Page 110 of ICED
Lila hops out of her seat with barely contained excitement. “It’s like a palace!”
I watch her skip inside, clutching Jacko’s hand.
The team checks in quickly, and soon we’re standing in the suite the hotel has given us. Two bedrooms, a cozy living area, and a balcony overlooking the city lights.
Lila immediately flops onto one of the beds, patting the pillow beside her. “Bear, you have to show me how to swim later, okay?”
Jacko sits on the edge of the bed, pulling her into a hug. “Deal. But only if you promise to be my best swimming buddy.”
There’s a knock on the door and Owen jumps up to see who it is. As the door swings open Murphy, Dylan and Ollie drift in, laughing and chatting, and I’m struck again by how much this feels like a family. Mia brings up the rear, all smiles and clutching a Raptors away kit jersey for Lila.
Ollie tosses me a cheeky grin. “So, Maya, what’s your verdict? Ready to hang with the big boys for the weekend?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I think I’m surviving so far.”
Dylan pulls me into a hug. “You’re part of the crew now. No backing out.”
Murphy, still looking tense but smiling anyway, adds, “And if anyone messes with Lila or Maya, they’re dealing with all of us.”
Mia winks. “That includes me.”
Later that night, after everyone’s settled into their rooms and freshened up, the team heads down to the restaurant for dinner. The restaurant buzzes with a cozy energy, low lights casting a warm glow over the long table the team has claimed. The scent of fresh bread and roasting garlic drifts through the air as waiters bustle by. I settle into the seat next to Mia, grateful for her easy smile and quiet confidence.
Owen gently lifts Lila onto the chair beside me, careful not to let her wiggle too much. She beams up at him, clutching her unicorn swimsuit in one hand like a precious talisman.
“I’ll sit right here,” Owen says with a grin, sliding in beside her.
Lila immediately launches into her version of a royal welcome, turning to the team like a tiny emcee at a gala.
“Okay, everyone,” she says, holding up her hand for attention, “you’re all invited to the Unicorn Kingdom! There’s sparkles, and rainbows, and lots of ice cream. But no mean dragons allowed!”
Murphy snorts and nearly spills his drink. “No mean dragons, huh? Guess that rules me out.”
Lila crosses her arms, frowning mock-seriously. “You’re not a dragon, Mr. Murphy. You’re a big scary bear. So you can stay.”
Owen chuckles and ruffles her hair. “See? You’re the queen’s official protector.”
Sophie’s absence is felt but softened by the chatter andlaughter filling the space. Murphy picks up his phone and, after a quick glance at us, taps the video call button.
“Hey gorgeous, how are you doing? Little man still cooking?” he asks softly as the screen lights up.
Sophie’s smiling face fills the screen, her hand resting on her swollen belly. “Hey, yep, he’s too bloody comfy in there. We need to turf him out now, I’m so over this whole pregnancy thing now.”
Lila’s eyes widen with curiosity, and before I can stop her, she’s leaning forward with a huge grin.
“Hello, baby!” she chirps, waving. “We’re all waiting to meet you!”
Sophie laughs, her voice warm and tender. “Hey, Lila! He’s got the best fan club already.”
Murphy’s smile is tender and relieved. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m hot, fat and can’t see my feet. How do you think I’m feeling?” Sophie replies. “Sorry. Sorry, I’m good. Mum’s fussing and loving it.”
Lila turns to the team, animated. “The baby’s going to have so many hockey buddies. Maybe Bear will teach you how to skate too!”
Owen grins at her, eyes soft with pride. “That’s Murph’s job, Jellybean.”
Mia raises her glass. “To the newest Raptors fans, may they grow up surrounded by love and a lot of goals.”
