Page 95 of The Home Game

“Alexis,” Antoni said tightly. “We—”

But she stepped closer to Judy, her expression guileless. “Look, Uncle Antoni and Matty think we don’t know. But they want to get married. They’re just worried about how it’ll look for the custody stuff since it’s so soon, but I think they’re being silly. Being married is good, right? It shows that you’re in love and committed and all that, yeah?”

Judy studied her face for a moment before she nodded. “It does, Alexis. But of course I understand their concerns.”

“You do?” Antoni said hopefully.

“Yes, it’s a big commitment. And while the court does tend to look favorably on marriage, no one would want a couple to marry only for those reasons.” Her expression was a little stern as she glanced between Matty and Antoni.

He tried not to look guilty.

“Well, of course not!” Alexis said, popping the tab on her water. “But I mean, if they’re already in love and all that, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if they decided to go to the courthouse, right? I just want Uncle Antoni and Matty to be happy together. I’d feel so bad if they weren’t getting married just because of the custody stuff, you know?” She gave Judy an angelic smile.

Antoni didn’t know if he wanted to hug her or strangle her. She looked like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, all while digging them deeper and deeper into this damn hole they’d accidentally created.

To be honest, she reminded him so much of Bethany right now.

He felt a pang in his chest. If Bethany could see her daughter now, she’d be as horrified and proud as Antoni was.

Judy’s expression softened. “That’s sweet, Alexis.”

Judy looked between Antoni and Matty, her expression assessing. “I just question if that’s really what’s happening here. I know Antoni is sleeping in the primary bedroom and Matty is in the guest house. I don’t want to make any assumptions but it does … raise a few questions.”

“Uhh, yes,” Matty said. “We … um, I felt it was important not to rush things with the kids. I wanted to be sure they were comfortable with me before we took that step. Besides, I’ve had my nose broken a few times in hockey and I worried my snoring would keep Antoni up.”

Jesus, Matty was almost as good as Alexis was at this.

“Oh.” Judy’s concerned expression smoothed out and she chuckled softly. “Well, obviously, a couple’s sleeping arrangements aren’t our business so whatever you both feel comfortable with is what’s most important. We just want to be sure that all those decisions are in the children’s best interests.”

“Of course,” Matty said. He stood and walked over to Antoni, pulling him against his side. Despite Antoni’s trepidation about the situation they were in, Matty’s touch grounded him, made him feel a little less like he was helplessly spinning toward disaster. “I just want you to know that I care about Antoni and the children. And I’ll do whatever it takes to be sure they’re safe and happy.”

Still feeling completely upside down about the whole situation, but relieved that Matty was so willing to help them navigate it, Antoni pushed away his fears and allowed himself to melt against Matty, pressing a hand to his chest. “Matty’s been incredible,” he said honestly. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through this without him. I know everything has happened quickly and believe me, I was hesitant at first too, because my priority is the kids. But the one thing I’m absolutely sure of is that I’m a better caregiver with Matty in my life and the kids are happier and healthier because of it too.”

Judy nodded. “I’m happy for all of you.”

“So they can get married soon, right?” Alexis said sweetly.

“Well, that’s up to them,” Judy said. “And, Antoni, it might be worth speaking to your attorney about that too. But from my perspective, I can’t see any reason you and Matty shouldn’t marry. We’ll get these forms filed and of course, there will be a mandatory background check on Matty, but from what I can tell, you’ve created a safe, supportive environment here for the kids and it’s clear you’re both committed to their happiness and well-being, which is exactly what I like to see.”

Antoni managed a weak smile. What in the hell kind of situation had they gotten themselves into?

CHAPTER NINETEEN

After Matty walked Judy to the door and watched the gate close behind her, he turned to look at Alexis and Antoni who were locked in a staring contest.

“What the fuck was that about?” Antoni said furiously.

Alexis scowled, shouting, “Why are you yelling at me?”

“I’m not yelling! I’m just trying to—”

“Whoa. Okay, time-out for both of you.” Matty winced and tugged at Antoni’s arm, speaking under his breath. “Look, Antoni. This might not be my place but I think you might want to take a moment to cool off before you talk to Alexis about this. Or you might wind up saying something you’ll regret later.”

Antoni clenched his jaw but he nodded. “Fine. I’ll go work out. And then we’re going to talk, Alexis. Because I don’t know what just happened here, but I am not okay with you lying that way. Not to me. Not to Judy. Not to anyone!”

“Oh, don’t get mad at me!” She protested. “I did it because—”

“Hey!” Matty said, his tone firm. “I think you both need a moment to cool off.”

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