Page 43 of Puck the Halls
Maybe I won’t need to intervene after all. Maybe Nathan will come to a conclusion we don’t need another house all on his own.
“That’s why I need more practice,” Crew says.
“You were a natural, Danielle,” Nathan tells her.
I’m not sure that’s true either. Dani isn’t generally athletic and she gets nervous.
But she says, “It was a lot of fun, I have to admit. Though intimidating. I’ll stick to the beginner slopes.”
“Then it’s settled—we’ll buy a house.”
That’s definitely Nathan. I’m amused as I sip my drink.
“What do you think, Michael?” Dani asks, turning back to smile at me.
“I think skiing happens during hockey season and we’ll never be able to get out here. Especially this winter. Dani has her book signing in February, remember?”
We’re all proud of Dani for having her first book published and for just releasing a second novel. She obviously doesn’t need an income but she enjoys the creative process and meeting with readers at signings and conventions.
“That’s true. Damn it,” Nathan says. “I want to buy you something, Danielle. A house seemed perfect.”
She laughs. “This decision to go easy on gifts this Christmas is hard on you, isn’t it?”
“It’s impossible,” he grumbles.
We all agreed that excessive gifts are unnecessary and just add to the pressure of the holidays. Nathan was out voted on this. He loves excessive gift giving.
Crew kisses Dani and returns to the seating area. He swipes a nut off of a charcuterie we ordered from the resort’s catering, along with a full dinner service. Crew ate a massive amount of food both before and during dinner, but now he’s picking over what remains of the appetizer spread.
“I wish I could go to the signing,” he tells Dani as she also returns and sits down on the couch next to me. “But I’m playing in Seattle that weekend.”
Dani sits beside me and I wrap my arm around her. I’m happiest when my wife or our kids are snuggled up next to me like this.
“I know, Crew. Maybe you and I can take a quick road trip together in the summer without the kids.”
“Dude ranch?” he asks.
Dani laughs. “Or…anywhere with a pool.”
“Just go over to the McNeill’s if you want a pool,” Nathan says, predictably.
He still gets a little jealous over our solo trips with Dani.
“Nathan, do you want to go to the signing with Dani or stay home with the kids?” I ask. Either one will make me happy. I’d love to spend time with Dani, and I’m so proud of her writing, but I’m never going to be upset about hanging out with my two favorite littles.
“We can’t all go and take the kids?” He sits down in a chair and reaches for his drink.
I glance at Dani. She’s immediately shaking her head. “I don’t want to be away from the kids but that’s too distracting. I’ll feel pulled in too many directions and there’s nothing for them to do in Houston.”
“You should go with Dani,” Crew tells Nathan. “Let Michael stay with the kids.”
“You don’t think I can handle the kids?”
This is why I put the ball in Nathan’s court. He’ll protest if we suggest he go. He’ll protest if we suggest he stay. Because Nathan likes to be in control, but Nathan also likes to be with Dani and the kids all the time, at the same time. Sometimes he even lingers when it’s time to go into the office and he loves the Racketeers.
“I didn’t say that,” Crew says, snagging another nut. “Don’t be so sensitive. I just thought you might enjoy fucking Dani on the jet on the way down to Texas.” He smirks because he knows Nathan won’t be able to resist that idea.
“Mm, I like the sound of that,” Dani says. “I’ll be sure not to wear panties that day.”
