Page 61 of Hot Puck
“Don’t you have one of those as well?”
“Yes. But with everyone adding to the team this last year or so, we don’t want this to be a traditional owner’s box.”
“I get that.” He glances at Cash. “We’re staying in town for a few days to spend time with Blake, Branton, and Drew—mind if we use one of the practice rinks while we’re here?”
“Of course not. Time it for when the team is practicing, and you can pick up some adult players if you want. If the coaches will let you.” I grin.
Mason knows as well as I do how much Walker and Blake have been single minded about practices.
“She’s annoying. Can you make her go down there?” Mason points at the Rogues bench.
“I tried. I doubt she’ll make it long once the game starts.”
“Good. I always hated seeing her amped up for a game, but I think this is worse.”
“Probably because she has no control over the outcome. She has to sit back and let her players do their job.”
“Yeah, pretty sure that’s why she said no to coaching the Canadians for a second run at gold.”
“I can’t deny or confirm that.”
“But you know the answer?”
I glance around before bending to talk closer to Mason’s ear. “She chose to push for this.”
“Ah, right.” His gaze moves back to the ice where our guys have just stepped out to warm up. “Damn, this crowd is hyped.”
“It’s a good sign.”
“It is.”
“Do you miss it? Playing? Coaching?”
“Yes and no.” He glances at Cash who’s leaning forward, elbows on knees, watching the players. “Had other things I didn’t want to miss more.”
I lower my voice and ask, “He doing okay?”
“Better. He’s better.”
“Good. I’m glad.” A squeal from Candace has me twisting my head to see if it’s a good or bad cry. “Oops, gotta go. Someone is not happy about the state of her diaper.”
Mason grins. “Never thought I’d see you taking care of a baby.”
I want to be affronted by his comment but it’s not far off my own thoughts. I always wanted children. But after the debacle of my union with Johnathon I didn’t think I’d be in this position either.
“I’m not opposed to it, just never had the opportunity.”
“Until now.”
I look back at Mason. “Yes. Until now.”
It’s the closest I’ve come to admitting to anyone I’m going to mother Candace. I might not be her mother or even married to her guardian, but I plan to make sure that little girlandher big sisters know they’re loved and cared for by someone other than their brother.
Leaving Mason, I walk behind the bar for the diaper bag then go get Candace.
“You two want fries or burgers?” I ask the twins. “I can order anything you want.”
“No. We’re good.”
