He walks off.
I stand there with my stick across my hands for a long minute, looking at the ice, before I go to the showers.
I don't know what just happened, exactly. I don't think it was forgiveness. I don't think either of us asked for that or got it. It was something smaller and more useful.
I take it.
44
NORA
It’s Monday morning, one week after the custody verdict, and I wake up feeling lighter than I have in months.
Harper's safe. Legally, officially, permanently, Tyler's. No more fear hanging over us, no more hiding who we are to each other. No more waiting.
I'm making coffee when I hear Tyler's shout from the living room.
"Red! Get in here! Now!"
I run, my heart jumping to worst-case scenarios, but when I get there, Tyler's got his phone out, recording, and Harper's standing in the middle of the room looking very pleased with herself.
"Watch," Tyler whispers, still filming.
Harper takes one wobbly step. Then another. Three more before sitting down with a delighted giggle.
She's walking.
Not cruising along furniture. Not holding our hands. Actually walking, independently, across the living room.
"Oh my god," I breathe.
"I know," Tyler whispers, still filming. "She just stoodup and went."
I drop to my knees, happy tears already on my cheeks. "Come here, baby girl. Come to me."
Harper grins and takes off toward me, chubby legs determined, and I catch her in a tight hug.
"Ten months and already walking," Tyler says, voice thick. "She's ahead on everything."
"She gets it from both of us."
He looks at me over the camera with that expression he does.
"Yeah," he says. "She really does."
We spend the next hour cheering every step like she's winning Olympic gold. Tyler sends the videos to the entire world immediately, Emma, Diane, Danny, Michelle, and his team group chat.
His phone starts buzzing within seconds.
Emma: OMG SHE'S WALKING!!
Diane: She is a genius. Obviously.
Danny: Dude, your kid is going to be a hockey player. Look at those legs.
And from Carter, the veteran defenseman who's been warming to Tyler since the Reaper situation shifted.
Carter: Congrats, West. On the walking and everything else. You earned it.