31. Gia

Ipound my way through my morning run. It"s a routine I"ve come to cherish, a moment of solitude while Chloe is hanging with her Aunt Ren. With each stride, I feel the rhythm of my heart matching the cadence of my footsteps. The ocean stretches out before me, a vast expanse of blue, its waves crashing against the shore in a soothing melody.

As I round the corner, I see a figure up ahead, someone I never expected to see again. Matteo. My heart skips a beat, and I come to a sudden stop.

He"s changed. His once blonde hair is now dark, his face obscured by a full beard. Glasses rest on his nose, giving him an air of anonymity. As far as I knew, he was dead, lost to us in the car accident. But here he stands, solid and real.

"Gia," he says, his voice soft and uncertain.

"Matteo?" I whisper, my voice barely audible over the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

He nods, a shy smile playing at the corners of his lips. "It"s me."

I take a step closer, my mind reeling with a whirlwind of emotions. "I thought you were..."

"Dead?" he finishes for me. "I had to disappear, Gia. Completely. In order to remove myself from the Family, I had to change my identity."

I stare at him, trying to process his words.

"But… how…?"

"The CIA did me a solid by making it look as though I'd been killed by Allison. As far as Don Vincenzo Carusso knows, both of his children died an early death."

"I see. Why contact me now? Why after all this time?"

He looks away, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"I want to have a relationship with Chloe," he says quietly. "I want to be a part of her life."

"I"d need to talk to Ryder, but you can't be serious."

"I am. Before you say anything, please listen to me. I need to clear something up with you."

"Okay"

"Those rumors about me... they"re not entirely baseless. I won"t deny that in the past I"ve acted like a bit of a bad boy, reckless, maybe even a douchebag at times."

"Really? I wouldn"t have guessed."

"It was all part of the role my father expected me to play, or sometimes it was just how I needed to behave in front of certain people, like your sister, so they wouldn"t try to take advantage of me."

"I see."

"But I've never been a criminal."

"Keep going."

"You know, those rumors about me being just like my father…"

"Yeah, I"ve heard them. They"re pretty intense."

"None of that is true. I never murdered anybody or did any of the other terrible things people said I did. I am not a sociopath. My father started those rumors to keep his enemies in line."

"So you never murdered a man for sleeping with your girlfriend, then put the guy's head on a stake and placed it in the woman's bedroom to remind her his death was her fault?"

"Of course not! I'm telling you now Gia, I have never even had a girlfriend. Boyfriends, sure. I just learned to play, to a point, the script my father wrote for me. He never knew this of course."

"That"s messed up. But I have to admit, I"ve been digging around, even though I"m not with the CIA anymore. Couldn"t find anything to back those stories up."

"Exactly. They"re all fabricated to make me seem more menacing than I am."

"You know, Matteo, I understand what it"s like to be judged because of your family. I get it."

"Yeah, but I"m done playing those games now. I want to set the record straight and live my life on my own terms."

"I respect that, Matteo."

"Thanks, Gia. I go by Matt now."

"Okay Matt."

"And speaking of living life on my own terms, I hope to see you and Ryder around town."

"Are you planning to stick around?"

"Actually, yes. Not only I want to be close to Chloe, my new family, but I"ve always had a passion for art and I recently bought the gallery on Main Street. I want to grow it and attract tourists to Ash Cove. With its beautiful landscapes and ocean views, it could become a haven for painters."

"That"s ambitious Matt. I like it."

"Thanks, Gia. Maybe you and Ryder could stop by sometime. I"d love to show you around the gallery. And let him get to know me before he allows me to be close to your daughter."

My heart aches at his words, at the longing in his voice. "I"ll talk to him."

He nods, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Thank you. That"s all I ask."

"It was nice of you to say ‘your daughter' and not ‘Ryder's daughter.'"

"Yeah, I heard you and Ryder got married."

"We did," I smile. "In a private ceremony. I wasn't in the mindset to plan a big thing and neither of us wanted to open ourselves up to publicity with everything that's happened."

"I understand that. My father doesn't know Chloe exists but we can never be too careful."

"Agree. Are you still working with Rodney?"

"Only sometimes. I'm sure you don't trust that Allison and Mia are dead, but they are."

"How... how can you be sure?"

"There"s footage from the dock. It shows both of them on the boat. It explodes, Gia. There was no way for them to escape. I checked all the records from my time cooperating with the CIA. They"re dead, for certain."

"And Christoph?"

"It turns out he found the money Allison had stolen from him. He went back to Germany. Still wanted by the CIA and still elusive."

