“Of course. I’ve watched all of your games so far. I’m so proud of you, Declan. I always knew you were going to do amazing things, but seeing you on TV playing in the NHL like this is almost a dream come true.”

I chuckle. “That makes two of us. But hey, while we’re on that subject—I’ve been thinking, and I want to fly you out here to Denver to see me play.”

“Really?” Her voice perks up.

“Yes, really. There’s a charity event coming up in a while that you could tag along for too. You’ll love Denver, I know you will. Sure, it can get kind of cold, and the elevation takes some getting used to, but it’s beautiful here. I can’t get enough of the mountains, and I think the clean mountain air here would be great for you.”

My mother clicks her tongue against her teeth, fond amusement clear in her voice. “I know what you’re up to. You’re angling to get me to move out there, aren’t you?”

I hesitate, debating whether I should be honest. But I know she’s going to see right through any excuse I make up anyway, so there’s no point. “Fine, I am. But it’s only because it would make me feel so much better to have you closer to me. You know, just in case anything happens.”

The loaded words hang between us for several moments before my mother sighs. “That’s sweet of you, and I appreciate it, but I don’t know. I’m settled here in San Diego. My life is here. I’m not sure I want to leave.”

“I understand. Maybe now isn’t a good time,” I say, deciding to drop it for now. If there’s one thing I know about my mom, it’s that she doesn’t take well to the hard sell. But now that the seed has been planted, I’m sure she’ll at least think about it, and maybe that will be enough to change her mind.

“So what else is new? Have you made any friends yet?” my mother asks, changing the subject.

“I’ve gone out for drinks a few times with the guys on the team, but that’s about it.”

I’d love to tell her about Hannah, but now probably isn’t the best time for that either because I know she’ll have a million questions that I won’t be able to give her answers for.

“Well, it takes time. But I’m sure you’ll find your people eventually. You always do.”

“Where do you think I get it from?” I ask, straightening and reaching for my helmet. “Anyway, I’d better head home. Is everything okay out there?”

“Everything is fine. You don’t need to worry.”