Chapter 82

“You can do this. Just take it one minute at a time.” Reciting the words helped him further focus and center himself.

Going down the stairs on his rump as he’d gotten into the habit of doing if he was in a rush was out of the question right now. Rylan gripped the rails and carefully eased himself to the first floor.

Brett was waiting in the den. “How you doing?”

“Okay.” Rylan smiled a bit and nodded. The truth was he had to concentrate on every step and movement.He could do this. He would make it until tomorrow night.

The storage chest next to the sliding, glass doors sat open. Brett pulled out his hockey skates then held Rylan’s practice skates out to him. After putting his own on, Brett helped Rylan with his. Giving Rylan’s right foot a pat, Brett stood up and held out his hand.

“C’mon, it’s too nice to stay inside,” Brett said.

Rylan’s stomach churned and his chest tightened. The thought of being on ice was scary and exciting all at once.