by Kristen Echo
The drive didn’t take long. A few minutes later, they arrived, parked and headed down one path. She’d forgotten how many miles of terrain and countless trails there were. Her sister could be anywhere. The way the NHL community came together so quickly was awe inspiring. It made her heart so full to know dozens of people were out searching for Connie and Meagan. All the parks within a twenty-mile radius had people searching and Nico held her hand through it all. She leaned on him for support and he willingly stood by her side. Caroline was beyond thankful to have him, but as the minutes ticked by and they hadn’t found her, her spirits deflated.
Then her phone rang. “Hello,” she said to an unknown number.
“We found them,” a deep male voice said and Caroline would have fallen if Nico hadn’t been there to hold her. “They were hiding in the woods on the outskirts of King’s Park. Someone chased them and well… they’re safe now. I’ll drive them home. Nico told me to call you when we found them. Do you want to talk with your sister?”
“Yes. And thank you.” The tears fell anew and then the sweetest sound on the planet tickled her ear.
“I missed piano, Caroline. We stayed out too long. Can I see you? I don’t want to get into this man’s car. I don’t know him. Meagan says we have to but I want you to come get me. I can wait. I swear I’m not cold.”
Caroline laughed. Of all the things to focus on her sister picked the fact she’d missed her music lessons. “I love you so much, baby girl. We’re not far, I don’t think.” She looked to Nico, who had turned them around and was guiding them back to his truck. He held up his hand, indicating they were five minutes away. She thought they had made more progress than that, but it didn’t matter anymore. She quickened her pace. Her sister waited for her. “We’re coming, Connie. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
“Okay,” Connie said and then she hung up.
A second later Nico’s phone rang. “Yeah. We’re parked in the same lot. Thanks Joe, I owe you one. Call Mr. Northcote and let him know the good news.”
They ran the last leg of the path and when Caroline saw her sister standing with a blanket on her small shoulders, the tears burst forth yet again. “Baby girl!” She wrapped her sister in a hug and kissed the top of her head. She mouthed thanks to Nico, who squeezed her shoulder.
It was obvious Connie didn’t understand the reason for the fanfare. Meagan on the other hand, appeared rattled. “I’m so sorry Miss Northcote. We were out walking, minding our own business when two men approached us from the road. They opened their window and said some nasty things, even asked us to come closer. I didn’t like the way they looked at us, so we took the path towards the park. Then I saw their white truck in the parking lot and it seemed like they were coming for us. I didn’t want to take any chances, so I told Connie we’d play a game of tag. We ran down the path, but when I checked back, I noticed two figures running in the distance. They were fast, but we headed into the trees and lost em.”
“We played hide and go seek, Caroline. It was fun, and I won!” Connie smiled. At least her sister wore her ski pants and parka. Other than bright red, wind kissed cheeks, her sister didn’t look any worse for wear.
Meagan patted her arm. “That’s right, you did great. My phone must have fallen because when I went to call for help I noticed it was gone.”
Joe stepped next to her and showed her a pink bedazzled phone case. “I found this sticking out of the snow at the fork in the path. Is it yours?”
Meagan snatched it out of his hands. “Oh my god. Yes!” She kissed the phone like it was her baby. “I had no idea it had gotten so late. Every time I heard a sound I got jumpy. I would never let anything bad happen to Connie and there was an article yesterday about another missing teen. I’m so sorry, please don’t fire me.”
Caroline hugged Meagan. “You did everything right and you’re not getting fired. Thank you for protecting my sister. Now let’s get you both inside and warm. Daddy can’t wait to see you both.”
Nico opened the passenger door for Connie and Caroline to slide into the backseat. “Connie this is my… friend Nicolas. He will drive us home, okay?” The word boyfriend had been on the tip of her tongue, but she caught herself at the last minute.
Connie didn’t look at him but smiled. “I like your beard. I’m learning about voyageurs in school. You look like the men who settled here. Do you know how to paddle a canoe?”
