Chapter 1
Daniel
I leaned against the kitchen counter, with my second beer of the night, watching Kaia talking to our guests. She was smiling, animated as she introduced her brother Knox to some of our friends.
We decided to celebrate my birthday tonight. We would have a three-day break a few days from now, but Kaia didn’t want to wait until then to celebrate. Our friends and teammates had come to the party, and my sister Denise was also visiting from Chicago.
“Great party,” Tom said, appearing beside me with a beer in hand. “This is great. It’s our first real night out since Ann was born.”
“Yeah, people seem to be enjoying themselves,” I replied, clapping him on the shoulder. “How’s Laura doing? Motherhood treating her well?”
Tom’s face softened, as it always did when he talked about Laura and their daughter. “She’s amazing with Ann. Exhausted, but amazing. Your goddaughter is developing quite the personality already.”
“Three months old and she’s already keeping you guys on your toes. Wonder where she gets that from,” I teased.
“Clearly from Laura,” Tom grinned. “Speaking of being on your toes, how’s the wedding planning going?”
I cringed slightly. “Kaia’s trying to keep it simple, but my mother keeps sending suggestions for venues that could accommodate half of Washington.”
“Mothers,” Tom nodded sagely. “Speaking of which, mine is back at the house, visiting. Third time this month. I think she’s secretly plotting to kidnap Ann and take her to Minnesota with her.”
Then, noise at the foyer caught our attention. Mike stumbled in, clearly several drinks ahead of everyone else. His normally neat appearance was disheveled, tie askew, eyes unfocused. Everyone turned to look as he loudly greeted the room.
“Sorry I’m late! The party can start now!” he announced, his words slurring slightly.
I exchanged concerned glances with Tom. Mike was usually the most composed guy on the team, meticulous about his image and behavior. Public intoxication wasn’t his style.
“What is he doing?” Tom asked quietly.
“I don’t know, but we better find out… and where is Jenny? She didn’t come with him?”
“Doesn’t look like it.” Tom replied.
Kaia appeared at my side, her eyes questioning. “Is Mike okay? He seems...”
“Wasted,” I finished for her. “Yeah, I noticed. I’m gonna check on him.”
I made my way to him, stopping Mike as he headed for the bar.
“Hey, buddy,” I said, gently steering him away from the alcohol. “How about some water first?”
“Daniel! Happy birthday!” Mike exclaimed, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “Captain! My favorite captain in the whole wide world.”
“That’s me,” I agreed, maneuvering him toward the kitchen. “Where’s Jenny?”
At the mention of her name, Mike’s expression changed. “Jenny’s not coming. Jenny’s never coming again.”
I was surprised of what I just heard. “What happened?”
Mike shook his head vigorously. “Don’t wanna talk about it. I’m here to have fun! To forget!”
I caught Tom’s eye over Mike’s shoulder and tilted my head toward the balcony. Tom nodded, understanding my silent request for backup. Together, we guided Mike through the doors into the cool night air, away from everyone else.
Once outside, Mike sagged against the railing, the boisterous energy seeming to drain out of him.
“She left me,” he said abruptly, staring out at the city lights. “After six years. Just... done.”
“Shit, Mike,” Tom said softly. “I’m sorry.”
“When did this happen?” I asked.
“Earlier today. Came home from practice and half her stuff was gone. Note on the kitchen counter.” He laughed bitterly. “Very civilized.”
“Did she say why?” Tom asked.
Mike was quiet before he answered. “Said she ‘couldn’t do it anymore.’ That she was tired of waiting for me to be ready. To commit to our relationship.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “I thought we were good, you know? Sure, maybe I was putting off the whole marriage and kids thing, but we were happy. At least, I thought we were.”
“I’m sorry, man. If there’s anything we can do...” I started to say.
“Just let me get drunk tonight,” Mike interrupted, his voice raw. “I’ll be fine for the game. I promise. I just need tonight.”
Tom and I exchanged glances. As team captain, I should probably be discouraging this approach. But as a friend...
