Chapter One

Mid-September…

“‘The latest Cobra off-ice controversy. An insider’s look—for once boardrooms rather than bedrooms.’” Ford Delgado sucked his teeth, shutting off his phone and stuffing it into his pocket as he slouched back in the passenger seat of his older sister’s SUV. Another article about a disaster with the Dartmouth Cobras to stress over?

How about no.

He sighed as his younger sister, Silver, found a spot to park in the underground lot of the condominium, trying to figure out where her head was at. “You know better than to read this shit.”

Flicking her long, pale blonde hair over her shoulder, Silver effortlessly slid the big SUV into the small tight space. As she cut the engine, she glanced in the back seat at their older sister, Oriana, who unstrapped her son from his car seat. Biting her bottom lip, Silver looked like she wanted to voice her objections. Again.

Instead, she turned to Ford, her green eyes cold. “If the big words are too hard for you, I can have Amia explain it with some crayons.”

“Right after she teaches you some manners?”

“There’s nothing wrong with my manners, you condescending—”

“If you two don’t mind, I’m going up to see our father. And introduce him to his grandson.” Oriana walked past the passenger’s side, her high, light brown ponytail swinging, baby strapped in the carrier against her chest, and massive diaper bag slung over her shoulder. She gave them a long-suffering look before starting toward the elevator. “And if you kill one another before I get back, please don’t leave a mess.”

Cursing under his breath, Ford bolted from the SUV, sprinting across the quiet parking lot to take the diaper bag.

Silver got there at the exact same time.

They both held the strap as Oriana turned to glare at them in a way that always made Ford feel like a chastised toddler. Maybe he deserved it this time, but Silver was infuriating. Intentionally so.

Besides, fighting with her was much more entertaining than what they’d be dealing with in a few minutes. He gave the strap another tug the second Oriana started to turn. Their nephew, James Weston Callahan Perron—more commonly known as Westy—gazed up at them from his snug spot on his mother’s chest, casually blowing bubbles as Silver fumed. The baby cuteness seemed to calm her down. She smiled at her nephew, then rolled her eyes at Ford, mouthing ‘Jerk.’

“I’m sorry.” Silver shoved the bag at Ford, then folded her arms over her breasts. “I don’t want to be here. I don’t think Westy should be here either. Why are you doing this to yourself, Oriana?”

Lifting her hand to let Westy hold her finger, Oriana shook her head, then held her free arm out to pull Silver in for a hug. “No matter what he’s done, he’s our father. And who knows how much longer he’ll be around? He’s been calling for weeks. He’s even been to therapy. He’s serious about changing for the better. And he wants to see us.”

“I don’t trust him.” Silver stroked Westy’s cheek with a finger, then pressed her eyes shut. “That’s why I didn’t bring Amia.”

“There’s always next time. Maybe he’ll change your mind.” Oriana continued toward the elevator, stopping Ford before he could step on behind Silver. “And for God’s sakes, Ford. Be nice to Silver.”

Clearing the doors a second before they closed, Ford stared at his older sister. “Me? How is this my fault?”

“Would it have hurt to read the article?”

“Another article speculating stupid trades that will never happen?” Ford jaw hardened as Silver muttered under her breath. Something about him being a child. An improvement from her usual insults, at least. “Yeah, sorry, not wasting my time.”

Oriana shook her head, inhaling very, very slowly as the elevator rose, the glass walls showing the perfect view of the Halifax Harbor, glowing in the early morning light. Her eyes were distant, not seeing any of it. “This article’s about a move that could happen. I’m sure Dad will bring up the possible relocation, so we have to be prepared.”

“I don’t think he cares much about individual players.” Ford frowned as Oriana and Silver exchanged a look. “What am I missing?”

“Not players, Ford.” Oriana swallowed hard. “The team.”

His heart surged up to his throat as he pulled out his phone, but they’d already reached the penthouse. He couldn’t read the article now. He should have when Silver had sent it last night. Or before Oriana had picked him up this morning. Or even on the way here, when Silver had reminded him.

But he’d refused to believe a reporter could discover anything he didn’t already know. He was just as invested in the team as his sisters. More involved lately since they both had kids who took up a lot of their time. A step he was nowhere near ready to take, so he did his part to make sure they were free to spend time with their growing families. Between Silver and Oriana, their family only controlled about a third of the shares after he’d sold his majority to the current owner, Lorenzo Keane, but they all sat on the board and both he and Silver held management positions.

If there was any risk of the team being moved, wouldn’t he have heard about it already? Silver might have read something and overreacted, but Oriana wouldn’t. The information had been serious enough to worry her.

