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

“I know, Tom Alan. Then, you were ready to leave. Why not again? You are different, Tom Alan. You would have left us for Milo Fisher.”


Tom Alan shook his head. “I’m…I’m still going. Not forever, but…I’ve made arrangements to fly back to New York for a week or so, maybe longer. I’m sorry. I’m not abandoning you. I took your name. I am your family—forever. You can even come. You should come. And after…I don’t know what happens after. I’m not even necessarily leaving Japan…not for good. I am leaving my role as…as someone who belongs to you. Kyoko-san…”


“You are strong,” Tom Alan said. “You are independent. You are capable. You are brave. You…You got your own way over Nobuo Tsuchino on some pretty major issues.”


Chapter 113