My Hockey Alpha

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Nina

My heart pounded as I finally stepped out of my bedroom, dressed and ready for the ball.

I looked down at the gown, its midnight black fabric shimmering under the soft glow of the hallway lights. For the first time in forever, I felt like I almost belonged in this extravagant setting. But even as I started descending the grand staircase, the awkwardness seeped back in, making me hyper-aware of my every step, of every eye that turned toward me.

"Dazzling, aren't you?" My dad's voice was tinged with pride as I reached the bottom step I chuckled nervously. "Just trying my best to blend in."

My mom stood next to him, her eyes misty. "You look absolutely beautiful, Nina."

I took a deep breath and turned to the crowd. Enzo was talking to a group of people across the room, but when our eyes met, he offered me a reassuring smile that made my heart swell, and made his way over to me.

"Well, hello, there," he said, taking my hand and kissing it as if this was the first time we had met. "You're stunning. Are you single?"

I blushed, chuckling. "No, actually. I have a husband."

He smirked. "Well.. What he doesn't know won't kill him, right?"

As the evening unfolded, the initial awkwardness started to fade away, replaced by a strange sensation of being in a surreal dream. There was music, laughter, and endless chatter, and then it was time for the father-daughter dance.

"So," my dad began as he led me around the dance floor. His eyes were searching, as though he were trying to read my thoughts. "Have you given any thought to what your mom and I talked about earlier? About staying here during your pregnancy?"

I looked into his eyes, then my gaze flickered to Enzo across the room. He was still mingling. but there was a certain seriousness to his demeanor that was so unlike the carefree guy I had known.

"I appreciate the offer, dad, I really do," I said softly, "but I can't leave our home. Enzo and I have built something there. It's where I feel the most like myself."

I

He looked at me, a little surprised but also understanding. "I thought you might say that," he admitted.

"You did?" I questioned, my eyes widening.

He nodded, chuckling. "I know we haven't gotten to know each other until a few months ago, but I can tell how fiercely independent you are. I just worry about you, that's all. I'd like to make sure you're safe and taken care of."

"I know," I said as I leaned my head on his chest. "But I think I'd be happiest at home."

"I can respect," he said, his eyes filled with a strange mixture of pride and melancholy. "But promise me you'll think about it, even if it's just for a little while. Sometimes a change of

scenery can offer a new perspective."

I glanced back at Enzo, He was now looking at me, his eyes lingering, filled with a sort of quiet yearning. "A new perspective, huh?" I echoed, more to myself than to my dad.

"Yes, a new perspective," he confirmed, pulling me a little closer as the song was nearing its end.

For a moment, I lost myself in the music, in the atmosphere of the evening, allowing myself to disappear in this newfound relationship with my father, in the comfort that came from being surrounded by family.

But as I looked around, my eyes always found their way back to Enzo, and each time, it became increasingly clear where I wanted to be, where I felt I truly belonged.

The song ended and the applause washed over us, pulling me back to reality. My dad leaned in, kissing my forehead.

"So, things seem good with you and Enzo," my father observed, glancing over at him.

I smiled. "They are. I've never been happier."