37. Emma

Iwatch Lachlan and Keir skate off, feeling a small amount of pride for my team. My team. There is also a bit of anticipation for the dinner ahead. There's something about this team, about these men who pour their hearts into every icy stride, that makes me feel like I've got something truly special on my hands.

Dad watches them, too, his eyes twinkling as he turns to me. "They're a good bunch, Emma, and I reckon they like you."

I nod, feeling his words sink in. "I hope so. It's not easy stepping in and knowing nothing. I don't think Colin likes me very much."

"He'll come around," Dad assures me with a warm smile. "He's old-skool. He expects you to know stuff. You don't need to know it all, Ems. What counts is you working the business side to greatness."

"Yeah," I say slowly. I really wish everyone had told me all of this before I came here. True, I didn't ask, but come on. It would've made it a whole hell of a lot easier. "Are you coming to lunch?"

"Nah, this is your show now, Ems. I'll leave you to it."

"Are you sure?" I ask nervously.

He chuckles. "You will be fine. Go and get to know the lads."

"Okay," I murmur, my palms sweaty at the thought of walking into the pub alone as Dad gets up to leave.

Luckily for me, Keir appears by my side as if by magic. "I thought you might want some company when you arrive."

Snorting into my hand, I nod. "You thought right."

He takes my hand gently with a soft smile and helps me out of my seat. We walk in silence for a while out of the arena and meet Lachlan in the foyer.

"Hey," I say, blushing slightly. This is super weird. I don't know how to act around them in this setting, not yet anyway.

Lachlan flashes that easy grin, the one that seems to make everyone around him feel a bit warmer. "Hey, ready for some top-class pub food? Promise you won't be disappointed."

"You've hyped it up now," I laugh, feeling the knots in my stomach loosen a bit.

Keir squeezes my hand, and I remember him holding it. It feels natural, like it belongs there or something. "Don't worry, Emma. We'll make sure you enjoy yourself."

The walk to The Thistle isn't long, and as we step through the door, the warm hum of chatter greets us. It's a cosy place with low wooden beams and a place for a roaring fire in the corner, which must make it really gorgeous in winter. It's the perfect spot to unwind after practice.

"Over here!" Grant, the Goalie, waves us over to a large table where most of the team is already seated.

As we approach, Keir pulls out a chair for me, making me smile, and I take a seat between him and Lachlan. Conversations flow easily around us about the upcoming season, friendly banter flying back and forth among the guys.

I feel a bit out of my depth, but Keir pulls my chair in closer to him and does his best to include me in the chat. Somehow, I relax into it, listening to their excited chatter about plays and rival teams. Lachlan, seated on my other side, leans in occasionally to explain a term or an inside joke I might not understand yet.

"So, what's good here?" I ask, grabbing the menu in a lull where everyone demands food immediately.

"Everything," Lachlan says with a wink. "But you can't go wrong with the steak pie."

I glance at Keir for confirmation, and he nods enthusiastically. "It's legendary."

"Steak pie it is, then," I say, closing the menu and leaning back in my chair.

The guys laugh, and I relax a bit more, feeling like I'm starting to fit in. We order, and they chat while I soak it all up.

The food arrives, and as we eat, the conversation turns to lighter topics—favourite TV shows, worst first dates, and ridiculous locker room antics. Lachlan tells a story about a prank war with the Arrows that ended with his skates being filled with shaving cream.

"And did you get them back?" I ask through giggles.

"Oh, you bet I did," Lachlan replies with a sly grin. His gaze is fixed on me, almost daring me to ask if it was Taran. "But that's a story for another time."

The whole table erupts in laughter, and I can't help but join in, feeling like I'm a part of this bizarre family of theirs. The camaraderie is infectious, and for the first time, I start to believe I can do this.

After lunch,as we make our way back to the arena where my car is parked, Lachlan and Keir suddenly decide I need a proper tour of the arena.

Agreeing because I don't want this afternoon to end, a small part of me feels like I'm betraying Taran. There is definitely more to this with these two guys than ‘just a tour'. But I can't seem to stop and say no.

As we step inside, Lachlan takes the lead, pointing out various parts of the facility. "Over here's our locker room," he says, pushing open a set of double doors. "It's where we spend most of our time talking strategy and making fun of each other."

I peek inside and see rows of lockers, each one plastered with personal touches—photos, stickers, some questionable artwork. It's endearing how much personality is packed into such a small space.

"And this," Keir says, guiding me to another section, "is the gym. We spend countless hours in here getting in shape."

"I can tell," I say with a smirk. "You look like you could bench press a small car."

Keir chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, we've got to stay fit if we're going to win."

We continue on through the arena, ending up at the ice rink itself. The place looks massive when it's empty, just a vast expanse of white stretching out in every direction. The guys lead me to the executive boxes, where we sit down and just stare out over the icy expanse below us.

"You're going to do all right here, Emma," Lachlan says.

"I hope so. Colin hates me, so I don't know what to do about that."

"He doesn't hate you. He just loves your dad," Keir snickers.

"Oh, great," I snort. "That does not make me feel any better."

Lachlan leans back in his chair, eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, Colin's bark is worse than his bite. Just give him time."

Keir nods in agreement. "He's just protective of the team. It's not about you."

I take a deep breath, feeling their support bolster my confidence. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it."

"No worries," Lachlan says, gazing deeply into my eyes. "We've got you."

We sit in silence for a moment, the three of us watching as the Zamboni arrives and makes its slow rounds on the ice below. It's soothing, almost hypnotic.

"I suppose I should get back. I've left Anna on her own again," I say suddenly, standing up.

Lachlan rises with me, his eyes not leaving mine. "We'll walk you to your car."

Keir follows behind, and as we stroll back through the arena, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. Despite feeling overwhelmed earlier, these guys have made it clear they've got my back. It's a comforting thought, especially given the challenges ahead.

Once we reach the car park, Lachlan opens the door for me with a playful bow. "Your chariot awaits, milady."

I laugh, shaking my head as I slide into the driver's seat. "Thanks for today. Really."

Keir leans against the car door, grinning. "Anytime. And if you need anything—anything at all—just give us a shout."

"Yeah," Lachlan adds, his tone more serious now. "Don't hesitate."

I nod, feeling genuinely touched by their sincerity. "Will do. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

Keir shuts the door, and with a final wave, I drive off, glancing in my rearview mirror to see them standing there watching until I turn the corner.