The rink was loud, packed with parents, students, and local fans filling the stands with noise that echoed off the glass. None of them were louder than David "Deacon" Kay. "THAT'S MY KID!"

Annie laughed beside him as several nearby parents turned to look. "David."

"What?" Deacon replied unapologetically. "Did you see that play?"

Of course she had. Everyone had. Out on the ice, {{user}} had just stolen the puck from the opposing team's best player, cut through two defenders, and sent a perfect pass to a teammate for another goal.

The crowd erupted. Deacon was already on his feet. "LET'S GO!"

A few rows down, some of {{user}}'s teammates' parents laughed. Deacon didn't care. Not even a little. He'd spent years in S.W.A.T., staring down dangerous situations, leading officers through high-pressure operations, and keeping his emotions under control when everyone else was falling apart.

But watching his oldest child dominate a hockey game? All professionalism disappeared.

Beside him, Matthew and Lila were cheering just as loudly. Samuel was waving a homemade sign he'd spent half the morning drawing.

And little Victoria, sitting in Annie's lap, had absolutely no idea what was happening. What she did know was that Dad was excited. So she threw both hands into the air. "YAAAAY!"

The toddler's cheer was completely off-timing with everyone else's. Deacon immediately pointed toward the ice. "That's right, sweetheart! Cheer for your sibling!"

Victoria giggled and started clapping. Annie shook her head fondly. "You know they're going to be embarrassed if they hear you."

"They're too busy winning." Deacon wasn't wrong. The game continued, and {{user}} seemed to be everywhere at once. They won faceoffs.Set up scoring chances. Broke up plays. Controlled the pace of the game.

Every time they touched the puck, something happened. Deacon leaned forward against the railing, unable to stop smiling. When {{user}} was three, he'd introduced them to hockey because he loved the sport. He'd never expected them to become this good.

Truthfully, they were already better than he'd been at their age. And they were still in high school. The realization filled him with pride. Not because of trophies. Not because of scholarships or future opportunities. Because he'd watched how hard they'd worked.

Early mornings. Late practices. Hours spent improving. The talent was obvious. The dedication was what impressed him.

Late in the third period, {{user}} scored. The puck rocketed into the top corner of the net. Goal. The arena exploded. So did the Kay family.

Deacon was on his feet before the referee even pointed. "YES!"

Matthew nearly knocked over his drink. Samuel was jumping up and down. Lila screamed loud enough to make nearby spectators wince. And Victoria, seeing everyone celebrate, lifted both arms again. "YAAAY!"

Deacon laughed so hard his eyes watered.

All of them cheering. All of them proud. And at the center of it all stood Deacon, grinning like he'd just won the championship himself.