Page 61 of Pucking Daddy

She frowns. “But married people are moms and dads.”

“Sometimes,” I say carefully. “But you already have a mom.”

“Oh,” she says.

“She’s someone who’s part of our family,” Jaxon adds, stepping in. “In a different way.”

Lily considers that. “So… like extra?” she asks.

I smile a little. “Yeah. Like extra.”

She nods slowly. “Okay. I like extra.”

Relief loosens something in my chest.

Then she looks at me again. “You’re still going to pick me up from school?”

“Yes.”

“And make pancakes?”

“Yes.”

“And help me with homework?”

“Yes.”

“Okay,” Lily says, satisfied.

Then—“Can I still call you Zara?” she asks.

My heart squeezes.

“Of course,” I say softly.

“Okay,” she says again.

And just like that, she’s off again, heading to spend the day with Mrs. Henriksen while Jaxon and I get ready.

***

The Metro Raptors arena is a cathedral of noise.

Mrs. Henriksen is at home with Lily, keeping her occupied while I’m here. That way, I can focus on my role for tonight and be fully present.

I’ve never been to a professional hockey game before—never had reason to—and the sheer scale of it hits me like a physical force.

Eighteen thousand fans pack into seats that climb toward the rafters, their energy vibrating through the concrete beneath my feet. The ice gleams under brutal lights, pristine and waiting.

"Zara?"

I startle at the sound of my name.

A woman in a crisp blazer approaches, tablet clutched like a shield, smile tight enough to crack. "I'm Simone Reed, team PR. We should discuss tonight's protocol."

Right. Protocol. Because nothing about this situation is remotely normal.

"Of course."