“Yeah, yeah,” she says softly, and we walk out together. She kisses Dylan on the top of the head and then leans up to kiss me. “Drive safely.”

“You, too,” I say, watching her get into the SUV and driving away. I get into the car and make my way to the arena, parking in my regular spot. “Let’s go, buddy,” I say, opening the back door for him, and we walk in together like we always do.

“See you on the ice,” Dylan says, walking to his changing room, and I turn to see Ralph.

“Hey,” I say to him, and he nods.

“You have some visitors.” He motions over to the changing room, and when I enter, I see it overrun with the men in my family. Matthew and Max sit side by side, their hockey bags in front of them as they search through them. Evan and Viktor are sitting together on the other side, leaning with their backs to the wall and their eyes closed. Their hockey bags are not even open. Mini Cooper is sitting with Michael as he ties his skate. The kid has gotten so tall he might be past me now. My father sits on the bench by himself as he puts on his skates.

“You can’t skate faster than me, Dad,” mini Cooper tells Matthew. “You’re old.”

“I’m going to smoke you,” Matthew says.

“He really is getting up there in age,” Max says, and I laugh.

“What are you guys doing here?” I say, and my father looks up at me, and he smiles big. “Dylan!” I yell down the hall, and he sticks his head out of the room he’s in. “Come here.” I motion with my hand and wait for him to jog over.

“There he is,” Evan says, finally opening his eyes.

“Buddy, I want you to meet my dad, Cooper.” I point at my father, and he just smiles at him. “That’s Matthew and Max. You know Evan and Viktor, and those two rats are my nephews, Michael and MC.”

“Look at this kid,” Matthew says, getting up and slapping my shoulder. “You look good,” he says and then hits me in the stomach. “You look like you been eating doughnuts.”

“You fuc-” I start to say, but then I catch myself. “You wish.”

“That’s Cooper Stone,” Dylan whispers, and I smile, putting my hand on his shoulder. “Are you guys coming on the ice with us?” Dylan asks with his eyes big when everyone answers. “Cool,” he says, then looks at me. “I’m going to go get ready.”

“See you out there,” I say, and I watch him walk out of the room.