Page 65 of Terms and Traditions

“Sure.” He paused in the hall, still decked out in snowman pj's and his new hockey jersey.

“I’m glad you like your jersey.”

That infectious grin flashed at me again. “Best gift ever!”

I couldn’t help smiling back because his smile really was contagious. The words I wanted to say clawed at my throat, but I needed to phrase this carefully. “Did you know Cal Satterfield has a little girl?”

Jackson’s blue eyes bugged out. “He has a kid?”

I bit back a laugh at his expression. It wasn’t super public knowledge, since Cal liked to keep his private life private. “She’s a little older than Eden now. But the thing is, her mom died three years ago.”

Jackson instantly frowned. “That stinks. She probably doesn’t even remember what she looked like.”

“You’re right, it does stink.” I paused, gathering my thoughts. “Do you remember when Cal got sent down from the NHL?”

“Yeah, about three years ago. Oh.”

I saw the instant the lightbulb clicked in his head. “Yeah. Cal had an attitude problem and that’s on him. But around the same time, his wife died. Being in Idaho, even if it was a punishment of sorts, meant his family was there to help take care of his little girl. When he had the chance to go back to the NHL, that meant uprooting Khia. Or leaving her behind when he was on the road for months at a time.”

Jackson stewed over the words, looking too mature for a ten-year-old. “I guess I was wrong. He’s not just a great hockey player. He’s a good dad. And I think that’s better.” He scuffed the rug with his bare foot. “‘Cuz, I know I miss my dad, even if he’s a hero.”

I tousled his hair, aching to pull him into a hug, but I could see he wasn't ready for that. A brave boy trying to be a man. “I know the feeling, kiddo.”

He studied me for a minute then added, “Yeah. You deserve a better dad.” And with those words, he disappeared down the hall.

All I could do was stare after him, even after he vanished. Out of the mouths of babes. Was my dad’s manipulation obvious to even my young nephews? Everyone always said blood was thicker than water, but maybe family was what you made it. Sure, I had an absentee dad and strained sibling relationships, but I had a great nana, a strong bond with my brother and sister-in-law and their kids, a sweet cousin. I was blessed, despite the heartache. Like Nash said last night, it was all about how we let God use the hard times to grow us. Lord, I need your help in the growing department. I haven’t done so well lately.

“Did you take the stars out of his eyes?”

I jumped at Gabe’s voice behind me. “Jeepers, don’t do that!”

He smirked. “It never gets old.”

I slugged his shoulder, but it hurt me more than him because he was crafted of iron, granite, and carbon fiber. I wrung out my stinging hand. So unfair.

Gabe only laughed and slung his arm over my shoulders. “Did you tell him about the real Cal Satterfield? Single dad?”

“How much did you hear?”

“Not a word. But I know you.”

I smiled wryly. “Cal may be a hotshot athlete, but he’s something of an honorary brother which means I don't have the same level of hero worship as y’all and don’t mind dropping him a few pegs to keep him humble.”

“He has my condolences then.” Gabe chuckled, sidestepping my attempt to swat him. “Jack looked pretty somber.”

I hummed. “It happens when heroes lose their shine, but I doubt that’s what’s on his mind.”

“Oh?”

“I’m not your snitch, my dude.”

He nudged my shoulder. “I’m not asking for a snitch, just my sister’s insight on my kid.”

“You don’t always like what I have to say.”

“Doesn’t mean I don’t need to hear it.”

I sighed, wondering where to start—with Jackson’s thoughts on his dad or his grandfather. “Is Hiram’s… differential treatment obvious?” I bit my lip and snuck a glance at my brother. “Towards me?”