What had he missed?

You’d know if you’d read the fucking article, dumb ass.

Grinding his teeth, Ford stashed his phone in the pocket of his suit jacket, jerking the smooth black material straight before following his sisters into the penthouse condo.

Anthony Delgado had once owned a mansion, along with many other properties, but between poor management of the team and his own finances, their father had been forced to sell almost everything. He’d been close to claiming bankruptcy at one point, but his new wife, who’d once been his secretary, had managed to bring him back from ruin and helped rebuild to modest wealth with some shrewd investments. Ford didn’t know much about the woman—his stepmother? Shit, that was weird to think when ‘Dad’ had only been in his life for a few years—but Silver absolutely hated the woman.

Which didn’t say much, Silver hated a lot of people. Including him, once.

Now she loved him like only a little sister could. In the most irritating way possible. Not that he was completely innocent, but he wouldn’t just put up with her taking jabs at him whenever she was in a mood. Which she had been since Oriana had come to get them.

He wasn’t loving this little family trip himself.

At least they were too old for hair pulling and pinching—which they’ve probably done if they’d grown up together, rather than him being raised by the man he’d once thought was his father, Roy Kingsley.

A shame, because that would have been fun. Growing up together. Not pinching her. Getting under her skin by not taking her shit like almost everyone else did was satisfying enough.

Except when it led to him walking blind into a situation like this one. He didn’t want to see his father any more than Silver did. They were here because the man had somehow convinced Oriana to give him another chance to be involved in her life. Even after he’d hurt her again and again. Even though the man was a toxic asshole who treated his kids like amenities. Even though they’d all gotten to a better place as a family without Anthony Delgado’s manipulation.

Ford had one father almost destroy his life.

He refused to give that power to another.

But Oriana needs me.

The elevator opened to a long entryway with marble walls and floor to ceiling windows that gave a breathtaking view of the Atlantic. He took a moment to look out, letting the expanse of the ocean calm him as Silver stepped up to his side. Oriana stopped halfway to the door, shooting him a bracing smile.

Silver squeezed his arm. “Hey, it’s gonna be all right. No one fucks with us when we’re together. Not even him.”

Letting out a rough laugh, Ford slid his arm around her slender shoulders. “Does that mean you’re not mad at me anymore?”

“Well…” Silver’s eyes sparkled, her lips slanting in a playful smile. “I was probably expecting a bit much. Never asked if you actually can read.”

“Bite me!”

“Don’t.” Oriana’s tone was firm, but she seemed to struggle not to laugh as Silver snapped her teeth at Ford. She faced the door as the lock clicked, head held high, shoulders stiff as it opened. “Hello, Father.”

Ford stepped up behind her with Silver, rubbing Silver’s arm as she tensed. Anthony Delgado looked about ten years younger than the last time Ford had seen him. A massive heart attack had changed him from a dangerously powerful man into an unstable cruel one. Ford had once tried to use that instability to his advantage to please Kingsley. Things had changed a lot since then. Ford had changed.

Oriana had welcomed him into the family, forgiving him for all the fucked-up shit he’d done. That she’d consider forgiving their father wasn’t that surprising.

Maybe Ford should give the man a chance.

Thick white hair neatly styled, dressed in a charcoal suit, broad shoulders squared, the only indication that Anthony had ever been incapacitated was the cane he barely seemed to lean on anymore. He gave Oriana a hesitant smile as she approached him.

She smiled back, cupping the back of her son’s head as Anthony drew her in for a gentle hug. “You’re looking well.”

“Thank you. And I’m pleased you agreed to come see me.” Anthony looked over at Silver and Ford. “All of you. Please, come in.”

Trailing Silver, Ford pulled the door closed behind him, hardly breathing as he listened to his father asking Oriana about the baby, showing actual interest. Once Anthony was seated in a white leather, wingback chair in the sitting room, he let Oriana place Westy in his arm, speaking softly to the baby as Oriana stood by his side, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“He’s beautiful, Oriana.” Anthony stroked his grandson’s cheek with a finger. His brow furrowed slightly. “Are you certain his birthmother won’t… She won’t try to take him back, will she?”

“No. She wasn’t ready to raise a child, she’s trying to build a life for herself and wanted him to have a family who could give him the love and support she never had.” Oriana reached down, smoothing her hand over her son’s dirty blond tuft of hair. “And we will.”

