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As we moved inside, I explained the concept. “We’re planning to develop part of this property.”
“We’ll start relatively small to prove the concept.” Ethan appeared at my side as we approached the table. “But there’s room to expand while keeping the camp and the house separate.”
Our friends gathered around, examining the plans with interest. Dixon pointed to the area we’d marked as a stage. “Oscar would love to teach up here. He fell in love with this place last week. He didn’t want to go back to Miami.”
“We’ll definitely take him up on that,” I said.
“If the pond freezes over, you could have winter hockey camps.” Kyle’s eyes lit up at the thought of outdoor hockey.
“Exactly what I’ve been saying,” Liam added. “Plus having cabins out here will make it easier for people from further away to attend hockey camp rather than having to find a billet family. They could split their time between the rink and outdoor activities here.”
Ideas flowed freely. Wade offered to set up a technology center while Olivia proposed art therapy programs. My pen flew across a notepad we had on the table as I captured each suggestion, adding to our already extensive list.
“When do you think you’ll start development?” Clara asked.
Ethan and I exchanged glances. This topic had dominated our evening conversations since he’d shown me the drawings.
“There’s a lot to organize,” I explained. “Funding, permits to build what we envision, gathering input from the town.”
“And there’s probably a lot more we need to do that we don’t even know about,” Ethan said, seamlessly picking up my train of thought. “We want to do this right—create something truly sustainable.”
Grace wiped at her eyes while Elena squeezed her hand.
“I’m just so proud,” Grace said, her voice thick with emotion. “Of both of you.”
“It’s amazing what our boys are doing,” Dad said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
Ethan crossed to his moms, wrapping them in a hug. “Love you both.”
“Come here,” Elena said, reaching out to me. “Big family hug.”
I hesitated for just a moment before joining them, followed by Dad and Sato. The intensity of the support made me feel like Ethan and I could do anything.
“You’re going to do amazing things here,” Grace whispered, her voice wavering.
Later, as Ethan fell into a spirited debate with Kyle, Bellamy, Ryland, and Liam about the upcoming hockey season, I pulled Dixon aside. I led him to the far end of the deck where the setting sun had painted the pond in shades of gold and pink.
“What’s up?” Dixon asked, leaning against the railing.
“Any advice for making a relationship work across thousands of miles?”
“First thing, Oscar would kill me if I didn’t extend the official invitation to join our group chat.” Dixon pulled out his phone, grinning. “We call it Love Across the Lines because hockey players are terrible at naming things. It’s for couples separated by states during the season—me and Oscar, Cole and Miles, Caleb and Aaron, and now you and Ethan if you want.”
“A support group?”
“Exactly. Travel schedules, different time zones, all of it.” He nodded toward Ethan, who threw his head back laughing at something Liam said. “The distance is difficult sometimes, but it helps having people who understand the struggle.”
“At least Ethan and I have Seattle together first, to build a solid foundation.”
“I envy that.” Dixon’s gaze drifted toward the pond. “Oscar and I built our relationship while he toured and I played. We crossed paths in a few cities but mostly communicated by texts and calls. Once the season gets underway, he’ll be in Miami and I’ll be in New York, but we’re confident we’ll be ready for it.”
“Miles and Cole have that deep friendship foundation that must help,” I said.
“They do. Frankly, those two should’ve sorted themselves out years ago.”
Our laughter mingled with the rest of the chatter on the deck.
“How do you handle the tough days?”
