The kids are all stretching on the ice while Liam and Jay argue over whether the team’s coach is good enough for Jack – I know Liam wants to start coaching the team but when he approached the head coach he was told there were no openings. I was shocked they shot down an ex-NHL player but I agree it would have been unfair to sack someone just because Liam turned up. He will just have to wait until next season and try his luck again then. I have heard through the grapevine (the other gossiping hockey mums) that the head coach is wanting to retire, so I’m sure Liam will be down there with them next year. I’m distracted from their argument, watching my son glide around the ice so calm and serene, it steals my breath just like it does every time I see how natural he is on the ice.

I am glad he found something he loves, even if it does mean I am constantly on edge because of it. When the ref blows his whistle they all skate into their positions. It is kind of strange to see so many tiny people just as focused as the Spears are when they are seconds away from the puck drop. Liam pulls me into his side kissing my temple as the whistle blows and they are off.

Everything might be scary, it might feel like it will never work out, but in Liam’s arms I think we can deal with it. I know Lyndsey and Anders will deal with their problems too, we’ll help them. Lyndsey might not have meant to marry Anders but she will learn, just like I did, that you become a part of this family whether you want to or not.

It is the best family I could have asked for.

Because it is all mine.

Acknowledgements

There are so many people I want to thank that I could fill another novel trying to fit them all. First, I want to thank Dan O’Brien and everybody at Hera Books for seeing something in me that they believe in. You have lifted me up and supported me in ways I am beyond grateful for. Thank you for giving me a guiding hand through this process and I hope I have done you all proud.

Next my family. You have always believed that I had something to give the world, and even when I doubted it you supported me anyway. My mum, Nicola, for showing me that even when life gets hard there is always a way through the storm, and there is no shame in admitting that sometimes the burdens have gotten too heavy. Thank you for lightening that load.