Page 107 of Pucking Revenge

Beckett and Liv have an ultrasound appointment, so we offered to watch the kids this afternoon. Later, we’re having dinner with his family.

As we hit the top step of the porch, the door swings open, and Deogi comes barreling out, heading right for me. Before I know what’s happening, Brooks’s massive arms circle my waist, and he pulls me to his chest.If not for his quick reflexes, the dog would have taken me down the steps with him.

“Ducking snakes! I told you no more pets, Huck!” Beckett yells from somewhere inside.

Deep laughter rings out from behind us.

Brooks turns at the sound, taking me with him since he’s yet to release me. Cortney is on the sidewalk, holding Deogi by the collar and laughing so hard his face is red.

Beckett’s shadow darkens the doorstep. “Man Bun,” he growls.

Cortney points at him and heaves in shuddering breaths. “That’s for turning my hair blue. Told you I’d get even.”

Beckett narrows his eyes at him, his jaw working. He’s silent for a second, but then his eyes dart our way, like he’s just now noticed us. With a heavy sigh, he steps back. “Don’t worry, the snake was fake. You can come in.”

Cortney follows us up the steps with the dog in tow. “Don’t tell me he pranked you too, Sara.”

I frown. “No, why?”

“Your hair’s blue.” He assesses me with a small frown, like he can’t quite figure me out.

Brooks laughs and pulls me into his side. “She’s my biggest fan.”

I smile and fiddle with the ends. “He’s right. This was intentional.”

Cortney nods, brows raised. “I like it. Shows a real dedication to the sport.”

Liv appears at the bottom of the stairs and smiles, one hand on her belly. “Thank you for watching the kids.” Then she turns to Cortney, and her expression morphs into a scowl. “I expect better from you. You’ve witnessed firsthand the awful sounds my husband makes when he screams.”

Brooks’s deep chuckle rumbles in his chest. “Damn, I’m sad we missed that.”

I fold my lips over to keep from laughing at my boss.

“Mom, are you ready for me?” Finn calls from somewhere upstairs.

Liv covers her mouth. “Whoops. Okay, guys,” she whispers, moving in closer. “Act impressed. Finn has a new outfit, and he’s been wearing it just about every day. I’m not sure it’s better than the tutus over the camo pants, but it’s easier to wash.” She backs up to the stairs again and hollers up to the second floor. “Yeah, bud. We’re ready.”

The steps creak as Finn makes his way down. When he finally comes into view, Brooks and Cortney both make sounds in their throats, then immediately cover them with coughs.

In jean from head to toe, Finn wears the hell out of denim. A gold chain hangs around his neck, and he’s rocking a pair of blue aviators.

Brooks is the first to recover from his coughing fit. “A denim suit. Looking good.”

When Finn hits the bottom step, he leans back against the banister, folds his arms across his chest, and gives us what can only be described as a model pose, all serious face and chiseled jaw. For a six-year-old, it is impressive.

“I can have my people talk to your people. I’m sure they make it in your size.”

Liv snorts. “Your people?”

Cortney throws a thumb over his shoulder. “I gotta get back home. Looking good, Finn.”

“Thanks, Man Bun.”

Once Beckett and Liv leave, Brooks and I load up the kids and take them to the arena, where Aiden and Gavin are already waiting for us. I’m camped out on the team bench, and all three men are skating in circles with Finn, Winnie, and Addie.

Finn begged Brooks to wear a jean jacket so they could match. Brooks tried not to look too relieved when he explained to his nephew that he didn’t own one. Somehow Gavin caught wind of the conversation, and when we showed up at the arena, there was a brand-new denim jacket in Brooks’s size waiting for him.

I try not to shake with laughter while I record a video of Brooks and Finn skating around the rink in their matching outfits. This is so going on the Bolts’ Instagram feed today.

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