Anthony inclined his head. “I know you will. You’ve always been a strong woman, Oriana. I’m sorry I didn’t see that before. I’m sorry for…for so very much.” He cleared his throat, glancing over at Silver and Ford as though he’d forgotten they were there. “Please, come sit with me for a bit. Your stepmother is bringing refreshments for us to enjoy.”

“Great, but don’t expect us to call her ‘mom’.” Silver hissed under her breath as she joined Ford on the leather sofa set across from the massive marble fireplace.

Behind them was another floor to ceiling window with a picturesque view of the ocean, bringing in so much natural light no lamps were needed, but there were two tall glass cylinder lamps at either side of the sofa. In front of them was a large, square, sleek black coffee table on a fluffy grey area rug. The massive room was sparsely furnished, but the way it was set up in front of the fireplace made it kinda cozy.

Anyone looking at them now would think they were a normal family.

If they could ignore the underlying tension.

Ford reached out and took Silver’s hand, shooting her a slanted smile before turning back to their father. “How is Anne?”

Smiling broadly, Anthony settled Westy in the crook of his arm. “Very well. She’s been managing all my affairs. If not for her I wouldn’t have regained my health. Or been able to afford all this.”

“Do you really need such a big place?”

“Ford!” Oriana frowned at him, then looked back at their father. “This is a beautiful home. I think what my sweet brother meant to say is it’s a little big for just you and Anne, isn’t it? I hope you have help taking care of it?”

“I do.” Anthony’s lips quirked. “And it was a good investment. These new condos are in high demand. I know none of you will be interested in living somewhere like this, what with you all having children and big families, but you’ll make a killing on the market selling it when I die.”

“Anthony, your children haven’t seen you in a long time. They don’t need to hear you speaking that way.” Anne clucked her tongue as she padded softly into the room, holding a silver tray with a tea setting and a plate full of tiny sandwiches. She placed the tray on the coffee table. “Don’t mind him. We were discussing how you might rebuild the family fortune in the housing market once you inherit the purchases your father and I have been making over the last year.” Anne smiled at Oriana. “He says you’ve got the best business sense of all his children. And I agree.”

Oriana’s lips parted. She shook her head. “I’m training to be a sports doctor. And…” She swallowed, still standing beside their father, looking down at him holding her son as though she’d never seen the man before. “I thought you were leaving everything to Ford?”

Not that Ford wanted anything from the man, but he was a little shocked as well. Anthony had practically disowned Oriana, claiming she wasn’t his daughter at all. He’d acted like Ford, who he barely knew, was the only child who mattered.

Hadn’t worked out for the man when Ford had sold the team out from under him, but even that hadn’t seemed to deter him.

Anthony inclined his head. “I’d planned to, and he will still inherit some of what I have if I manage to accumulate anything worth leaving him, but…” The old man sighed, leaning back in the chair, holding his grandson closer. “Oriana, I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I can’t erase what I’ve done, but—as I told you on the phone—I’m hoping I can right some of them before I’m gone. It pleases me you three are so close. I don’t want to miss out on your lives. On meeting my grandchildren. The Delgado legacy will continue with you.” He looked from Oriana to Ford. Then finally, to Silver. “All of you. And I want that to be something you’re proud of. Because I’m prouder of you than I can say.”

Silver’s bottom lip quivered. She sat up a little straighter as a tear spilled down her cheek. Wiping it away impatiently, she stared at their father. “That sounds good, but I hope you know it’s going to take more than some nice words to get us to trust you again.”

With a heavy sigh, Anthony lifted Westy, placing the baby back in Oriana’s arms. He didn’t speak again until she’d taken a seat at Silver’s other side. “I respect that. And believe me, I know we have a long way to go. But you’re here. That’s a start.”

Anne patted her husband’s shoulder. “Yes, it is.” She moved to the table, setting out the teacups. “Why don’t we all have some tea and catch up? Unless you’d like coffee? I can go make some, it won’t take a minute.”

“Tea’s fine.” Oriana gave Anne a hesitant smile. “It’s clear you’ve taken very good care of our father. Thank you.”

“Yes, well…I know you probably didn’t think much of us getting married. I’m only ten years older than you.” Anne poured the tea, a wistful smile on her lips. She handed Oriana the cup after preparing it exactly the way his sister liked it. “But I worked for him for a long time and we’ve been through a lot together. It was nice to have a chance to prove I could be there for him like he’s been there for me.”

“You stuck around even after he lost almost everything.” Oriana’s smile was warm now, showing she held nothing against the woman. “That tells me a lot about you.”

“I appreciate that.”

