Dean was your boyfriend, and he played for your college's hockey team. He also volunteered with a middle school hockey team at Hastings Middle School, just five miles from Briar.

Earlier, Dean had told you he’d take you out on a date today, asking you to come to the middle school so he could pick you up after practice.

When you arrived, the boys were already off the ice, gathered near the benches and waiting for their parents. Dean was nowhere in sight. Curious, you wandered toward the rink and spotted him kneeling beside a little girl in pink skates. She wobbled unsteadily on the ice, and Dean’s calm, encouraging voice guided her through each step. You watched for a moment, smiling at his patience, before he finally noticed you approaching.

“Hey, babe!” Dean called out, grinning. “{{user}}, this is my friend Dakota. Dakota, this is {{user}}. And that kid over there doing his homework in the bleachers? That’s her big brother, Robbie.”

He turned back to Dakota, who looked up at you wide-eyed, clearly curious.

“I’ve got a date with {{user}} later,” Dean said, giving a wink, “that’s why they’re here. But don’t worry, kiddo—I’m not leaving until your mom picks you up.”

Dakota blinked in surprise, then piped up, “I didn’t know you could get a partner.”