Chapter 1
It was to early in the morning for anyone to be on the ice, but Taylor was. This was the only time that she had to herself. Away from the hectic team schedule, away from the sound of Ashley running around the house, and away from the rest of the world.
She let out a small sigh as she skated back and forth across the ice.
Taylor Howe had a normal childhood, growing up in a normal family, the oldest of three. Her teenage years had been very different. Her parents had spilt up and her mother had gone into a deep depression. She decided that it would be best if she went and lived with her father. Thing's only got worse from there.
Taylor and her dad had never really gotten along. Not only was she moving in with him, but she was also moving in with his new family. It wouldn't have been so bad if she hadn't had to move to a whole new city in a whole new state.
During school Taylor's grades started to drop and she started to get in more and more fights. After Ashley was born her mom, dad, and step mom decided that it would be best to send her to live with her aunt and uncle in Minnesota.
She had been living with her aunt and uncle for two years and seemed to be doing better. She had just finished her first year at the University of Minnesota and was now taking a year off to help her uncle out with the US hockey team.
Glancing down at the watch she let out a small sigh as she skated over to the bench. Taking a seat she pulled her skates off, placing her tennis shoes on.
Picking up the skates Taylor walked down the long and empty hallway. Pushing open the door that led to her office she stepped into the tiny room, flipping on the light switch.
Pulling her bag off the chair she plopped down on it, placing the skates in the bag. Dropping the bad on the floor she turned her gaze to the mess of papers on her des. Her uncle had given her a stack of tests to correct. Glancing at the clock on the wall she let out another small sigh, deciding that she wouldn't have time to correct them before practice started.
She heard the familiar knock on the door. Taylor slowly stood up, walking over to the door. Pulling open the door she looked up into the face of her uncle who had Ashley placed on his hip.
"Hey Uncle Herb." She said softly, giving him a small smile.
"Hey sweetie." He said, returning the smile. "Ashley was asking where her mommy had gone so I decided to bring her to the arena."
"Mommy!" Ashley squealed, stretching her arms out and wiggling her fingers.
Taylor smiled at the small girl, taking her from her uncle. "Say thank you to Uncle Herb."
"Twank you Uncle Hwerb." She said smiling at the two of them.
"Well your very welcome." He said smiling back at her, planting a kiss on top of her head.
Ashley let out a small giggle, burying her head in Taylor's neck.
"I'll see you out on the ice in ten minutes." He said, planting a kiss on Taylor's forehead before he walked out of the office.