20. Holden

Lexi gives me a peculiar stare as we stand in the reception room of a country club outside of Chicago. Lake Spark may be a hockey town, but sometimes sponsors like to get away from the ice for a children's charity and find neutral territory for athletes from all teams to come together for a cause. These events can be fun. Still, my team at home are not impressed, which is why Lori's stare is more a near scowl—but still cute.

"I'm not sure this counts as a family outing?" Lexi chides but then touches my arm and completely relaxes and smiles because she's joking.

I snicker. "I can't get out of it. It's a sponsor that I still have a contract with. It's why I still appear at sports functions. At least it's a family-themed event and you got to watch me attempt to golf one hole, no?"

"And you should just stick to hockey," she mumbles but then stands tall. "My dad is here, and I spoke to him for a little bit. I'm surprised I didn't need to chain you up and drag you here because of that. How could you not want to fake a sickness and get out of this?" Lexi refutes.

"I'm aware." I sigh. I need to face him eventually. After all, with my kids now in the loop about my relationship status, then it's a step into the not-casual-dating category. I owe Coach Moore a chat. I missed the traditional train to ask for permission to date his daughter, but I can still make an effort.

I study my kids for a second. Lori scans the room while Harry is already beelining it to the snack table. My face turns pleading when I face my daughter. "An hour or two tops, then I promise we can do something just the four of us."

"Does fun include shopping?" Her tone is flat.

"Not exactly." But the four of us, for sure. Since everything between Lexi and me is out in the open, everyone seems a little happier. Lori in particular seems to have bonded with Lexi, which is refreshing to see since Lori could use a strong female figure in her life to look up to. It also brings Harry and me closer because the pranks have died down and I don't have to spend time defusing fires.

Lexi plants her hands on Lori's shoulders and guides her in a new direction. "Come on, I hear there are cute junior hockey players visiting this event, and we can go look at them over there." Lexi flashes her eyes at me as they leave.

Still, I manage to hear them as they walk away. "Does it matter? I see the Spinners practice at the rink all the time," my daughter reminds Lexi.

Ruefully, I shake my head as a guy calls my name. I turn to see Trey, an old buddy from my team.

"Hey, if it's not Mr. Entrepreneur himself." His hand comes up to shake mine. A strong hold because it's nearly a side hug.

"Hey, Trey. Long time no see. How's life treating you?"

He hitches a thumb over his shoulder. "Pretty damn awesome. Kim is over there talking to a few of the other wives. She's holding baby one, and baby two is on the way. Gotta have those kids close together in age. Complete the diaper phase in one big swoosh." Trey shines, and it's great to see.

"Congrats. My kids are around here somewhere."

"They must be big now. I still don't know how you managed to play hockey on little sleep. Respect." He squeezes my shoulder. "Miss the team life?"

I place a hand on my waist. "Nah, it was a great life. A little wild at times. Eventually we settle down, or at least I wanted to. I need the energy too, for my kids. It's like the first years are chaotic, then you get a break age six to ten, and then it goes back into the unruly phase where you want to grit your teeth far too many times to prevent words you shouldn't say from leaving your mouth."

Trey chuckles. "Thanks for the warning." He nudges my arm. "And… might have noticed that you didn't come alone today." He raises his brows. "Man, the coach's daughter? Didn't see that one coming. But does it count when you're no longer on the team and have retired? Surely, his cold glare coming straight for us is a signal that it isn't a big deal. Even if you and Lexi look pretty damn good together."

"I am lucky. Easy on the eyes, younger to keep me rejuvenated, and an absolutely great personality."

He smiles to himself. "Hope luck is on your side because Coach Moore has arrived to talk to you." Trey winks to me and then gives the man behind my shoulder a smile. "Hey, Coach, we still have it in us. See how our team came together to golf? A reflection of your fine leadership. It's just some of us forgot about certain rules pertaining to your daughter." He's proud of himself as he pivots and leaves. Trey has a good heart, and everything he does is in a positive jest. Maybe he even just lightened the blow because I turn to face the man that I need to speak to.

"Coach Moore," I greet him.

