Page 45 of Delayed Penalty

Cade

We’re in. Gwen’s at work right now but she’s off tomorrow night.

Yeah, I’ll buy.

Max

Then we’re definitely in.

Sawyer

Yup. Stella will be there, too.

Miles

I’ll be there.

Sawyer

Be nice to Rex. She also brought her boyfriend and he’s… well he’s something alright.

Me

Looks like I’ll be buying shots.

Having a puppy living in my apartment is not as challenging as I thought it was going to be. Sure, it’s annoying having to constantly go outside, but luckily I found out our roof top has a large grassy area that’s covered for tenants to bring their pets outside, especially when it’s raining.

That won’t be a problem with us for much longer, though, because Luna has been doing so much better eating so we’re getting ready to bring her back to the shelter early next week, after the wedding because, of course, she needs to be there. Well, I am getting ready, Avery is grumpy about it and has refused to help, but there’s nothing we can do about it.

The idea is, as long as everything goes as planned, is to get married this weekend, go out with our friends the next day, and announce we’re married… and that she’s pregnant. All at once, just rip off the Band-Aid. After that, I’ll call my family and tell them and then worry about what’s next after that.

The first step in this plan is to go meet Trevor and his girls at the park, with bagels and cream cheese like I promised. It’s like a peace offering for yet another favor I need to ask for. Plus, I figure it’s smart for me to learn quickly how to handle women and their cravings, especially now that Avery is living with me. Kelly brought all of her stuff over this morning; apparently, she left a lot of it at Peter’s and only took the stuff she cared about. Works for me, but I’ll be happy to go get it for her if she wants.Pretty much take any excuse to have words with him at this point.

“Uncle Harris!” Addy screams from the swings, leaping off she comes running over to me, nearly knocking me over her flying hug was so strong.

“Jeez, kid, you’re getting too big to jump like that. One of these days, I’ll drop you.”

“No, you won’t. Unless you’re getting old and weak, but you’re still playing hockey, so I don’t think that you’re old and weak.”

“Hey now,” Trevor pipes up. “What are you saying about me?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Addy says, throwing an over-exaggerated wink at me before turning to look at Avery. “Hi. I’m Addy, what’s your name?”

Avery crouches down, looking at Addy eye to eye and a big smile. “Hi, Addy. That’s a very pretty name. My name is Avery.”

Addy looks over to Ellie and Trevor who nod, and smile and she turns to look back at Avery. “Want to come swing with me? These swings go super high, and my mommy says she doesn’t want to go too high because she’s pregnant with my little sister.

“I—” she starts, but I interrupt.

“Avery doesn’t like swings. They make her dizzy, but maybe she can help you?” I ask, hoping I’m not overstepping.

“Really?” she says excitedly, and when Avery nods she quickly grabs her hand, pulling her over to the swings.

Addy definitely doesn’t have stranger danger, but it’s adorable.

Once the girls are by the swings leaving Trevor and I sitting here, I can feel his eyes burning into the side of my head and I know he’s not letting me out of this one easily.

“So, what’d you call me for, dragging me and my family out when we could be comfy at home,” Trevor whines, a teasing tone that instantly relaxes me.

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