Felix made a point to tell me that every goal he saved was for Jack, so I think that is going to cement him as the favourite player whether I like it or not. I might just not tell him. But who am I kidding? Of course I’m going to tell him. He’ll be so excited. Almost as excited as I am to get out of this arena. As soon as the final whistle blew I was all but flying down the tunnel and into the shower. The quicker I am clean and changed, the quicker I can get to Ellis and Jack.

Sliding my feet into my loafers I am near skipping every other step as I try not to run to the family room of the arena. My post-game suit jacket billows with the speed I walk down the shiny corridors towards them.

I burst through the door and my eyes find Ellis waiting for me. She’s over in the corner sat in a plush-looking chair with Jack bouncing at her side talking to a few other kids. It calms me to see that she’s not alone though. Cassie is sat beside her talking a mile a minute, but it seems that as soon as her eyes meet mine she loses focus.

“Liam!” Jack is quicker on his feet than his mother. He throws himself in the air at me waiting to catch him. “You were so cool! Hockey is so fast! Did you see Felix save every goal?! He’s so cool, he looked at me before he skated off. I hope he thinks I’m cool, too. Do you think I’m cool? I think you’re cool.”

“Jack sweetheart, take a breath.” Ellis interrupts the whirlwind in my arms.

I can’t help but laugh at his excitement. “Felix definitely thinks you’re cool, he told me that he saved every goal just for you,” I tell him.

Jack’s eyes widen even further. “Woahhhhhh really? I love hockey. I love you, Liam.” He jumps out of my arms and runs back to join the gaggle of other children.

But I’m frozen.

Ellis is frozen.

I know it’s probably just the adrenalin, but maybe he meant it. I want to believe he meant it.

She looks at me, slightly shell-shocked, but her eyes are still full of warmth. “Congratulations, Mr Ruinsky,” she breaks the silence. I wonder if she’s congratulating me on the win or receiving Jack’s love.

I chuckle at her formality. “Well, thank you Ms Ainsley.”

It would feel right to take Ellis into my arms to celebrate a moment like this. But I don’t want to take away from Jack’s admission. Instead, I let his words settle between us, and wonder if Jack can love me, could his mother ever love me the same way again?