“One night,” I agreed. “But I’m cutting you off before you do anything stupid.”
Mike nodded, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. “Thanks, Danny.”
“Danny? Is that what you’re calling me now?”
“Uhhh, I like Danny.”
“Okay man… just for tonight…”
We returned inside, Mike making a visible effort to pull himself together. I kept an eye on him as I rejoined Kaia, who was now talking to Laura.
“Everything okay?” Kaia asked quietly when I slipped an arm around her waist as Laura went to talk to Tom.
“Jenny left him,” I murmured. “He’s pretty torn up about it.”
Kaia’s eyes widened. “She left? Poor Mike. No wonder he’s a mess. What happened? They seemed so in love.”
“According to him, she was tired of him not committing to their relationship, but let’s just keep it between us for now,” I cautioned. “He’s not really ready to make it public.”
She nodded, then her attention shifted across the room. “Speaking of interesting developments...”
I followed where she was looking and saw Knox leaning against the bookshelf, engaged in what appeared to be a very involved conversation with my sister. Denise was laughing, her hand occasionally touching Knox’s arm.
“Well, that’s... unexpected,” I observed.
“Right?” Kaia whispered. “They’ve been talking for over an hour. I’ve never seen Knox so comfortable with someone he just met.”
According to Kaia, Knox had always been the serious one in her family. Six years older than her, he’d joined the military straight out of college, putting his structural engineering degree to use in combat zones. His recent transition back to civilian life as a firefighter with the city’s department had brought him closer geographically, but he remained somewhat reserved.
“Denise is only in town for a week,” I reminded Kaia. “Don’t start planning another wedding just yet.”
Kaia swatted my arm playfully. “As if one isn’t stressful enough. But you have to admit, they look good together.”
I couldn’t disagree. My sister, normally so focused on work, seemed genuinely relaxed and engaged with Knox. It was nice to see.
Laura came back and tapped Kaia on the shoulder, smiling. “Your apartment might need to be rezoned as a matchmaking establishment.”
“You noticed too?” Kaia grinned.
“Hard to miss,” Laura said. “They haven’t moved from that spot in a while.” She glanced at her watch. “We will probably be heading out soon. Tom’s mom is wonderful, but we promised not to be too late.”
The party began to wind down within the next few hours, with guests gradually leaving. Mike, thankfully, had sobered up somewhat and agreed to let one of our teammates drive him home. Knox lingered, helping us clean up, while Denise made coffee in the kitchen.
“So,” Kaia started casually as we collected empty bottles, “you and Denise seemed to hit it off.”
Knox cracked a smile. “She’s interesting. Smart.”
Kaia teased. “She’s single, you know.”
“Kaia,” I warned, shooting her a look.
“What? I’m just providing context,” she smirked.
Knox rolled his eyes, but he was still smiling. “I’m aware, thank you very much.”
“Are you going to ask her out?” Kaia asked.
“If I do, you will know.” Knox responded.
Knox and Denise kept gravitating towards each other as we finished cleaning up.
They finally said their goodbyes, though not before exchanging phone numbers.
After Denise went to sleep, it was just Kaia and me. I collapsed onto the couch, pulling her close.
“Successful party, I’d say,” I murmured, nuzzling her neck.
“Mmm… I’m glad you liked it. Happy birthday, my love.” she curled into my side. “Except for poor Mike. I can’t believe Jenny left him.”
“I know. I’m worried about him. This couldn’t have come at a worse time. We really need to win this next game.”
“He’ll be okay. He has the team. He has you.”
I thought about Mike’s devastation, and it made me feel glad that my relationship with Kaia was on solid ground.
“What are you thinking about?” she asked, sensing my mood shift.
“How lucky I am,” I said honestly. “And how I never want to take that for granted.”
She kissed me softly. “So... Knox and your sister, huh?”
I smiled, the tension breaking. “Already planning their future?”
“Just observing that they seem to have chemistry. Knox hasn’t shown interest in anyone since he got back from his last deployment.”