"I'm glad he found the money, it means he won't randomly show up here asking me for it."

"You're safe now. We're safe now."

"That's a great feeling," I chuckle drily. "How can I get a hold of you?"

He reaches into his pocket and hands me a card. On it is the name of his gallery, Azure Haven Artworks, along with his new name, Matt Carson, and his number.

"I'll talk to Ryder. It may sound far fetched, but I trust you. It's not only the research of you, but that my dad taught me to read people, and I believe you're a good guy."

"Thank you."

"Your sister would be proud of you."

"As I always was of her."

We say our goodbyes and I finish my run.

That was unexpected, but I'm happy I saw him. I'm constantly looking over my shoulder and now, I no longer have to. This means Ryder and I can start making more plans.

"This house is amazing," I tell Ryder as I'm still in awe of his home in Anaheim.

"It has its perks for sure. The view being one of them."

"For sure," I smile.

Ryder is just coming back from a morning run. He has his opening game today and he's still putting in work. I admire him so much for all the unseen hours he puts in to keep himself competitive.

"I always forget how different the heat is here than in Ash Cove."

"I'm really proud of you," I laugh. "Most people don't put in all the extra work you do."

"I don't know anything else."

"Are you excited about the game?"

"I am. That first game of the season holds a different feeling each year. I get to do what I love again and again, that's incredible."

"Do you need to get going for press and all that?"

"Yeah, I'm going to shower. I'll see my two favorite girls later."

He kisses me and Chloe on the forehead before he disappears. Chloe is sitting at the kitchen table coloring. She looks up at me and grins.

"I love you," she says before she goes right back to coloring.

"I love you too."

As we drive to the arena later that night, Chloe chatters away in the backseat, excitement practically radiating from her.

"I can"t wait to see Daddy play!" she exclaims.

"Me too. It's my first ever hockey game."

Chloe"s enthusiasm is infectious, and soon I'm caught up in the excitement of the moment. The arena looms ahead, a massive structure of steel and glass, its lights shining brightly against the night sky.

As we take our seats, Chloe practically bounces with anticipation, her eyes fixed on the ice below. I can"t help but admire her enthusiasm, her unwavering belief in her dad.

"You ready for this, Mommy?"

"I wouldn"t miss it for the world, baby."

The atmosphere is electric, anticipation crackling through the air like static. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I watch Ryder, clad in his Anaheim Destroyer's jersey skate onto the ice. His focus is intense, his determination palpable. Chloe, seated next to me, is practically bouncing up and down as she tries to find her daddy's jersey on the ice.

The puck drops, and the game is underway. The crowd erupts into a deafening roar, their cheers echoing off the walls of the arena. I get caught up in the excitement, the adrenaline coursing through my veins. This is what we"ve been waiting for.

I watch intently as Ryder takes his position on the ice, his eyes scanning the rink with laser focus. He"s been training for this moment, putting in the hours, the sweat, and the tears. There were numerous comments made before the season began about his age and if he's not just dead weight. Now, it"s time to show the world what he"s still made of.

The puck moves quickly from one end of the rink to the other, the players skating with a grace and agility that never fails to impress me. And then, in an instant, it happens. The puck is loose, and Ryder is there, his stick connecting with it in a move that is both fluid and precise.

"Chloe, Daddy has the puck! He"s making a break for it down the ice, skating like lightning! He"s past the defense, heading straight for the goal!"

My heart is in my throat as I watch, holding my breath as he approaches the net. The goalie braces himself, ready to defend his goal with everything he"s got. But Ryder is unstoppable, his focus unbreakable.

"He shoots! He scores!"

"Yay, yay, yay, Mommy!"

The crowd erupts into cheers, the sound deafening as the puck sails past the goalie and into the net. Ryder raises his arms in triumph, a victorious grin spreading across his face. I can"t help but cheer along with the crowd, my heart swelling with pride.

"That"s my husband!" I shout, unable to contain my excitement.

Chloe jumps to her feet, her tiny fists pumping in the air as she sings and dances. "Go Daddy, go Daddy!"

As the game continues, I feel a sense of awe as I watch Ryder in action. He moves across the ice with a grace and agility that is truly breathtaking, his skill and determination evident in every move he makes.

But more than that, it"s the way he carries himself, the way he leads his team with confidence and poise. He"s a natural-born leader, and it shows in everything he does.

I watch intently as Ryder takes his position on the ice for the next play, his focus intense, his determination evident in every move. His teammates look to him for guidance, for leadership, and he doesn"t disappoint.

