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Catherine Winchester always knehen to rein in the emotions She smiled prettily and said, “I suppose I just build you up because you’re my son”

Ah That was more like it

“Yeah You’ve really gotta get over ushed He hadn’t had enough of that in his life Because he hadn’t

been around her enough Changing the subject, he asked, “Have you seen Ciara?”

His mother beamed up at him “She’ll be here, sweetheart Ciara wouldn’t erly patted his cheek Then shook her head and let out a self-deprecating laugh “Look at o inside”

She started to move around him Scout called out, “Hey, Mom”

She looked back at him Smiled “Yes?”

“Thanks for being here Thanks for…everything”

His mother dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a tissue It hten

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, either Never doubt that”

Coach E ca at that moment and offered his arm to escort her inside the rink Scout took a few seconds to collect himself This was all very surreal and completely out of his realra vulnerable But thehim for a loop

“Coent, Preston Hills said “You’ve got a packed rink Nothing new for you, I know But given that it’s practically Scout Winchester Day in Ply deal for you, Mr Hometown Hero”

“Let’s not get crazy here”

Preston, a tall, lanky, all-business sort in a suit and neatly triot to learn to enjoy the liht, kid This isn’t just about what you can do with a stick and a puck and a net” As they headed up the steps to the oalies try to intimidate the hell out of you, but you’re the one who ends up scaring the bejesus out of the speed, sheer determination and slap shot velocity Yet at the end of the day, it’s how you reat All the ti to train and coach kids, anizations to help offset the costs of guys playing in leagues that aren’t school-sponsored, the contributions you eneral”

“Jesus, Pres,” Scout snorted “You’re uy here”