A couple months after Ilya left the cottage, he gets a notification on his phone. He thinks it’s Shane, his boyfriend, who’s been texting with him throughout the day.
Instead, it’s Yuna. But that’s not what catches his attention - it’s the group chat he’s been added to.
Hollander Family Chat
Jane's mama: Hi Lily!
Jane: Mom! Lily can’t have this chat name on her phone.
Jane’s mama: Sorry, honey! I’ll fix it.
Jane’s mama changed the group name to: Family ❤️
Family ❤️
Jane: That’s better. Just make sure her name is Lily in your phones.
Jane’s papa: Done and done, kiddo!
Jane: Thank you.
Jane’s mama: Anyway, Lily, do you have thanksgiving weekend plans? Because I noticed you and Jane are both free that weekend and I thought…
Ilya put his phone down as Yuna detailed their thanksgiving plans. He could not tear up in the Bear's locker room.
He never imagined himself having this, never let himself consider it. Being in a family group chat. Having a family. He was pretty sure he buried that dream with his mama.
But the Hollanders welcomed him so comfortably. Even after he caused their son to lie to them. Even after all the things he’d done. They never even wanted an apology, would probably be confused if he gave one.
He’s afraid if he moves wrong it’ll all disappear.
But he has to respond because he wants to spend with holiday with them so much.
And the texts don’t stop there.
Family ❤️
Jane’s mama: Great game today, Lily! What a comeback.
Lily: You watched?
Jane’s mama: Of course! We watch all your and Shane’s games.
Jane: Jane. Delete that text.
Jane’s papa: And if we miss it, I have them on the recorder.
Lily: Thank you.
Family ❤️
Jane’s papa: Lily, do you have any allergies?
Lily: Russians do not get allergies.
Jane: Yes they do and no, dad, Lily does not.
Jane: Also, don’t mention being Russian.
Family ❤️
Jane’s mama: Lily, could I get the forwarding information for your agent? Jane got a proposal that I think will work out perfectly for you.
Jane: Please call about this.
Lily: Not only hockey players get proposals maybe I am famous model
Jane. Lily.
Jane’s papa: You could definitely be a model, kiddo!
Lily: Thank you 🥰 Jane why are you unsupportive of your girlfriend.
Jane: Boyfriend.
Jane’s papa: Now I’m confused.
Family ❤️
Jane’s mama: I can’t believe the ref let Adams get away with that hit!
Jane’s papa: . . .
Ilya gripped the phone waiting for David’s response. The metros had been obliterated 1-5 and Shane, fresh off a bruised wrist, didn’t play his best.
Jane’s papa: How’s your wrist, son?
Jane: It’s fine.
Jane’s papa: Lots of ice and elevation! You played great!
Jane: I didn’t.
Jane’s papa: You’ll get them next time!
Ilya breathed out, shaking his head. Shane didn’t know how lucky he was. And Ilya was so grateful he didn’t.
Eventually, Ilya even began initiating the conversation.
Family ❤️
Lily: Are you guys coming to MTL / BOS game today?
Jane's mama: We are!
Jane's papa: I know we can't wear any Boston merch, but we'll be rooting for you!
Jane: Dad!
Jane's papa: We'll be rooting for both of you!
Jane: You can't root for both of us.
Jane's mama: No comment.
. . .
Lily: I was wondering if you all wanted to come to my house after?
Lily: After the game, I mean
Lily: Only if you want
Lily: Or don't have other plans
Jane's mama: We would love too!
Jane's papa: Need us to pick up anything before we come over?
Lily: No, thank you. I have things to make dinner. I will send address.
Lily: Thank you.
Jane's papa: Of course! Have fun tonight, girls!
Jane's mama: Play hard! Love you both.
Jane's papa emphasized this message
Ilya could not stop smiling as he got all the ingredients together to make pelmeni. He separated the dough and the meats and sauce into separate little containers so it would be easier to make once the Hollanders arrived after the game.
He imagined doing this for years to come. Maybe when he and Shane had their own home together, making food for his in-laws, for their friends and teammates. Maybe even for their children.
For the first time in a very long time, Ilya couldn't wait for the future.