"Holden." His tone is stiff, and he indicates that we should step to the corner out of earshot, which I feel is probably a great idea.

Nervously I smile, reminding myself that I'm a grown man who was always determined and fearless. "I've been wanting to reach out and talk to you. Life has been a little busy with the Dizzy Duck and my kids."

"Not to mention my daughter. You seem to be busy with my daughter." His cold demeanor is nearly scary as shit, but in the corner of my eye I see Lexi giving me an encouraging thumbs up.

"Listen, you can doubt my intentions or believe I'm not the right fit for Lexi, but I won't hear what you have to say about it. All that matters is that Lexi and I believe that we're something worth building on." I'm firm in tone, my stance strong.

His eyes survey my body up and down. "I'm concerned about the experiences you have. You've been through a lot, when Lexi has lived one big carefree journey, even if it means ignoring the negatives. If you two are strong and have a future, then even if you're nowhere near there, it still must've crossed your mind that one day she will want her first and hopefully only marriage, probably a baby too. Anything about that scare you? Because you've already experienced both, except the wife who is long-lasting. Would you do it again for my daughter?"

I take a few beats because everything he says is a stark reality that maybe I haven't thought about this all enough. Still, it's not a scary warning that I should run away either. Lexi is younger, and of course one day will want things that are already part of my life story.

"Yes, sir. I've thought about all of that, yet here I am."

He lifts his chin, debating if I'm worthy. One thing that is different to our dynamic than any other normal relationship is that Lexi's dad was my coach and through that we learned how we both react to situations. He knows if I'm being honest or not.

"Lexi raves about your wonderful children. Good kids normally means that someone in their life is a strong influence. They've had you, which indicates that you're responsible. That counts for a lot in my book. You know I value strong family dynamics."

My hands splay out. "Then look no further. You also know that I can support Lexi too."

Coach chortles. "Now you're sounding like this is a marriage talk. Don't get ahead of yourself."

My body relaxes, as he just made a joke, that's a good sign at least. "What will it be? Skepticism or an attempt to accept us? You know I'm not one to settle for anything less than a win."

He glances over to the other corner where Lexi suddenly appears to keep herself busy with something else, having clearly been observing this scene.

His lips stretch slightly. "This is taking a little bit to wrap my head around. You broke my token rule to stay the hell away from my daughter. Which means you are even more persistent in getting what you want. I'm assuming you're not doing this for kicks, and my daughter's blatant joy right now is because of you."

"Hopefully so."

He sighs. "Fine." He deflates. "She's an adult and can make her own choices, even if it means that upcoming family dinners might need to defrost my opinion a little."

My lips press tightly together, debating what else I should say to plead my case. "Thawing of opinions it is," I concede.

We stare at one another for a long few seconds, standing our ground and wanting the same thing—for Lexi to be happy. I offer my hand; he hesitates, but we shake. An agreement between two men.

That's another checklist item done.

When he walks away, I sigh in relief as Lexi nearly skips to me, overly joyous, and she claps her hands together.

"See? Not so bad. I made him promise that he would go easy."

I rub my face in doubt. "I guess it could have been worse. Remind me to sit on the other side of the table at Thanksgiving."

"A perfect idea."

I wrap my arm around her shoulders, and we begin to walk through the room to find my little heathens that I love beyond the world.

"We should head outside. There are some games for the kids. Then I can also sign some stuff for the children from the foundation."

"Sounds like a plan."

After a few more chitchat conversations with a few people, we move outside. Harry and Lori run ahead of us to the candy-apple making next to the face-painting tent. Lexi and I keep our fingers gently linked as we walk. I spot the area where my former teammates are signing things for the children who anxiously wait with glee, and I'm happy this event makes their day.

"I want to give some time to this, so if everyone can be a little patient a little longer," I tell Lexi.

She nods then tips her head in the direction of a face-painting stand. "Of course. I totally need to get a unicorn painted on my cheek anyhow."

We both lean in for a kiss. God, it feels good not to have to sneak around. We're in the open with no worries in sight.

That's how it should be.