Nico laughed. “As a matter of fact, I do. Maybe this summer I can show you. Would you like that?”
Connie nodded and Caroline’s heart soared. Future plans had to be a good sign for their relationship. She didn’t want to get ahead of herself, but the love she had for him doubled in that instant. Her sister rambled about music notes and a passage she was learning as they drove. The event hadn’t upset her in the least.
When they arrived at her family home, her father rushed outside to greet his baby girl. They shared a family hug, and Caroline included Nico in the ensemble. He awkwardly hugged her back, but his body felt rigid.
“Thank you everyone for coming and helping to bring my daughter home safely. I’m humbled and beyond grateful that you would all drop what you were doing, on one of your few days off, to help me and my family. Go home and enjoy your day; what’s left of it.” Her father’s smile lit up his face, but it faltered when he noticed Caroline holding onto Nico. “Girls, let’s get inside.”
She let go of his arm and watched Nico shift from foot to foot, weighing his decision. She didn’t want to press him, but she hoped he’d take her hand and follow her inside. The way he avoided her eyes, and stared at his feet, didn’t leave her with high hopes. She wanted to tell her father about the man she loved. Caroline wasn’t ready for him to go, but she braced herself for that decision. Nico had been clear about needing time. A few days hardly counted.
“Thank you for going with me to bring my sister home. I appreciate you being there for me.” Caroline tried to give him an easy out; a way to say goodbye with no awkwardness.
He reached out and threaded their fingers together. The gesture took her off guard and her eyes shot to his. The silver danced in the fading sun, fighting the blue for real-estate. “I told you I’ve got your back, and I meant it. You and me, we’re in this together.” He kissed her knuckles with a sly grin.
“Really?” She glanced up the steps to where her father lingered with her sister. Their backs were to them, but any moment he might turn and see.
“Let’s break the news to your dad. Because if anything like this ever happens again, I want to be there to hold you through it all. I’m not letting another person I care about down. It fucking killed me to walk away from you earlier. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You were there when I needed you, and you’re still here. That’s all that matters.”
“I might not have a job, but yeah. I’m here.” He kissed her forehead and together they took the first step towards their future.
Chapter 16
All the heartache and the worry disappeared as they climbed the stairs. Caroline felt years younger and so darn happy she couldn’t hold back her smile. Everything was right in the world. Her sister was safe and the man she loved wanted to make their relationship official. Joy radiated from her pores. Until they walked inside and her father slammed the door behind them.
The unified couple turned to face the scowl of Spence Northcote. He stared at their joined hands, and if looks could kill, Nico would have been six feet under. Caroline gripped her boyfriend’s hand and gave him a reassuring smile.
Nico straightened his posture as if readying himself for battle. Perhaps they would have a fight on their hands, but Caroline hoped that would not be the case. Her father was a tall and intimidating man. He used that to his advantage in business, but it didn’t work at home. He was a big old softie.
“Nicolas, perhaps you missed when I told everyone outside to leave. I’d like to be alone with my family for the remainder of the day.”
“I heard you, Sir.
Caroline and I would like a moment of your time.” The grip on her hand tightened, almost painfully.
They had nothing to fear and soon Nico would relax. Everything would be fine once they explained themselves. She opened her mouth, but a loud thump interrupted her. Connie lay sprawled on the hardwood floor, struggling to remove her ski pants. Her giggles filled the house as Meagan rushed to help her.
“I’ve got it,” she said through her laughter.
Meagan held up her hands in defeat. “Fine, Connie, you do it all by yourself. I’ll run you a bath so you can warm up.” She leaned down and picked up the discarded pink jacket, mittens and scarf.
“Awe, but it’s not bath time. Bath is before bed and it’s not dark out yet.” She wriggled out of her snow-pants and handed them over.
“You love bath time and I promise to make you some hot chocolate too.”
