Page 253 of Skating the Pucking Line

And I quickly discover that I’m right. He has both of them in his arms, shielding them from what’s happening as best he can.

“Okay,” I say, my voice and actions no longer fueled by anger and disbelief. Looking at Garrett comforting my brothers is all I need to confirm what I need to do. “This is how things are going to go.” I turn back to my father, barely able to conceal my disgust for him. “You’re going to get your car keys, you’re going to leave the house, and you’re not going to return for at least three hours. In that time, we are going to pack Huxley and Ryker’s things, and we’re going to take them with us.”

Dad’s laughter bounces around the room. “You can’t take them.”

“I can, and I am. I’m not allowing them to spend another day living in this house with you. You either let it happen, or I’ll go to the media and explain how you’ve abused them and me since the days we were born. I’ll bury you and your beloved reputation before you can even blink.”

“You can’t do that. No one will believe you.”

I open my mouth to reply, but I’m not fast enough.

“They will,” a little voice says. “I’ve got evidence.”

Shocked, I turn toward Huxley. He’s broken from Garrett’s embrace and is holding up his cell. There’s a video of the scene we walked in on playing out before my very eyes.

“And that’s just one of them.”

Holy shit.

“I knew that one day you’d take it too far, and I knew we’d need evidence.”

Pride races through me, colliding with a million other things I’m feeling right now.

Devastation is most prevalent. How long have they been living like this, controlled not only by our father’s vicious words, but his fists as well?

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because we knew you’d get involved, and you don’t need us.”

A laugh erupts out of me. “This isn’t about what I need, Hux. This is about what I want. And I want you both to have the childhood you deserve. And this here isn’t it.”

“B-but your career.” I hate how grown up he sounds, and I hate that it’s the man standing before me who has forced that to happen all too soon.

“Cooper’s career will be just fine,” Garrett assures him. “Just let him do what he needs to do. You and Ryker are the most important people in his life.”

“Not true,” I state, hating how that sounds coming out of my mouth. “The three of you are the most important people in my life.” My eyes find Garrett’s, hoping like hell he’s going to agree with what I’m about to say. “And together, the four of us will figure it all out.”

He nods once, and I breathe a huge sigh of relief.

“We’ve got this,” he tells me.

“This is a fucking joke,” Dad scoffs.

“Why are you still here?” I ask, turning back to him.

His eyes narrow, and just when I think he’s about to argue, he throws his hands up in defeat.

The tight band that’s wrapped around my chest finally loosens a little. It’s nowhere close to being fully free; I doubt that’ll happen until I have my brothers on a flight away from him.

He glances at Huxley and Ryker, who is still cuddled in Garrett’s arms.

“Is this what you want?” he asks.

“Yes,” Huxley states without a second of hesitation.

“Fine. But don’t you come crying to me when he fucks this up. You’ll soon realize that you were better with me. And as for this,” Dad says, pointing between Garrett and me. “You’re making a huge fucking mistake. Hockey players don’t do this. It’s disgusting.”

“Well, it’s a good thing we don’t give a shit about your opinion.”