Page 43 of Almost Ours
I turned slowly, eyes narrowing. “You realize this means war, right?”
She didn’t even try to run.
By the time the game wound down, we were breathless and soaked, snow crusted to our jackets and hats. Connor was still giggling as he flopped down onto his back in the snow, making exaggerated snow angels.
“Best night ever,” he panted.
Connor and Liam practically vibrated with excitement as they turned to Harper and Nina, their voices overlapping in eager pleas.
“Can we have a sleepover?” Connor asked, eyes wide and hopeful.
“Please!” Liam added, dialling up the puppy-dog look for extra effect. “We can watch movies and stay up late!”
Before Nina could answer, Connor turned up the charm to full blast. “Nina, you’re the best. I’ll even share my candy with you.”
“Oh no, you don’t,” Nina said, crossing her arms. Though I could already see the cracks forming in her resolve. “I’ve got enough chaos wrangling one kid tonight, let alone two.”
“Come on, Aunt Nina!” Liam tugged at her sleeve. “We’ll be good.”
“Good?” Nina snorted.
Right on cue, Shane strolled up, smirking like he’d been eavesdropping the whole time. “Sounds like a party,” he said. “I’ll bring the popcorn.”
Nina’s head whipped toward Shane so fast I thought she might strain her neck. “Absolutely not.”
Connor’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Coach Shane should come too! He can watch a movie with us!”
Liam clapped his hands. “Yeah, Shane’s the best at picking movies!”
“Okay, no,” Nina held up a hand, her voice dripping with exasperation. “Shane isnotinvited. I’m not running a halfway house for stray hockey players.”
Shane smirked, leaning just slightly into her space. “Oh, come on, Neens. Afraid I’ll outshine your hosting skills? I’ll even bring my own blanket.”
Nina rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. “Afraid you’ll eat all my snacks and hog my couch, you mean.”
“Now that’s just unfair,” Shane said, all mock indignation. “I’d at least savesomefor the kids. Probably.”
Connor and Liam burst into laughter, clearly loving the back and forth.
“Please, Nina! It’ll be fun!” Connor pleaded, clasping his hands dramatically, like his life depended on it.
“Yeah, Aunt Nina,” Liam echoed, clearly delighted by how far he could push her.
Nina groaned, rubbing her temples. “You two–three–are relentless.Fine. Fine!But,” she shot a deadly glare at Shane, “you’re onthin ice, buddy. One loud snore, one crumb on my floor, and you’re out.”
Shane held up his hands in surrender, his grin wide and unapologetic. “Scout’s honour.”
Harper, who had been watching the whole exchange with barely concealed amusement, leaned over to me and whispered, “She’s going to regret that.”
I chuckled softly. “Absolutely.”
Connor practically jumped with excitement. “Yes! Best night ever!”
Liam joined him in an impromptu happy dance, while Nina just shook her head, muttering something about needing wine.
“I’ll swing by in a bit to drop-off Connor’s stuff,” Harper said to Nina. “If he’s staying the night, he’ll need his essentials.”
“Essentials like his toothbrush and a warning label?” Nina quipped, though her smile softened at the edge.
