Page 62 of Hot Puck
“I fed them up earlier.” I turn to find Pa beside me. Arching an eyebrow, I prompt him to continue. With a sigh he says, “We had fries and ice cream before you all came in.”
“No wonder Micky was bouncing around when we got here.”
“Don’t tell Oakley.” He presses a finger to his lips. “It’s a secret between me and my partner in crime. Except we had a couple of tag-alongs on this latest adventure.”
I love that Pa is taking an interest in the girls. He’s pulled them in the same way he did Micky. I have no worries about them staying with him if I’m unable to remain behind when the team has an away game.
“What on earth is that—” Pa blocks his nose the same way Cassidy did. “Never mind, I think I know.” He bends down and uses his free hand to poke Candace’s belly. “You, little miss, need a diaper change.”
“I’m on that now.”
“Good. We’ve got a puck drop to watch.”
Scooping up a squirming Candace, I head for the suite’s private bathroom and its change table. I left Blake in charge of deciding how to set this up because at the time she was the only one with a baby.
Now we’ve got Candace, who’s only a couple of months younger than Drew.
I hate rushing through diaper changes. I like to give Candace a chance to stretch and kick her legs but there’s a puck drop happening that I do not want to miss.
And I don’t want any of the girls to miss it either. Crystal might not care that much, but I’m betting Cassidy will be glued to the glass for most of the game.
After discovering her interest in hockey, I started involving her in more of my conversations with Chase.
I don’t talk to him about running the team, but we do discuss how he feels the team is meshing, if there are any areas he sees that could use improvement, and as he’s just made a move like every other player wearing a Rogues jersey, I have an insider’s perspective on how everyone is settling in.
And for the most part, excluding Lindberg, the players and their families are happy.
The roar of the crowd has me quickening my movements. “Sorry, baby girl, I know I’m rushing. I promise to give you some naked time later. But right now, we need to get back out there.”
Candace makes a bit of noise, whether agreement or not doesn’t matter, it still puts a smile on my face and fills my heart with joy.
She’s a delightful baby. Other than her night owl habits, she’s easy. She rarely cries and her protests are usually ones of hunger or needing a diaper change.
Pressing the last strip of the clean diaper into place, I snap the crotch buttons of her onesie together then pull her legging up over the top of it before lowering the cute mini jersey with Chase’s name and number on the back.
I know it’s not cold in the suite, but I don’t want her little limbs freezing when we head down to meet her big brother after the game.
Tossing the soiled diaper in the bin designed to reduce smell, I pick up Candace and leave the bag. I have no doubt I’ll be back in here before the end of the game or she takes another nap.
Which reminds me. We’re going to have to rethink her sleeping schedule. It might pay to let her stay up late instead of the early bedtime we’ve been aiming for because nights like tonight are going to disrupt her sleeping pattern.
Entering the suite, I see everyone crowded toward the windows.
“Just in time. They’re about to announce the team.” Oakley slips her arm through mine. “I was just coming to get you.”
“Sorry. This one was a little on the stinky side.”
“Lord, am I glad I didn’t have to deal with that when we got Micky.”
“You’ll have to when you and Walker have another kid.”
“Yes, and I’ve changed Drew a few times and if you’ll let me, I’ll handle some for Candace. I need to get used to the idea.” Her gaze moves to where Blake is standing, Drew still fussing in the carrier strapped to her chest. “Although I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with that.”
“He doesn’t want to be in the carrier. As soon as she pulls him out and lets him roam, the better.”
“Then why the hell is he still strapped to her?”
“Because she’s nervous and antsy because she wants to be with the team.”
