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“Thank you,” I mumble while Kodie does the same.

Silence falls between us as we eat. The food is incredible and very much needed, but I’m too distracted by my thoughts to really enjoy it.

Once my plate is almost empty, I finally look up and blurt out what’s on my mind.

“How do you do it?”

Kodie freezes with his fork halfway to his mouth.

“Do what?” he asks, confused.

“Hockey, Casey, Sutton. Everything.”

A laugh tumbles out of his mouth, making my brows pull together.

“If you’d asked me before Sutton was born if I would have been able to do it, I’d have said no in a heartbeat. I was fucking terrified. Even before I knew I would end up her sole parent. But then she arrived, and she was the most precious thing. I loved her like nothing I had ever experienced before at first sight, and it was hard, but everything kinda fell into place. There was no other option than for it to be okay. Am I as present as I want to be at all times? No. But I have a job to do, one that I love, and one that Sutton understands. She wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“She’d kick your ass if you quit,” I mutter.

“Exactly. Even as a toddler, she was obsessed with hockey. It’s her life just as much as it is mine.”

I can’t help but smile as I think of his little protege.

“And then we moved here, and I met Casey. Again, if you’d have asked, I’d have adamantly said no, I don’t have time for someone else in my life. But she just kinda steamrolled her way in. And all the things I thought would happen didn’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“I didn’t think I’d have enough time, that both Sutton and Casey would only get a part of me. That it wouldn’t be enough.”

“But it is?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, man. It is. It’s…everything. When the right person finds you, no matter how stubborn you are or how much you fight it, they slip into your life like a missing piece you never noticed. And suddenly, everything just gets better.”

“Shit,” I murmur, feeling the weight of his words pressing down on me. He’s right, I know he is. The way Garrett has slotted into my life like he’s always been there. It’s so easy, so natural. So…terrifying.

“Have you met someone?” Kodie asks, as perceptive as ever.

“Um…yeah, maybe. I don’t…It’s complicated.”

“What’s worse than falling for your coach’s daughter?” he says with a laugh. “And I know you haven’t gone there, because Casey is mine,” he growls possessively. “And Tomlinson and Hardy only have sons, so⁠—”

I don’t know what Kodie sees on my face, but it’s enough for him to stop talking mid-sentence.

My heart rate picks up, and my palms begin to sweat.

The air turns thicker between us, and I fear that he can read every single thought and fear that’s racing through my head.

That’s the problem with childhood best friends. They know you. Sometimes, they know you better than you even know yourself.

“Cooper, are you seeing one of Tomlinson or Hardy’s sons?”

More silence. Despite it not being true, I can’t form words. I’m not focusing on the fact that he’s pinpointing our assistant coach’s sons. I’m stuck on the fact that he asked me if I’m seeing a guy without a single hint of hesitation or judgment.

“I’m…no. I’m not seeing them. I don’t think I’ve even met any of them.”

“Okay, good, because that would cause a stir. From what I know, they’re all very much straight.”

“Right,” I mutter, my heart like a runaway train in my chest.