Page 34 of Icebreaker

"If you do buy them, can I be a goalie? I mean, I have no hockey skills, but owning the team would be just for fun anyway, right? I've been practicing in the living room, and my cat's reflexes are nothing compared to mine."

I laughed. "I don't doubt that budding talent. To what do I owe the honor of a call?"

"Just happy to hear my bud's voice. It's not the same without you chirping in my ear. How's things for you?"

I sighed. "A bit of a rollercoaster, to be honest. There were those dips with Axel from the Dante situation, but now we're at the top of the hill. He's in the other room chatting with Maggie."

Moose's voice was suddenly more serious. "Dante isn't giving you too much trouble, is he?"

"Damn, you know, it's complicated. Dante keeps turning up like a bad penny, but Axel might have finally figured a lot of it out. Keep your fingers crossed for me."

"Well, you've got Maggie there now. She'll straighten him out." Moose cleared his throat. "I learned not to get in her way…more than once. With Axel back to the straight…well, not that…the gay and narrow along with Maggie and me, you've got your own kind of Avengers team to help take on the world."

"Something like that," I agreed as I chuckled. "I spent most of today with Maggie, and it was great. She keeps me grounded, and she will make sure I don't make any rash decisions."

"Well, don't let her run amok. What would life be without an occasional bad 3 a.m. decision?"

"Is that the voice of experience?"

"Uh…no comment." Moose tapped on the phone. "Hey, I think the connection is getting a little rugged. Hear that?" We both laughed. "Seriously, you enjoy the time with your guests, and we'll have a dinner date soon. You can't miss this Moose goodness for too long."

"Will do, buddy." His words comforted me even when he was in a zany mood. "And hey, next time you're up for going out, the first round's on me."

"Deal," Moose replied. "But remember, I drink expensive. You might want to start saving up that pittance the NHL pays you."

After the phone conversation ended, I returned to my guests to find Axel and Maggie deep in conversation. They looked at each other with serious but not tense expressions. When I appeared, they both looked up.

"Everything okay with Moose?" Axel asked.

I nodded and settled into my previous seat. "He wanted to catch up and ensure I wasn't neglecting him too much with Maggie here."

Maggie laughed. "That sounds like Moose. He always makes sure he's not forgotten."

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, stories, and the occasional profound moment. I watched as love and concern for me formed a bridge between Maggie and Axel. When he was ready to leave, he kissed my cheek softly and thanked Maggie for her visit. I felt a sense of peace I'd missed for the past few weeks.

The next day, I took Maggie to the Portland Farmers Market. We sampled fresh berries and melons while admiring the colorful flower displays. After she sniffed a late-season rose, Maggie turned to me with a thoughtful expression.

"Axel is a good man. Last night, I saw how much he cares for you and wants to make everything right."

I nodded. "He is. I've never doubted that."

"Well, just remember what I said: Fight for your love, but don't forget to protect your heart."

I reached out to hug her. "You're so wise. Thank you for everything."

The rest of Maggie's visit passed far too quickly. We had more heart-to-heart conversations and spent hours exploring Portland's quirky neighborhoods. When it was time for her to leave, a bittersweet mix of emotions welled up inside me—gratitude for her powerful support mixed with sadness about her departure.

At the airport, she cupped my face in her hands. "I love you, little brother. Take care of yourself…and Axel, too." She kissed my cheek. Next, Maggie pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you. Remember, loving a partner isn't easy, but it might be the most rewarding thing you ever do. Choose Axel, and share your happiness with him, but never lose sight of who you are in the process."

She pulled back, her hands gripping my shoulders. "And if Dante tries to come between the two of you, don't allow that. Only you and Axel can give him that power. You're stronger than his games. Believe in yourselves."

"Yes, I agree. We will."

After she planted a final kiss on my forehead, she turned and walked toward security, her red hair gleaming under the fluorescent lights. I watched until she disappeared from view, my heart full and aching all at once.

Chapter eleven

Axel

---