Unexpected Driveway Encounter

Matty Carlson, a Toronto Fisher Cats hockey player, returns home to find a stranger crying in a minivan in his driveway. The man, Antoni Bianchi, is overwhelmed by grief and responsibility after the sudden death of his best friends, who left him as guardian to their four children. Matty, still reeling from his own divorce and loneliness, is drawn to Antoni's vulnerability and kindness. Their first meeting is awkward but genuine, setting the stage for a connection neither expects. Matty's instinct to help is immediate, and Antoni's gratitude is mixed with embarrassment and exhaustion. This encounter is the catalyst for both men to confront their own pasts and consider new possibilities for the future.

Four Kids, One Teacher

Antoni, a high school English teacher, has inherited four children—Alexis, Eli, River, and baby Reese—after his friends' tragic accident. He's struggling to find a home in their school district, desperate to keep the kids' lives stable. Financial stress, grief, and the looming threat of losing custody to the children's conservative grandparents weigh heavily on him. Antoni's family helps, but his mother's MS and his brother's busy life limit their support. The children, each coping with loss in their own way, add layers of complexity. Antoni's determination to honor his friends' wishes is fierce, but he's at the edge of collapse, unsure how to keep everyone together.

Matty's Offer of Help

Moved by Antoni's plight, Matty impulsively offers his large, empty house as a solution. At first, Antoni refuses, wary of accepting help from a stranger and concerned about appearances, especially with the custody case looming. But when his van breaks down and options dwindle, he's forced to reconsider. Matty's sincerity and warmth, along with his experience helping teammates and volunteering with children, make the offer feel less like charity and more like a lifeline. The two men begin to see each other as allies, and the seeds of trust are planted, even as both worry about the risks of such an unconventional arrangement.

A New Kind of Family

Antoni and the kids move in with Matty, transforming his lonely house into a bustling home. The children are delighted by their new rooms, designed with help from Matty's friends and teammates. Matty's hockey family rallies around them, helping with the move and welcoming Antoni and the kids into their circle. The blending of their lives is not without friction—Antoni's pride and Matty's tendency to over-give create tension—but the genuine affection and support between them grow. The kids begin to thrive, and Matty finds himself longing for the family he always wanted, while Antoni starts to believe in the possibility of happiness again.

Hockey Hearts and Home

Matty's teammates and their partners become an extended family for Antoni and the kids. The Fisher Cats' culture of acceptance and support is a stark contrast to the judgment Antoni fears from the outside world. The children, especially hockey-loving Alexis and non-binary Eli, find role models and friends among the team. Matty's nurturing side shines as he helps with childcare, school runs, and emotional support. Antoni, in turn, brings warmth and stability to Matty's life. Their partnership deepens, blurring the lines between friendship, co-parenting, and something more intimate.

Strangers Become Roommates

Daily life brings new challenges: balancing work, school, hockey, and the needs of four grieving children. Antoni and Matty navigate awkwardness, boundaries, and the logistics of sharing space. Their mutual attraction simmers beneath the surface, complicated by Antoni's reluctance to risk the children's stability and Matty's fear of repeating past mistakes. The kids' adjustment, especially River's speech delays and Eli's gender identity, require patience and advocacy. Through small acts of care—meals, bedtime stories, and late-night talks—trust and affection grow, and the house begins to feel like a true home.

The Move-In Miracle

The Fisher Cats' team and their partners mobilize to support Antoni and the kids, organizing a seamless move and transforming the house into a welcoming space. Each child's room is tailored to their personality, and Antoni is overwhelmed by the generosity. The move cements the sense of belonging for everyone, and even skeptical teammates are won over by Antoni's devotion to the children and Matty's happiness. The experience is healing for all, as old wounds are soothed by new connections and the promise of a chosen family.

Building Trust, Facing Fears

As Antoni and Matty settle into their new roles, they confront their deepest insecurities. Antoni fears failing the children or losing them to the Swansons, while Matty worries about being used or not being enough. Their candid conversations about sexuality, past relationships, and hopes for the future lay the groundwork for intimacy. The children's needs—especially Eli's struggle with their identity and River's grief—force both men to grow as caregivers. Through setbacks and small victories, they learn to rely on each other, and their friendship blossoms into a tentative romance.

The Kids Settle In

The children begin to heal in the safety of their new home. Alexis finds joy in hockey again, Eli flourishes with acceptance, River's speech improves, and Reese thrives with so many loving adults. Antoni and Matty establish routines that bring comfort and predictability. The extended family—Antoni's parents, Matty's teammates, and the SAPs (spouses and partners)—provide a safety net. The house, once echoing with loneliness, is now filled with laughter, chaos, and love. The sense of home is hard-won but deeply cherished.

Blurred Lines, Growing Closer

The chemistry between Matty and Antoni becomes undeniable. What began as a practical arrangement deepens into genuine affection and desire. Both men struggle with the ethics and risks of moving from friends to lovers, especially with the children's well-being at stake. A series of small, intimate moments—shared meals, late-night confessions, and mutual support—culminate in a passionate connection. Their relationship, once defined by necessity, becomes a source of joy and strength, even as they keep it private to protect the custody case.

