Chapter 56

Emma sat between her sleeping babies in the early morning light, Franklin’s letter trembling in her hands. The envelope had been tucked into her grandfather’s desk drawer for months, labeled in his precise handwriting: “For Emmy - When You Face Your Hardest Choice.”

That choice had arrived unexpectedly yesterday when Alek received a phone call that would change everything.

“NHL Commissioner?” she had repeated in disbelief. “You’re being offered Commissioner of the entire league?”

Alek had looked as stunned as she felt. “The current commissioner is retiring earlier than planned. Health reasons. The board wants fresh leadership, someone with playing experience and modern business acumen.”

“It’s your dream job,” Emma had said quietly, understanding immediately what this meant.

“In New York,” Alek confirmed. “Full relocation required.”

Now, at dawn, Emma finally opened her grandfather’s letter with shaking fingers:

My dearest Emmy,

By the