“Denise could use someone solid in her life,” I admitted. “Her last boyfriend was a real piece of work.”
We fell asleep on the couch, laying together. My last thought before drifting off was that despite Mike’s situation, despite the pressure of the season, today felt pretty damn good.
The locker room was tense, the guys going through their individual rituals and preparations. Valentine’s Day wasn’t typically a hockey player’s favorite game day: too many distractions, too much pressure to rush home for dinner reservations or romantic getaways. But for me, the date held special significance beyond the holiday. One year ago today, I’d met Kaia for the first time, when she sat at the wrong table on what was supposed to be a blind date with a literature professor. Instead, she got me.
I smiled at the memory as I taped my stick. Who would have thought that a random encounter would change my life so completely for the better?
Mike’s arrival interrupted my thoughts. He looked rough, dark circles under his eyes, but sober and focused. He nodded a greeting as he headed to his stall.
“You good?” I asked quietly, moving to sit beside him.
“I’m fine,” he replied, not meeting my eyes. “Like I promised, I’m ready to play.”
“I know you are. But that’s not what I’m asking.”
Mike sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I’m hanging in there. Haven’t slept much. Keep replaying everything, trying to figure out where it went wrong.”
“That’ll drive you crazy,” Tom approached, joining our conversation. “Trust me, I know from experience.”
“Does it get easier?” Mike asked.
Tom considered this. “Different, not easier. But it opened my life to new opportunities, and eventually, it was for the better.”
Coach Anderson entered then, ending our conversation as we gathered for the pre-game talk. I could tell Mike was still distracted, his responses automatic rather than engaged. As captain, I should probably be more concerned about his mental state affecting his play, but as a friend, I understood all too well the impossibility of compartmentalizing heartbreak.
Out on the ice, the warm-ups helped center me. I spotted Kaia in her usual seat, wearing my jersey with my number. She waved, and I tapped my stick against the glass as I skated past, our little tradition.
The game itself was grueling. Boston played a physical game, targeting our key players with punishing checks. Mike was off his timing, a step slow on several plays, resulting in turnovers that kept us on our heels. By the third period, we were down 2-1, our only goal coming from Tom on a power play.
During a timeout, I pulled Mike aside. “I need you with us, man. All the way.”
He nodded, his jaw set. “I know. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Be present. Try to channel whatever you’re feeling into your game.”
Something in my words seemed to click. When play resumed, Mike was more focused, skating with furious intensity, winning battles along the boards, creating opportunities. With three minutes left, he intercepted a clearing attempt and found me with a perfect pass in the slot. I buried it, tying the game and sending us to overtime.
In the extra period, Mike completed his redemption arc, scoring the game-winner on a breakaway that showed his trademark speed. The celebration was emotional, the team mobbing him along the boards, celebrating our winning goal.
After media obligations and showers, I found Kaia waiting in the family area, her face glowing with pride.
“That was incredible,” she said, kissing me as I pulled her close. “You all were amazing. And Mike pulled through in the end.”
“He needed that. We all did.”
“So, what are we doing, captain,” she smiled. “What’s the plan for Valentine’s Day?”
I glanced at my watch. “Pack an overnight bag. We’re going on a little trip.”
Her eyes widened. “A trip? Where?”
“It’s a surprise. But dress warm. And maybe bring those boots you use at your parents’ ranch.”
“We’re going to visit my parents?”
“Something like that,” I hedged. “Trust me?”
“Hmm. What are you planning?”
“You’ll see. It’s a surprise.”
Two hours later, we were on the road, heading west toward the mountains and the rural area where Kaia had grown up. She dozed beside me, exhausted from a busy week at the flower shop where Valentine’s Day was their Super Bowl. I let her sleep, content with the quiet and the anticipation of what was to come.
We arrived at her parents’ ranch in the early hours of the morning. Rather than waking them, I drove past their house, and kept going a little further north to the surprise. Kaia stirred as the car slowed.
“We’re here already?” she asked sleepily.
