Page 173 of Three Pucks and a Baby

“Hey Little Man.”

As Vivian held him up in front of me, I realized what he was wearing. He had a tiny Swarm jersey with my number on it. Slowly, she turned him around. My heart leaped into my throat at the sight of my name on his back.

“Where did you get that?”

“I had it made,” Vivian replied. Cocking her head at me, she asked, “Do you like it?”

I grinned. “I fucking love it!”

With a smile, she replied, “I thought you would.”

“Put him up to the glass.”

Vivian gave me an anxious look. “Are you sure?”

“I just want to kiss him.”

“Oh,” she replied.

When I pressed a kiss to the glass over Griffin’s cheek, he cooed and waved his arms. “I’ve missed you so much, buddy.”

“We’ve missed you too,” Bennett replied.

With a jerk of my chin, I said, “Get in here and give me a kiss for luck.”

His brows creased. “You’re not serious.”

“I’m not talking about tongue. Just a quick boop.” When he continued looking unsure, I said, “Jesus, Bennie, I didn’t think you’d be a germaphobe about the glass.”

After glancing around, Bennett said, “I meant more about your teammates and fans seeing us.”

Shaking my head, I replied, “I’m done hiding who I am, Bennie. I will proudly kiss you over this glass and then Vivian. Hell, I’ll even kiss Grayson.”

He held his hands up. “Oh hell no. Not me.”

As Vivian nudged him playfully, I replied, “Don’t worry. You’re off the hook.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absofuckinglutely.”

“Fine,” he huffed before ducking his head.

I swore I could smell his cologne through the glass. Closing my eyes, I wished I could bury my face in his neck and wrap my arms around him. If Vivian was home, Bennett was my North Star. He centered me and gave me the direction I needed to be the best partner and father I could be. I couldn’t imagine loving one without the other. And the addition of Griffin just expanded our love even more.

After kissing the glass over his lips, my eyes popped open. Staring into Bennett’s brown eyes, I said, “I can’t wait to kiss you after the game.”

“Me too.”

My gaze flickered over to Vivian. “Okay, Hot Mama, your turn.”

Although she rolled her eyes, a shudder went through her. “Are you really going to keep calling me that?”

“What’s wrong with it? I mean, you are a mama and you are exceptionally hot.”

Vivian brought her face close to the glass. “You flatter me.”

I shook my head. “You know how I feel about lying.”

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