Page 16 of Hot Rucking Canadian

“Great game.” Johnnie slapped me on the back. “I didn’t think you were going to make it.”

I rolled my shoulder.

And tried not to wince. “Yeah, he got me good.”

“Plenty of ice tonight.”

“Yeah, that’s what Francine suggested.”

Our trainer was, frankly, one of the best in the league.

I glanced over to Jason. “How’s the head?” He’d taken a hell of a knock.

“Went through the concussion protocol, and I’m fine. Really, nothing to worry about.”

Except head injuries and concussions were a real concern in our lives. Without any padding, if the player’s head hit the ground, nothing would cushion the fall. Take an elbow or knee to it as well, and… Yeah, we’d all been through concussion protocol.

“Oh, Becca brought Cassandra to the game.” Roger grinned. “So I’m going to pass on the celebration.”

Johnnie slapped Roger on the back, much as he had with me. “You’re not going to bring them?”

“You think you can refrain from swearing in front of my eleven-year-old impressionable and stubborn daughter?”

“Nothing she won’t hear once she starts playing.” Johnnie’s eyes shone. “Our little girl, all grown up.”

Roger smacked him on the chest. “You had nothing to do with her upbringing, thank God. And you’re not going to get near her now. Sure, she’s old enough to hear swear words. She’s also old enough to take them home. You know what Tristan’s like—parrots every goddamn thing he hears. Linus and Evelyn will hear everything.”

Johnnie laughed uproariously. “What exactly did you say when you hit your thumb with the hammer when we were hanging that family portrait and, to commemorate the occasion, your entire family was watching?”

My ears perked. I hadn’t heard this story.

“I might’ve…” Roger winced.

“SaidJesus Fucking Christ?” Another laugh from Johnnie.

Oh dear.

“Yes, my dearly beloved grandmother-in-law would’ve smited me on the spot.” My friend rubbed his forehead. “I’m still not certain Becca’s forgiven me for that transgression.”

“Well, at least you don’t have anactualparrot.” I grinned.

Johnnie and Roger groaned.

Jason’s parrot was legendary. Our teammate liked to bring Walter to every gathering he could get away with. Little fucking bird had the biggest potty mouth of all of us.

“I’m not coming tonight.” Roger jutted his chin. “I have standards. You two don’t meet them.”

I laughed. “Oh my God, you did not just say that.”

“Daddy!” Cassandra darted toward us as we made our way to the greeting area.

Roger scooped her into his arms. “Hey, bug.”

“Harrumph.”

We all chuckled.

Cassandra was growing up so damn fast.

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