Chapter 35

Morning after reconnection, Logan and Grace wake at Logan’s place, teasing and affectionate. A call from Jeff summons Logan to a rare family meeting with their father, prompting Grace to accompany him and wait in the car for support.

At the house, Logan finds Jeff and their father at the kitchen table. Their father explains that Coach Chad Jensen visited to discuss ways Logan might keep playing next year while still helping the family, even asking why disability hadn’t been pursued. Shaken by the reality of his sons’ sacrifices, the father admits past failed attempts to quit and reveals he must taper due to seizure risk.

He announces he is entering a six-month in-patient rehab program immediately, with two weeks of detox, will apply for disability, and intends to sell the garage or have someone else run it until Jeff returns. He asks his sons to call during the program and pointedly orders Logan to attend the Providence practice, treating it like a tryout.

Jeff worries about the garage’s continuity, but their father insists neither son should sacrifice their future. When their father leaves to pack, Logan and Jeff process the news, cautiously hopeful yet wary given past relapses.

The realization that he’s free from the obligation to move home and run the shop floods Logan with relief and purpose. He hurries back to Grace, elated by a future that now includes both his relationship and a real shot at professional hockey.