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I’m the Appies captain. And I’m spending my Friday night with the rookies because all of my friends are at some sort of couples’ party. They invited me. They aren’t jerks. But I’m not enough of a masochist to go to something like that on my own.
That used to be me. Looking out for people, making sure we’re united on the ice and off. But Tucker has been stepping up lately. It’s a good thing, but I have to wonder what happened to the player I was last season and if he’ll ever make an appearance again.
Oh, we going THROUGH IT
My name was mentioned a few times in the article, including one memorable line that called me a “very talented idiot who should give up online dance trends and stick to hockey where he actually belongs.”
Technically, Mom and Dad are actually Grandma and Grandpa, but they’ve been raising us since three days after Megan was born when our actual mother—their only daughter—walked out on all of us.
Sweet but also big sad
It was only four minutes long, but something about the tone of his deep voice must have soothed Juno because she settled as soon as it started and stayed quiet until it ended.
Ruth stands and smiles. “That’s probably your hockey player.” Ha! My hockey player. That’s a pipe dream if ever there was one.
Not for long girly!
She’s all grown up, and she’s gorgeous. Still Megan’s best friend, and still too young for me. But gorgeous.
Bitch get over yourself
She eyes me curiously. “Okay. But it seemed like your face did a thing.” “A thing?” I raise my eyebrows, but it’s not lost on me that Evie just picked up on something being off when, so far, none of my friends have done the same.
Most of the time, I’m happy to stay connected with my teammates. Other times, the dream team texts make me want to throw my phone into the nearest lake.
Nice. She can care for you in your old age.
“We’re basically family. I’ve only done what any good brother would do.” I don’t know why I say it.
Brutha ew
“But no, I didn’t mention it. I just told him he’d better not try to woo you now that you’re all grown up and a smoking hot bombshell.”
First, I talked about breastfeeding, then I smeared food all over my face, and now I’m wondering if Alec is feeling attraction? I don’t think I could be less sexy if I tried.
I nudge his knee with mine. “Hey. You know you’re more than a hockey player, right?” He looks up sharply, like my words have surprised him. “You’re a brother, a son, a friend, a human. You’ll still be all those things when you stop playing hockey.”
“So basically you’re saying Juno is in charge,” I say in between bites of pizza. Evie laughs. “You have no idea.”
“Whoa, you’re married?” Carter asks. “With a kid? How did we not know that?” “This is Evie and her daughter, Juno,” I say, shooting Evie an apologetic look. “She’s a friend. She just moved to Harvest Hollow, and she and her daughter are staying here for a few weeks until her place is ready.” “So you’re single?” Theo says, taking a step toward Evie. “Because…Hey. My name’s Theo.” “Dude, she just had a baby,” Carter says, punching his brother in the shoulder. “So? I always wanted to be a dad.” Theo looks at his brother. “I’d be a good dad.” “Okay, that’s enough,” I say, steering Theo down the
...more
Do I love the twins? :'-)
Carter looks over his shoulder. “Nice to meet you too, ma’am. Please forgive my brother.”
I definitely love Carter
When I step into the kitchen, Evie looks up, and her mouth falls open. I’ve always appreciated the tradition of game-day suits—I like having a reason to dress up—but Evie’s expression makes it even more worth it.
She’s perfect.
Swoon
“Do you see what Alec brought home for you? You get to be an Appie just like him!” An odd sensation washes over me, something I’ve never really felt before. It isn’t just attraction, though I do feel attracted to Evie. It feels more protective. Like I have extra reason to check the door locks. Or go upstairs and make sure all the windows are securely fastened in her bedroom.
“So we go from calling me an old man to bringing up my knee problems? Hit me where it hurts, nerd.”
“Yeah. I’m sleepy, but the idea of spending time with grown-ups sounds pretty nice.” “We’re calling the twins grown-ups?” She chuckles. “Practice grown-ups?”
“So just putting this out there. I’ll happily put Juno to sleep any time you need it.” She looks at me over her shoulder and grins. “Already so smitten.” Completely, I think, as I follow her into the living room. And not just with Juno.
Squweeeee
“For real? You, who initially warned him he’d better not try to woo me, are now volunteering to speed things along?” “He’s the one who folded your laundry for you. My hands are tied!
