On his way to realizing his Olympic dream, Tom Alan Baranowski finds himself in the midst of a dilemma. His traditional Japanese coach is insisting upon an arranged marriage between his biological daughter Erika and adopted son Tom Alan, who are partners on the ice. Tom Alan loves Erika, and his coach literally saved his life, rescuing him from an abusive home. How can he say no?<br><br>Somewhat resigned to his “not so bad” fate, everything changes when Tom Alan meets British ice dancer Milo Fisher. The spark between them is almost hot enough to melt the ice beneath their blades, and the two fall into an affair.<br><br>What about Erika? What about loyalty? What about gold? For Tom Alan, the impossible throw quadruple jump is suddenly the least difficult thing in his life.

Quadruple Flip

Tom Alan started up to his apartment, but then he did something else defiant. He opened the door of the main residence to go in.


The Tsuchino home was typical of 2013 Japan. Natural tones, light woods, rice paper window screens, low furniture, and pillows, but also a “regular” chair or two filled an open living space. Kyoko-san kept the décor light in color. Pale green was the brightest shade she’d brought in on two padded armchairs in opposite corners. The room was mostly dark at that moment. Everyone was in bed. No one was waiting up—not his papa, his coach, and not the partner he had let down. No one…


“Come.” She opened her arms and Tom Alan, one-and-a-half times her height and weight, fell into them, forcing her slightly off balance.


“He’s never going to forgive me.”


“My Nobuo is a forgiving man,” she said. “Nothing is unforgivable when there is love.”


Chapter 74