Three years ago, Ryker Hale walked away from the only woman he’s ever loved. He told himself it was protection. That the pressure of the NHL, the headlines, the trade rumors, and the weight of becoming someone the world could tear apart would destroy her too. So he did the unthinkable — he blocked her on everything and disappeared. No goodbye. No explanation. No way back. Now he’s been traded home. He expects cold stares. Maybe closure. What he doesn’t expect is her. Or the little boy hold