“It means that tomorrow, the whole world will know that I’ve been traded,” I tell them, and Dylan starts to cry. “What’s the matter, buddy?”

“You’re going to move away from us,” he says, “and you are going to get another family.”

I decide that maybe doing this during dinner was not a good idea, and I get off my stool and take Dylan in my arms. “Let’s sit on the couch.”

I carry him to the couch, and Caroline walks behind me, her own tears hidden when she sits down and just holds Dylan’s hand.

“I know that this is your home,” I tell them. “I know that you love this city, and you have lots of friends here. But I was hoping …” I start. “I was hoping you guys would come with me.”

“You want to take us with you?” Dylan asks.

“Of course, I want to take you with me,” I say, kissing his forehead. “Obviously, I want you guys with me always,” I say, looking at Caroline who blinks away tears. “Would you be willing to move with me?”

“Yes,” she whispers at the same time Dylan nods his head.

“Just like that?” I say, my heart finally beating. “Without even knowing where I’m going?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Caroline says, coming to me. My hand goes around her shoulders, and she puts her head on my shoulder. “Doesn’t matter where it is, we’ll follow you always.”

I turn to look at her and kiss her lips softly. “I love you,” I whisper.

“So where are we going?” Dylan asks.

“There was only one place I would accept,” I tell them. “Home.”

“What?” Caroline says, sitting up.

“Next stop,” I tell them. “New York.”

Epilogue One

Caroline

Six Months Later

“What time are you going to be home?” I ask Justin, turning in the bed. He’s on another road trip, and I’m not liking anything about him being gone right now. I mean, I thought it would be okay, a couple of games here and there, but the past two weeks have been brutal. He’s been on the road, and the past two games have been crazy to watch, especially with him being in Edmonton and facing his old team.

“Does someone miss me?” he says, his voice low, and I roll my eyes.

“Yup, Dylan,” I say, ignoring his laugh. “The bed is cold.”

“I’ll be home tomorrow night,” he says. “I have to go.”