“Daddy, can I have extra marshmallows? And Nicolas needs to have a cup with me. I want to talk more about the voyageurs and portaging.”
“You can have as many marshmallows as you’d like, but Nicolas will be leaving shortly. Sorry, peanut. Go have your bath and your sister and I will be here when you’re done.” His word was final and the two girls climbed the stairs to the second story, leaving Caroline with the two men she loved staring at one another.
The standoff between Nico and her father had to end. “Daddy, let’s go into the kitchen and talk. Nico and I have something to tell you.”
“If you insist.” Her father huffed and marched off down the hall.
She let go of Nico’s hand to remove her coat. “His bark is worse than his bite, trust me.”
“I’ve seen his bite, Caroline. He will trade me, and we’re so close to the cup. I swear our team will win it this year. Fuck, this is a bad idea. I’m letting the entire team down by pissing off your dad.” He scrubbed his hands over his face.
“Oh, no you don’t. We will talk to him and tell him we’re dating. He’s going to accept that I’m in love with you and nothing bad will happen. You’ve come this far, please.” Her lip quivered. She expected her father wouldn’t take the news well, but he’d be mad with her, not Nico. Nico had done nothing wrong; she’s the one who broke her father’s rules.
He took her hand again and kissed the inside of her palm. “You are amazing. Have I told you that today?”
“A few times when we were in bed, but it’s nice to hear it again. Hold that thought until after our conversation. I’ll be even more amazing later.” They shared a chaste kiss before walking into the kitchen together.
Her father stood behind the island, leaning against the stainless-steel fridge. “Don’t sit. I have a feeling I know what you’re about to say, so spit it out.”
She’d never known her father to act in that manner. “You’re being awfully rude.” This was the first time she’d broken one of his rules. It hadn’t been intentional, but it wasn’t the end of the world.
He slammed his hand flat against the granite. “Don’t start, Caroline. You will not like the outcome. Get on with it.” His tone was far harsher than usual.
“With all due respect, don’t talk to her like that. She doesn’t deserve your wrath. We—”
“Don’t you dare come into my home and tell me how to talk to my daughter. You have no right to touch her. In fact, your contract forbids it. I’d hold my tongue if I were you Mr. Ivarsson. You are treading on very thin ice.”
Caroline loved that Nico defended her, but it hadn’t earned him any brownie points with her father. His eyebrow twitched, conveying the depths of his fury. “Daddy, I love him. We didn’t mean for it to happen, and we had no idea we ran in the same circles until we’d been dating for a while.”
“Rules are in place for your own good, kids.” He shook his head from side to side, causing the white strands to cover his eyes. “I feared this day might come. How long have you been lying?”
“I never lied to you. We waited until the relationship became serious.” Caroline’s eyes watered. She didn’t understand why her father was so against them being together.
“You’re too young to know anything about being in a serious relationship. Nothing good will come from this. You understand you’re forcing my hand, right?”
“Please be reasonable, Daddy. I… we—”
“I’ve heard enough. Nicolas, go to my den and wait for me. I need to talk with my daughter alone.”
Nico looked at her and she nodded. There was no point arguing. He kissed her cheek before walking away. Once Spence Northcote made a decision, it rarely changed. She only prayed he’d listen to reason. Once Nico left the room, her father rounded the counter and tilted her chin towards him. They stood eye to eye.
“I warned you to stay away from hockey players for several reasons. You are an owner whether you choose an active role or not. The players aren’t allowed to date staff. It’s been proven on other teams to be a mess when things end. Those men, they live very hard lives and they aren’t good enough for my little girl. We never mix business with pleasure.”
“No. You say never to mix them, but there’s nothing wrong with it. We’re in love.”
He scoffed at her response. “You’re wrong, and now you’ll learn your actions have consequences. This can’t go unpunished. I can’t pull favorites and pretend you both didn’t mess-up. He’ll either be traded or sent down. Either way this relationship ends now.”
