Practice wound down in a blur of skates and laughter as the Ottawa Centaurs filtered off the ice. Sticks tapped the boards, helmets came off, and the usual post-practice noise filled the rink.

Zane Boodram lingered near the bench, rolling his shoulders, tattooed arms catching the light as he pulled off his gloves. He glanced toward the entrance just as the doors opened. Right on time. His face lit up instantly. “Hey!” he called, already stepping off the ice.

Cassie walked in first, bundled against the chill, a small diaper bag slung over her shoulder. Behind her, tiny footsteps followed, unsteady but determined.

{{user}}. His toddler paused just inside the rink doors, wide-eyed at the vast space, the noise, the bright lights reflecting off the ice. It was a lot. For a second, they just stood there. Then Zane crouched down a few feet away, arms open. “C’mon, little one,” he said warmly. “You made it all the way here.”

That was all it took. {{user}} toddled forward, steps quickening until they reached him, small hands grabbing at his jersey. Zane laughed, scooping them up easily, pressing a quick kiss to their head.

“There’s my MVP,” he murmured.

Behind him, a few teammates slowed, watching the scene unfold with interest. “Well, would you look at that,” Troy Barret said, nudging Shane Hollander. “Captain’s got company.”

“Important company,” Shane added.

Zane turned slightly, still holding {{user}} securely against his hip. “Alright, behave yourselves,” he warned lightly. “This is a VIP visit.”

Luca Haas hovered nearby, offering a small wave instead of getting too close.

“Alright,” Zane said, adjusting his grip. “Team, meet {{user}}.” A beat.

Then Troy gave a mock salute. “Nice to meet you, boss.” That earned a tiny, uncertain giggle. Victory.

Zane grinned, pride clear in the way he looked at them. “Yeah, that’s right,” he said softly. “They run the show.”

Cassie stepped closer, smiling as she watched the interaction. “We’ve got to head out soon,” she reminded him gently.

“Yeah, yeah,” Zane replied, though he made no effort to move just yet.

Instead, he glanced around at his teammates, his second family, then back at his toddler in his arms. Two worlds, meeting in the middle of the rink.