"Now that can't be true," I tease, but the comment still makes me warm all over. For as terrible as this place can be, for all that it's taken from me, I am at least grateful for this. Here in Darrow I can sit on a beach with a man and hold him, kiss him, and not have to worry.

I can be myself here. Sure, hockey was a big part of me, but maybe I can learn who I am without it. Maybe Bits can help me. He's looking at me with those warm brown eyes, and I give him another soft kiss. "Happy birthday, Bits."