A tear escaped. “Don’t punish him. He had no idea who I was until days ago. But you’re wrong if you think it’s over. I love him, and I’m not walking away. We can re-write the contracts if we need to. Some rules are meant to be broken when they are broken for the right reasons. Daddy, you taught me to love with my whole heart and it belongs to Nico now and forever. If you send him away, I’ll follow him. This isn’t a fickle romance. We get each other.”
“You’d give up your band so easily? I thought music mattered to you. Do you know his history? I do, and it’s not pretty. He’s a damn fine hockey player, but you deserve better; someone who will stick by you and he won’t. You’re talking about commitment and he’s incapable. Open your eyes and realize he doesn’t love you the way you claim to love him. I’ve known Nicolas for years and he… he’s not the guy for you.” He tried to hug her, but she pushed him away.
“You’re wrong. You don’t have to do this. He told me everything about his past and about what he wants in the future. He loves me too.” She knew it in her soul. They belonged together.
“I didn’t hear him professing his love as he walked away, turning his back on you. Sex isn’t love. Breaking the rules comes with hefty consequences for both of you. Your condo is gone and you’ll be moving back home at the end of the month. If you want to continue music, then this is non-negotiable. Next semester you’ll start classes again and get your business degree. Then you will work with me.”
Caroline had suspected her father would pull those cards. He’d only allowed her to move out because she’d begged and promised to consider working with him next year. Once she learned whether the music career would pan out, she’d make her final decision about hockey. She didn’t care where she lived. In truth, she’d moved out recently, only so she wouldn’t disrupt Connie as she rolled in after a gig. Her sister was a light sleeper.
“I’ll accept my punishment as long as Nico’s position on the team remains as is. This is non-negotiable. And we aren’t breaking up. Say whatever you want, but get used to that idea. He’s the one for me.”
“It’s not that simple. He’s in breach of contract. Your relationship was over before it began.” This time she didn’t put up a fight when he hugged her. “I’m sorry this happened. But you’ll get over him, like all the rest.”
He didn’t know her or Nico very well if he expected her to stop loving him. She couldn’t turn love on and off on a whim. It didn’t work like that. “Talk to Nico. You’ll see what we share is real and not fleeting.”
“It’s either his career or you. He can’t have both. Would yo
u force him to choose?”
Her heart shattered. “No. That’s not fair.”
“Life isn’t fair. I’ll do what I can to keep things quiet, but he’ll go as soon as it can be arranged. I must go break the news. You might think this is entirely my fault, but it’s not. Rules are rules, and I have a legal responsibility to uphold the contract. You cost that man and possibly the entire team the Stanley Cup.”
With that statement lingering in the air, he walked out of the kitchen. Her legs wobbled, and she sank to the ground as the tears rolled down her cheeks. She’d told Nico everything would be okay and that being with her was fine, but she’d been wrong. Caroline thought she’d been the one taking the risks, but it had been Nico all along. She couldn’t let him give up his dreams for her.
After a few minutes of well-earned self-pity, she got up and wiped her face with her sleeve. The dark lines of her mascara left their mark against the pale smoky blue fabric. She’d picked that shirt because it reminded her of Nico’s eyes. Eye’s she’d now have to say goodbye to no matter how painful. He deserved to live his dream. He’d already lost too much.
The door to the den had been left open. She crept close to eavesdrop.
“I love her.” She recognized Nico’s voice, but those were words he’d never expressed. Her heartbeat picked up, and she missed the next few phrases as she tried to calm herself. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”
Her father grumbled and shuffled papers. “Make sure your bags are packed, you’ve got a lot to do young man.”
“I’ll get it all done, and I won’t miss the flight,” Nico said, confirming her fears. Her father must have done it; Nico was being traded.
“You’re sure this is what you want?” Her father asked.
“One hundred percent. I’ve never been more certain in my entire life.”
She leaned in but missed the muffled whispers that followed. “Goodbye Nicolas.” Her father’s words sounded so final.