“Is this a pity call?” I say as I answer. “It’s fine if the answer is yes.” “Can we call it a cheer-you-up call instead?” “Yes, definitely,” I say. “Cheer me. I want to be cheered.”
What if I say please? The twins are singing through George Strait’s entire catalog, Evie. I’m desperate here. Evie Really? Are they any good? Alec They are…very dedicated to the cause.
Real men aren’t afraid of boybands.
Dead
“Cool,” I say, doing my best to minimize the excitement in my voice and find that perfect balance between I’m looking forward to this and I’m so eager you should probably be concerned.
Sometime in between her very smiley evening flirting with Alec and the twins while they ate their soup and talked about their time on the road and right now, Juno was clearly possessed by demon spawn that robbed her of the ability to sleep.
But it’s not exactly something I’d choose to wear in front of people. Especially not men, and there are three of those somewhere in the house.
I don’t just want to date Evie, I want to protect her, take care of her. I’m talking fight her battles, kill the bad guys, rid the world of anything and anyone who might ever hurt her. And I want to do the same for Juno, which is the most foreign part of all.
Just for the record. I know what’s happening here. And I just want you to know I LOVE IT.
Love her lol
An ache forms deep in my chest that I can't identify at first, but then it shifts and sharpens, and I recognize it for what it is. I want this. I want lazy mornings in bed with my wife, a kid tucked between us. I want to make coffee for someone as easily as I make it for myself. I want to talk about a baby laughing or rolling over for the first time. I want to be a dad.
Swoon
But I don’t miss the look she gives me over Alec’s shoulder, eyes wide as she mouths the word Wow.
Wow is right
Megan’s freaking older brother Alec Sheridan.
Que "Best Friends Brother" from the Victorious soundtrack
“Oh. Oh! I’ve heard hockey players are very good with their hands.”
“Why do I think you don’t know anything about hockey?” She huffs out a sigh. “Because I don’t. But I have read a hockey romance or two, and let me tell you, that man could star in one of them.”
“So you’re saying real men aren’t afraid of boybands or therapy.” I chuckle. “I’d also wear that t-shirt.”
Maybe fatherhood is just a matter of paying attention, of noticing what your family needs, then stepping up to take care of that need. It’s being present. Invested. Willing.
But as soon as I get to the Summit, I have zero regrets about our decision to come. Because the Appies are dressed up as firefighters. Sexy firefighters, I might add. Tight black t-shirts, suspenders, firefighter pants and helmets. And what fire squad doesn’t need a Dalmatian puppy? The photo opportunities alone will be worth the effort it took to get Juno ready.
Stop because this is adorable
“Nothing smells like hockey smells.”
I imagine its a lot like middle schoolers after PE in August end of summer heat
Theo stands and carries his empty bowl to the sink. He looks at me and grins. “That one got you, didn’t it?” I scowl. “What is that therapist teaching you?” “The true meaning of life, Captain. And I have you to thank for that.” He’s halfway across the living room on his way to the stairs when he turns and adds, “Spoiler alert. The answer isn’t hockey.”
:'-)
Something like hurt tiptoes up my spine. Evie didn’t tell me. Juno started solid food, and Evie didn’t mention it.
HE WANTS TO BE JUNOS DAD :'-)
“Because I love you, and I’d rather be here supporting you than running away to prevent my own discomfort.”
<3
My team. My brothers. I didn’t know how much I wanted them to be here until they showed up.
Im actually crying
Even though loving each other is mostly amazing, I’m not going to lie and say it isn’t punctuated with short bursts of intensity, of arguments and sadness, even disappointment. But those moments just serve as reminders to focus, to connect, to look at each other and remember that what we have with each other is worth it. And it is worth it.
“I love that you’re thinking like this. And we can absolutely sort out all the details. But can we go back to talking about the ring that you’re hiding on your person somewhere? Because I am seconds away from going on a scavenger hunt to find it.”
I expect that at some point, I’ll grow used to this new reality in which I get to love someone so good and honest and lovely. But a part of me hopes I never do. I hope I spend every day feeling a little hint of the marvel. That I never stop seeing the magic of Alec Sheridan.