The opposing team gains possession of the puck, but Ryder is quick to intercept it. With lightning speed, he passes it to Jack, setting the play in motion. The puck moves quickly from one end of the rink to the other, the players skating with a grace and agility that never fails to impress me.

As the play develops, I can see Ryder directing his teammates, calling out plays and positioning. He"s like a conductor, orchestrating the game with precision and finesse. His voice cuts through the chaos of the rink, clear and authoritative.

"Defense, tighten up! Forwards, get ready to break!"

His teammates listen, responding to his commands with unwavering trust. They know that when Ryder speaks, they need to listen. He"s earned their respect with his skill, his dedication, and his unwavering commitment to the game.

And then, in an instant, it happens. The puck is loose, and Ryder is there, his stick connecting with it in a move that is both fluid and precise.

"He"s got the puck! Lafferty is making a break for it down the ice, skating like lightning! He"s past the defense, heading straight for the goal!" an announcer says over the loud speaker.

The crowd erupts again as Ryder races down the ice, the opposing team hot on his heels. But he is unstoppable, his focus unbreakable. He"s determined to lead his team to victory, and nothing is going to stand in his way.

With a swift and decisive move, he shoots, and the puck sails past the goalie and into the net. The light flashes red and the horn sounds to alert us of the goal.

"He shoots! He scores!"

"Lafferty! Lafferty!" the crowd chants.

"Hey, they're cheering for Daddy!" Chloe comments excitedly.

When the final buzzer sounds and the game comes to an end, the crowd erupts into cheers once again. It"s a victory for the Anaheim Destroyers, a testament to their hard work and dedication. And for me, it"s a victory too, knowing that I get to share my life with a man as incredible as Ryder.

I can"t help but feel a sense of gratitude wash over me. Gratitude for this moment, for this life, for this incredible man who I am lucky enough to call my husband. The media is swarming him on the ice, he was the MVP of the game and put all those commentators calling him washed up to shame tonight.

He makes eye contact with me from the ice. I smile and blow him a kiss, he winks, and goes back to working as he starts answering questions.

He warned me about this part, telling me that Chloe and I could go back to the house so she could get to bed. There's no point in us waiting around in all the chaos when he couldn't focus on us.

"Can we wait for Daddy at the locker room?" Chloe asks. "I want to tell him good night."

"I think that's a great idea."

We wait for him by the entrance, my heart pounding with anticipation. When I see him, I rush forward, throwing my arms around him in a tight embrace.

"You were amazing out there, baby," I say, my voice filled with pride. "I"m so proud of you."

He pulls me close, returning my embrace with equal fervor. "Thanks, my love," he replies, his voice filled with emotion. "Having you and Chloe in the stands watching me was a game-changer. I felt like I could do anything."

I look up at him, my heart swelling with love. "I"ll always be there to cheer you on, Ryder. You mean everything to me."

He leans down, capturing my lips in a tender kiss. It"s a moment of pure magic, a reminder of the deep connection we share. In that moment, with his arms around me, I feel like nothing else in the Universe matters.

"Daddy, that was the best game ever!" Chloe exclaims as she jumps into his arms the second he pulls away from me. "They were chanting your name."

"I'm so glad you were here, Princess. What did you think?"

"I think that I am old enough to watch all of your games now."

"I think you're right," he laughs. "I've got press now, I'll see you in the morning, Chloe."

"Good night, Daddy," she kisses him on the cheek before he transfers her to me.

"I'll wait up for you," I tell him.

He kisses me quickly before disappearing into the locker room.

Later that night, when he finally arrives home, the excitement of the game still lingers in the air. Ryder wraps his arms around me from behind, pulling me close as we make our way to the living room.

"I"m glad you and Chloe could be there tonight," he says, his voice soft and filled with warmth.

I turn to face him, smiling up at him. "Me too. You played an incredible game, Ryder. I"m so proud of you."

He smiles, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thanks, Gia. Your support means everything to me."

I reach up, brushing a lock of hair out of his face. "You don"t have to thank me, Ryder. I"ll always be your number one fan."

He leans down, capturing my lips in a sweet and tender kiss. It"s a moment of pure bliss, a reminder of the deep love we share. In that moment, with his arms around me, I feel complete and at peace.

As we pull away, I can"t help but smile. "I love you, Ryder."

"I love you too, Gia," he replies, his voice soft and filled with emotion.

Together, we make our way to the couch, curling up together in each other"s arms. It"s moments like these that make all the hard work and sacrifice worth it. As long as we"re together, I know we can weather any storm.