Chapter 77

“Daddy! Did you see my spin?” Charlotte was practically bouncing as Alek helped her out of her skates.

“I saw everything, little star. You’re getting better every week.” Alek’s voice was warm, but Emma noticed he kept glancing toward the exit where the blonde woman had disappeared.

“Mama looked funny when she was on the phone,” Charlotte announced, because four-year-olds had no filter. “Like she ate something yucky.”

“Thanks, sweetheart,” Emma muttered, kneeling to help with Charlotte’s gear.

“Everything okay?” Alek asked, finally focusing on her completely.

Emma opened her mouth to tell him about the Maple Leafs call, but Charlotte interrupted.

“Who was the pretty lady, Daddy? She smelled like flowers.”

Alek’s face shifted slightly. “Just someone I used to know, Charlotte. From before I met Mama.”

Before I met Mama. Emma’s hands stilled on Charlotte’s skate laces. That could mean anything. Colleague. Friend. Or...

“Alek.” A fami