“Almost,” I said, making the final turn around a stand of pine trees.
And there it was. The cabin. Our cabin. Completed just last week after months of construction that I’d managed to keep secret despite multiple challenges. It was solid and welcoming, crafted from local timber with a wraparound porch and a stone chimney.
Kaia’s breath caught as the headlights illuminated the structure. “Daniel... Is this what I think it is?”
“Happy anniversary,” I told her, and I softly kissed her. “One year since you changed my life.”
She got out of the car, standing in the cold pre-dawn air, staring at the cabin with her hands pressed to her mouth. I joined her, wrapping my arms around her from behind.
“You really built it? Is it done?” she whispered.
“Yes, it was finished last week.” I confirmed. “A place that’s just ours, like we talked about. Somewhere we can escape when the city gets too loud.”
She turned in my arms, her eyes shining with tears. “I can’t believe you did this and was able to keep it a secret from me.”
“Your dad helped,” I admitted. “And I had a good contractor who understood exactly what I wanted.”
“When you said you wanted to build a cabin near my parents’ place, I thought you meant someday, not...”
“I don’t believe in waiting for someday, since I met you.”
She kissed me with intensity. After the kiss, she had a big smile. “Can we go in?”
“Of course, I can’t wait to show it to you.”
The interior was simple but comfortable: an open-concept main space with a kitchen and living area, a bedroom with large windows facing east to catch the sunrise, with a couple smaller bedrooms that could serve as guest rooms. A stone fireplace dominated one wall, already set with logs ready to light.
“It’s perfect,” Kaia breathed, taking it all in. “Absolutely perfect.”
I lit the fire while she looked around, opening cabinets and peering into closets, exclaiming over details like the handcrafted kitchen table made from a single slab of oak, or the reading nook by the window.
“Your dad helped getting it done,” I explained. “And my sister had some input on the kitchen setup.”
“She did? I can’t believe everyone knew except me!”
As the fire warmed the cabin, we settled on the couch I’d positioned to face both the fireplace and the large picture window with its view of the mountains. Outside, the sky was just beginning to lighten with the first hints of dawn.
“How long can we stay?” Kaia asked, her head resting on my shoulder.
“We need to be back for Thursday’s game, but we have two full days,” I told her. “I thought we could spend some time with your parents tomorrow evening, but otherwise, it’s just us.”
“Just us. I like the sound of that.”
Later in the day after a long sleep, we hiked the property in the crisp winter air, cooked in our new kitchen, and spent hours enjoying each other’s company in front of the fire. It felt like being in our own world, removed from the pressures and schedules that normally defined our lives.
When we visited Kaia’s parents and grandmother, they were happy with Kaia’s reaction to the cabin, her father particularly proud of his contributions to the project.
“I knew from the moment he came to me with the idea that he was serious about you,” he told Kaia when she thanked him for helping with the cabin.
On our final morning, reluctant to leave but knowing we had to head back, we sat on the porch watching the sunrise, wrapped in blankets against the cold.
“We should start thinking about names,” I said abruptly.
Kaia looked at me, confused. “For the cabin?”
“For our children,” I clarified. “I mean, not immediately. But someday, or maybe soon? I’d like at least two. Maybe three.”
“Soon? You mean, for real? I thought you wanted to wait.”
“I mean, we could start trying?”
She smiled, “How about we talk about it again after we get married?”
“I’m fine with that.” I told her as I kissed her.
As we packed the car, my phone buzzed with a text from Knox. The message was brief but surprising:
“Taking your sister to dinner tonight. Not asking your permission, just wanted to let you know.”
I showed it to Kaia, who laughed. “I knew it! They really hit it off!”
“Apparently,” I said, still processing the unexpected development. “I mean, I like your brother, but I never thought this was a possibility. This is unexpected.”
“Sometimes the best things are,” Kaia said, holding my hand. “Like sitting at the wrong table on Valentine’s Day.”
I definitely could not argue with that.
***
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— Cat
