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I never thought my life would include having paparazzi waiting outside my house just to snap a photo of me, but apparently, I’ve stepped into the twilight zone because that’s what has happened.

And yes, there has been backlash. The haters are out there hating, but louder than those assholes are the ones speaking up in support.

We’ve caused a huge ripple through the hockey world that has seen players and teams alike donating to various LGBTQIA+ organizations across the country. It’s been incredible to see, and it’s exactly what Cooper needed.

It’s early days, but he’s like a whole new man. So much weight has been lifted off his shoulders recently. I love seeing him so happy and relaxed. And I can’t wait for him to get home later so we can all celebrate yesterday’s win together.

The boys have planned it all, from the dinner we’re eating to the decorations they’ve put around the place.

I’ve always loved this house, but from the moment the two of them stepped inside, it’s become a home. I love it.

“Is he nearly here?” Huxley asks, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet with excitement.

Cooper has only been gone one night, but you’d think they haven’t seen him for a year, given how excited they are. I hope that never changes.

“He must be,” I say, checking the clock.

I want to tell them to go and stand at the window and watch, but we have all the blinds closed to keep any prying eyes out of our home and our family.

I’m sure it’ll calm down; we just need to give it some time. In a few months, we’ll be old news and left alone to get on with our lives.

The rumble of an engine hits my ears; the squeal of the garage door opening quickly follows.

“Did you hear that?” I ask, looking between the two of them.

They both nod before taking off through the house toward the door that Cooper is about to emerge from.

Silent laughter rattles through me as I watch them stand on either side of the door, ready to welcome their big brother home.

The second the door opens, I hold my breath, waiting for the explosion of excitement.

Pop. Pop.

“Oh shit,” Cooper barks as multicolored confetti rains down over him, both boys falling about in fits of laughter. “What on Earth?” he mutters, looking between the two culprits.

“You’re gonna win the Stanley Cup this year,” Huxley announces. “We’re just getting warmed up to celebrate it with you.”

“You guys,” Cooper says softly. “Come here.”

He pulls them both in for a hug.

“Missed you both last night.”

“We missed you, too,” Huxley agrees. “We’re coming to your first playoff game, though.”

“Hell yeah, you are. You can be there for every home game until we get to the finals.”

“Cooper, they’ll have school,” I point out like the sensible parent.

“It’s the Stanley Cup,” Cooper points out.

“Yeah, I guess. It’s kind of a big deal. You gotta get there first, though.”

Cooper stares at me with his brows lifted.

“Anyone would think you don’t have any faith in us,” he teases as he moves closer, leaving a trail of confetti in his wake.

“I have all the faith in you,” I say as he wraps me in his arms. “I also have a spreadsheet that tells me you’re gonna do it. And the numbers never lie.”