The Marriage Proposal

When the Swansons escalate their custody battle, Antoni's lawyer suggests that a stable, two-parent household could strengthen his case. Alexis, fiercely protective of Eli, pushes Antoni and Matty to consider marriage—not for love, but for the children's security. After much soul-searching, they agree to a marriage of convenience, knowing it will be scrutinized by the courts and the public. The wedding is small but meaningful, and the act of making vows—however practical—brings unexpected feelings to the surface for both men.

Fake Wedding, Real Feelings

The wedding, intended as a legal maneuver, is filled with genuine emotion. The children, family, and team celebrate, and Matty and Antoni are surprised by the depth of their feelings during the ceremony. Living as husbands, they navigate the awkwardness of sharing a bed and the thrill of newfound intimacy. Their physical relationship blossoms, and what was once fake becomes increasingly real. The marriage, born of necessity, becomes a foundation for true partnership and love.

Family, Friends, and Foes

While the Fisher Cats and their partners embrace the new family, not everyone is supportive. Matty's friend Dom is suspicious, projecting his own past heartbreak onto Matty's situation. The Swansons continue to meddle, and the public, fueled by gossip blogs, questions the legitimacy of the marriage. Matty and Antoni must balance their private happiness with the demands of public scrutiny, learning to lean on each other and their community for strength.

Public Scrutiny and Scandal

A viral video of Matty confronting the Swansons at a hockey practice brings a media firestorm. The team's management is furious, and Matty is benched. The public is divided—some see Matty as a hero, others as a violent brute. Antoni and Matty are forced to do damage control, appearing on a podcast to share their side of the story. Eli's brave statement about their identity and the family's love helps sway public opinion, but the stress takes a toll on everyone.

Standing Up for Eli

The heart of the conflict is Eli's safety and right to be themselves. The Swansons' refusal to accept Eli's identity is the central reason Antoni and Matty fight so hard for custody. The family, team, and community rally around Eli, sending a powerful message of acceptance and love. Matty's willingness to risk his reputation and career for the children cements his place in their lives and in Antoni's heart.

The Team Rallies

The Fisher Cats and their partners step up, providing practical and emotional support. From babysitting to legal advocacy, they ensure Antoni and Matty are never alone in their fight. The team's unity and loyalty are a model for the children, showing them the power of chosen family. Even Dom, after confronting his own fears and past, comes around to support the new family, offering an apology and a fresh start.

Facing the Swansons

The Swansons make one last attempt to sway the children and the courts, but their bigotry and manipulation are exposed. Matty's public defense of the family, though controversial, is a turning point. The children, especially Alexis and Eli, find their voices, making it clear where they belong. The judge, moved by the family's unity and the children's wishes, rules in Antoni and Matty's favor, ending the custody battle.

The Custody Battle

The courtroom is tense, but the outcome is clear: Antoni and Matty are granted full custody, and Matty is invited to adopt the children. The Swansons are admonished and cut off from the children's lives unless they change. The family, surrounded by friends and supporters, celebrates their hard-won victory. The children's security is finally assured, and the future is bright.

Happily Ever After

With the custody battle behind them, Antoni and Matty settle into married life, raising the children together. Their love, once tentative and complicated, is now open and joyful. The team, family, and community remain close, sharing in the family's milestones and happiness. The house that was once empty and echoing is now filled with warmth, laughter, and the chaos of a big, loving family.

Love Wins the Home Game

Matty and Antoni's journey—from strangers to husbands, from a fake marriage to real love—culminates in a home where everyone belongs. The children thrive, the team continues to support them, and the couple's love story becomes an inspiration. The message is clear: family is not defined by blood, but by love, acceptance, and the willingness to fight for each other. The home game is won, not on the ice, but in the hearts of those who choose to love.

Characters

Matty Carlson

Matty is a professional hockey player known for his physicality on the ice and his gentle, nurturing nature off it. Scarred by a painful divorce and years of loneliness, he yearns for the family he never had. His generosity is both his strength and his vulnerability—he gives freely, sometimes to his own detriment. Matty's journey is one of learning to trust himself, set boundaries, and accept love. His bisexuality and demisexuality are sources of both confusion and eventual pride. Through his relationship with Antoni and the children, Matty discovers the true meaning of home, family, and unconditional love. His development is marked by increasing self-awareness, confidence, and the courage to fight for what matters most.

Antoni Bianchi

Antoni is a high school English teacher thrust into parenthood by tragedy. Grieving the loss of his best friends, he is determined to honor their wishes and keep their children safe, even as he battles exhaustion, financial stress, and self-doubt. Antoni's intelligence, empathy, and resilience are his greatest assets, but his fear of vulnerability and loss make it hard for him to accept help or love. His relationship with Matty challenges him to trust, open up, and believe in the possibility of happiness. Antoni's growth is seen in his willingness to lean on others, embrace community, and ultimately, to love and be loved again.

