Page 150 of Meant for Mayhem

“You’d just come back from knee surgery. I couldn’t have you get hurt again, not on my watch.”

“So, you humiliated me instead.”

“Yes.”

The answer landed harder than an excuse would have, but dammit, I believed him.

Dad looked toward the ceiling. “I love you so much, I somehow convinced you I didn’t love you at all. And for that I’m sorry.”

I understood his fear now, but understanding didn’t erase what he’d done with it.

“I needed my father,” I said. “Not another coach.”

He nodded, his shoulders sagging.

“I don’t know how to forgive you yet.”

Dad gave a small dip of his chin. “I don’t expect you to.”

The suite door opened and Shannon leaned into the hallway, one hand gripping the frame. “Your three minutes are up.”

“I’m okay,” I told her.

Her gaze moved between Dad and me. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

She stepped inside again, but left the door cracked.

Dad watched her go. “She doesn’t like me.”

“Not even a little.”

“I deserve that, too.”

“You do.”

Something close to a laugh escaped him.

I rubbed a hand over the back of my neck, trying to figure out where we went from here. “I can’t pretend none of it happened, but maybe we can start again.”

Hope crossed his face so quickly that I almost missed it. “I’d like that.”

I held out my hand, but he ignored it, pulling me into a hug instead. I stayed stiff for a second before his hand settled behind my head, holding me the way he hadn’t since I was a child.

“I’m sorry, Miksu,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’m so sorry.”

My throat closed. I gripped the back of his coat and let that be enough for now.

When we returned to the suite, Shannon’s attention went straight to me. She stood beside Mom’s chair while Leena sat in her lap, eating yet another cupcake. I was positive we’d regret this later, but I trusted Shannon’s judgment—she was as protective of our daughter as I was, even against self-induced tummy aches.

The moment I smiled at Shannon, the tension left her shoulders. It was strange to think of her as a teammate, but that’s exactly what this was. I had her back, and she had mine, forever and always.

Dad stopped in front of her, holding out a hand. “Shannon.”

She lifted one dark brow, putting her hand hesitantly in his. “Jari.”

“I’d love it if you came to Finland this summer.”