* * *

Lori throwssome popcorn at her brother while we're all set in our places in the living room. Harry and Lori on the other ends of one sofa and Lexi and me on the other. We all have a blanket and snacks as we watch a movie. I should be a little stricter with what Harry watches, but I agreed to PG-13 since it was his choice to pick, and he wanted to watch an action move.

Lexi rests her head against my shoulder as she snuggles into me. Never thought I would see this scene where someone else joins the three of us for casual family time. Nor did I expect to have a woman in my arms who isn't just instant gratification behind closed doors.

This feels like a right fit for all of us.

My phone vibrates on the side table next to the couch, and I feel compelled to answer it to ensure that everything is fine at the inn, as I haven't checked in all weekend. My screen only shows me an alert related to news… on me. Probably not the brightest idea, but long ago I set up alerts about my name in the news. It was more to ensure Lori and Harry wouldn't have to be blindsided by anything from others, although I do my damnedest to keep them out of the public eye. Another reason that I appreciate Lake Spark Academy; they take these kinds of things seriously, especially as there are other high-profile parents too.

Swiping my screen, I'm not sure I want to smirk to myself or be kind of pissed.

"What is it?" Lexi asks as she notices my interest on my cell. Her eyes travel down then move in different angles. "Is that us?"

"Yeah, seems it is. I forgot there was a photographer at the charity event yesterday."

Holden West in a Relationship with Former Coach's Daughter.

The photo only shows us holding hands, but it shows enough to make assumptions.

Lexi pops her lips. "At least it's a good angle," she quips.

It's been a hell of a long time since I've appeared in any photos this way, but I guess I don't seem to mind.

"Ooh, someone is going to get some glaring eyes on them at the next school drop-off." Lori seems excited.

"Yep, my life's goal," I joke.

Lexi yawns. "Just roll with it."

"It's fine. Nobody will care tomorrow, and there are no photos of Lori and Harry."

Stretching her arms, Lexi gives me the clue that she's tired. "Guys, are we sure we're close to the end?"

"Five minutes," Harry informs us.

"Okay, I can cope with that," Lexi promises.

But it felt like a long five minutes, even for me. The movie dragged, and after picking up kernels of popcorn that seemed to have scattered everywhere and folding blankets, everyone was ready to call it a night, as tomorrow is a school day.

Every night lately, it's been the same routine. Harry and Lori to their rooms. Harry to check his financial portfolio on his tablet and me promising to actually talk to my financial advisor. Lori scrolling her social media on her phone, and me reminding her to turn her phone off. They both make their way to sleep on their own, and it works.

Lexi? It's a humorous scene every damn time. I lie on the bed waiting for her, and she hesitates in the doorframe of my bathroom, doubting what she should do.

I offer the same easy and assuring smile every night. "Come on, woman. I'm getting impatient."

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Shaking my head, I'm not sure how many times I need to repeat this. "Yes."

She takes a few more steps, slowly adapting to the idea. "I mean, it must be a little weird for them to know that I'm in here."

That's why I'm waiting as a man ready to pounce her. "Trust me, Lori and Harry don't seem to notice or care."

Lexi twists the ends of her tank top because regular sleeping with one another entails normal pajamas now, just in case we have any family mishaps. "What if they're scared to say something? It must feel odd that suddenly there is a woman sleeping in their father's room."

I pat the bed, inviting her in. "I think we've been over this a thousand times. Now get in here."

Finally, she drops her shoulders and nods in agreement. "You're right. I'm being silly." I lift the duvet, and she slides underneath. "I mean, I know how to be quiet anyhow." There is her assertive spirit returning.

"Damn straight you can, now pass me a condom so we can get a step ahead on this train."

Her mouth forms an O shape, and a sound croaks out of her mouth. "It's okay. I'm on the pill, and I want to feel you completely, and I'm positive that you want that too."

I take hold of her body and drag her on top of me, our eyes connecting with a new significance. There is something about this that only binds us closer.

"Lexi, if you're truly comfortable with that then there is no going back, because the first taste of the way you feel will be the only way I'll ever take you again."

She lowers herself and murmurs against my lips. "I want you to come inside me."

I'm completely hers, and it's true… there is no going back in all aspects of us, because she's completely mine too.