Alexis

Alexis is the eldest of the four children, navigating adolescence, grief, and the upheaval of her family life. She is passionate about hockey, sharp-witted, and deeply loyal to her siblings, especially Eli. Her initial resistance to Antoni's guardianship and Matty's presence softens as she witnesses their devotion. Alexis's journey is one of learning to trust adults again, find her own voice, and accept the new shape of her family.

Eli

Eli's identity is at the heart of the custody battle. Sensitive, intelligent, and creative, Eli struggles with the trauma of losing their parents and the threat posed by their conservative grandparents. The unconditional support from Antoni, Matty, and the team allows Eli to flourish, becoming more confident and self-assured. Eli's bravery in sharing their story publicly is a turning point for the family and the community.

River

River is a preschooler deeply affected by her parents' death, manifesting her grief through speech delays and withdrawal. With patience, therapy, and the stability of her new home, River begins to blossom. Her bond with Matty and Antoni is especially poignant, symbolizing the healing power of consistent, gentle care.

Reese

Reese, the baby, represents both the vulnerability and the promise of the family's future. His milestones—sleeping through the night, learning to crawl—are celebrated by the entire household. Reese's presence is a constant reminder of the stakes of the custody battle and the importance of creating a safe, loving home.

Dom (Dominic Olson)

Dom is Matty's longtime teammate and friend, whose suspicion of Antoni is rooted in his own past heartbreak and fear of betrayal. His journey is one of confronting his trauma, learning to trust again, and ultimately, supporting Matty's happiness. Dom's arc is a study in the complexities of male friendship, vulnerability, and the long road to healing.

The Swansons (Bill and Robin)

Corey's parents, the Swansons, are the primary threat to the children's well-being. Their refusal to accept Eli's identity and their manipulative tactics drive the central conflict. They represent the dangers of bigotry and the importance of chosen family. Their eventual defeat is both a legal and moral victory for the protagonists.

The Fisher Cats Team & SAPs

Matty's teammates and their spouses/partners (SAPs) are a diverse, loving, and fiercely loyal group. They provide practical help, emotional support, and a model of acceptance for Antoni and the kids. Their presence underscores the theme that family is made, not just born. Key figures include Dustin (the captain), Charlie (his husband), Nico, August, Jonah, Felix, and others, each bringing unique strengths and warmth to the extended family.

Eliza and Enzo Bianchi

Eliza, living with MS, and Enzo are pillars of support for Antoni and the children. Their wisdom, humor, and unconditional love help anchor the family through crisis. They represent the best of intergenerational support and the importance of community in raising children.

Plot Devices

Found Family

The central plot device is the creation of a found family—people who choose each other and build a home together, regardless of biology. This theme is reinforced through the hockey team, the SAPs, and the way Matty and Antoni open their hearts and home to each other and the children. The narrative structure weaves together moments of crisis and celebration, showing how community can heal even the deepest wounds.

Marriage of Convenience

The marriage between Matty and Antoni begins as a strategic move to secure custody, but gradually transforms into a genuine partnership. This device allows for exploration of trust, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between duty and desire. The tension between public performance and private reality is a recurring motif, with the couple navigating scrutiny, gossip, and their own evolving feelings.

Sports as Metaphor

Hockey is more than a backdrop—it's a metaphor for teamwork, resilience, and the willingness to fight for what matters. The rituals, camaraderie, and challenges of the sport echo the struggles and triumphs of building a family. The narrative uses game structure, locker room dynamics, and on-ice action to parallel the emotional arcs of the characters.

Foreshadowing and Parallelism

Early scenes—such as the first encounter in the driveway, the team's support, and the children's adjustment—foreshadow later developments: the deepening of Matty and Antoni's relationship, the team's role in the custody battle, and the ultimate victory in court. The story is rich with parallel moments: Matty's loneliness and Antoni's exhaustion, the children's grief and healing, the fake marriage and real love.

Public vs. Private Selves

The tension between public image and private truth is a key device. The couple must perform happiness for the courts and the media, even as they struggle with real fears and desires. The viral video, gossip blogs, and podcast appearance all serve to heighten this tension, forcing the characters to define themselves on their own terms.

Analysis

The Home Game is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to build a family in the face of loss, prejudice, and public scrutiny. Through the lens of a sports romance, the novel tackles complex issues: grief, LGBTQ+ identity, the failures and strengths of legal and social systems, and the courage required to trust and love again. The marriage of convenience trope is subverted, showing that real intimacy is forged not by grand gestures but by daily acts of care, vulnerability, and mutual support. The book's message is clear: family is not defined by blood, but by the people who show up, fight for you, and love you unconditionally. In a world that often feels divided, The Home Game offers a vision of hope, acceptance, and the enduring power of community.

Last updated: June 9, 2025