquet. Then the stress will be off, I’ll have her full attention, and we can work out the details.”

“Details?”

“Yeah.” Tate grinned at Beckett. “She wants to keep it going.”

Beckett raised his brows. “You’re okay with that? Long distance?”

“It’s certainly not my first choice, but she’s way too good to let go over distance.”

“You feel good enough about things between you that you’ll trust her?”

He lifted a shoulder. “Now, yes. Over the summer, yes, because I’ll be able to visit her. I hope that by the time the season starts she’ll be so in love with me that she’ll let me cover some of her expenses so she won’t have to work so much, and she’ll be able to come here.”

“Sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought.”

“Not really. Everything’s happened so damn fast.”

Beckett’s face broken into a grin. “Welcome to my world, bro.” When Tate laughed, Beckett slapped him on the shoulder. “Ain’t it grand?”

He looked over at his dad and Olivia again just as they laughed together. Then Olivia leaned into Joe and rested her head on his shoulder. The sight touched a deep part of Tate. A part Lisa had never reached during a year of dating or a year of marriage. Yeah, it was fast, but even Joe had already taken Olivia on as another daughter. She didn’t know it yet, but Joe would be one of the biggest blessings in her life the way he’d been in his, Mia’s and Rafe’s lives. And Tate loved being able to offer Olivia the support of such a great man.

His grin brightened and reached all the way into his chest. “Sure is.”

He called the kids to the top of the ice, lined out the drill order and pattern, then told the kids, “We’ve got a special audience today—my dad and my girl, Olivia, who’s brought you all killer eats to share after practice.” A collective cheer broke through the kids. “Make us look good, will ya?”

Beckett skated along the sidelines, offering coaching as Tate lead them through the exercises.

“Cue the music Derek.” Tate skated to the top of the ice. The kids were already lined up, ready to perform. Tate faced them and shouted, “Who’s ready?”

“We are!” They returned in chorus. This was one of their favorite parts of practice. Tate’s too.

“All right, Derek,” he paused and the kids joined him punching a fist in the air. “Turn it up.”

When a song from Nickelback blasted from the speakers, Tate put his hands on his hips and cut a look at Derek. A ripple of laughter rolled through the kids. Even Beckett laughed.