Thanking Anne as she handed him a cup of tea—black, like he usually took it at the office, even though she hadn’t been there in a long time—Ford tried to keep his expression neutral. This whole thing was surreal. He could tell Oriana desperately wanted to believe in their father. She’d spent her whole childhood, and much of her adulthood, trying to be the perfect daughter. Sure, she was stronger now, had a family of her own, a career she loved, but he could practically see that little girl she’d once been, looking for her father’s approval.

Maybe this was real. Maybe Anthony had gotten a reality check when he hadn’t been invited to Silver’s wedding. Seen that he’d end up dying alone, forgotten by the children he’d pushed away again and again. Fuck, it would be awesome to see him be the man, the father, Oriana and Silver deserved.

But did anyone really change that much?

By his side, Silver stared at their father, hugging herself tight, not touching her tea. She hadn’t said much, but that wouldn’t last. Oriana talking and laughing with their father had her on edge. Her expression darkened as Oriana began telling Anthony a funny story about her husband, Max Perron, bringing Westy to meet a few players during a charity event.

“Sorry, but I can’t do this. I don’t know what you’re playing at, Dad, but I’m not here for it.” Silver stood, shaking her head when Ford moved toward her, and strode off down the hall.

Damn it! Ford didn’t blame Silver for leaving, but he couldn’t just abandon Oriana. He stood beside her, raking his fingers through his hair, torn. Hopefully Silver had just gone down to wait in the car. They could talk to her when they got there.

Which would be soon. Oriana being happy with all this was good, but he didn’t want her getting her hopes up. They all needed time to see if Anthony was legit interested in being the father they needed.

That my sisters need. He was never mine. Ford’s throat tightened. He’d been useful once, but not anymore. If not for Oriana, he wouldn’t be here at all.

He looked over at Anthony. “I’m not sure what you expected, but you’ve got a lot to prove. And she owes you nothing.”

“I know that.” Anthony took a deep breath. “You should go to her, Oriana. I’m not giving up, but I don’t want to make this more difficult on any of you.” He lowered his gaze. “If you’ll give me a moment of your time, Ford, I’d like to speak to you alone.”

Fuck no. Ford’s lips parted, but Oriana rose beside him, giving him a look that nearly broke his heart. She needed this chance. Needed the father she believed Anthony could be in her life. The way she held Westy close made it even more obvious why she’d picked up the phone when the man had called her. That little boy would never lack for love. He had Sloan and Max’s fathers to fill the grandparents’ role and a whole team’s worth of adopted uncles ready to dote on him. But Oriana wanted her son to have Anthony as well.

If there was any chance that little boy could have his grandfather in his life, Ford would help make sure that happened.

He sighed and nodded. “Go on. I won’t be long.”

Oriana pressed a light kiss on his cheek, then went to her father, hugging him and holding Westy up so his grandfather could cuddle him one last time.

Anthony’s eyes lit up. “Wait, before you rush off, I have something for him.” He reached for his cane. “I’ll be just a—”

“Let me get it.” Anne hurried off, returning seconds later with a big, shiny blue gift bag filled with pale blue tissue and curly blue ribbons. Her cheeks were red as she returned, handing Oriana the bag. “You can open it later if you’d like. I’d planned this to go much nicer, but…” She shook her head, looking sad. “We knew it might take time to repair Anthony’s relationship with all of you.”

“Thank you.” Oriana bit her bottom lip as Westy started to fuss. “I feel rude leaving without—”

“Don’t, my sweet girl.” Anthony gave her another hug. “I just hope you’ll come visit with him again soon.”

“I will.”

“Good. Then go make sure your sister is all right. And please call me when you have a chance.” Anthony walked Oriana to the door, waving off her objections. “I’m much better. Don’t worry about me.”

With both his sisters gone, Ford felt out of place. His only interactions with Anthony had been either on the direction of Roy Kingsley, the man who’d raised Ford as a son until the truth had been revealed, or standing by Oriana and Silver once he’d finally understood what loyalty really meant. Not giving his all to someone who considered him disposable, but caring for those who loved him, who never asked for more than they gave. People who didn’t hurt him when he didn’t serve their purpose any longer.

Cleaning off the table, Anne shot him a sympathetic smile. “Family can be very complicated.”

“Just a bit.” Ford shoved his hands in the pockets of his black slacks, smiling back at her. The woman seemed nice enough. Sticking with Anthony through some of the shit he’d pulled might have been questionable, but maybe her faith in him hadn’t been completely misplaced.

Maybe.

Just maybe.

Ford would reserve judgment. On them both.