Page 78 of A Major Puck Up

“You can’t bring a baby to practice,” Fitz says, giving me a confused frown.

“What would you like me to do with my daughter, then? Can’t leave her at home by herself.”

“You have a daughter?” Fitz pulls the Bolts hat off his head and runs his hands through his hair. “Since when?”

War rests his elbows on the gate and angles over her. “Hey, Vivi. Your uncles haven’t stopped talking about you.” The star left winger grins and straightens. “How you feeling, Coach?”

“Tired,” I mumble. “Hall, come over here and watch Vivi for me while we practice.”

Daniel skates over and leans against the boards. “You don’t want me to watch your kid, I promise.”

I look down at Vivi. She’s all wide eyes as she takes in the guys around her. “And why not?”

“Millie’s the one who’s good with kids. I’ve never even held one.”

The sound of her name in such a casual tone hits me like a slap and steals the breath from my lungs. I blink slowly to keep from wincing, but Daniel gives me a puzzled frown, like maybe I’m not hiding my reaction well.

“Didn’t ask you to hold her, Hall,” I grit out. “Sit your ass down on the bench and don’t take your eyes off her. If you can’t handle that, then I’ll put you in the net and let War take shots at you for the next hour.”

“That would be awesome,” War crows, clapping his gloved hands.

“Hey.” I point at him. “You’re watching her next. You’ll all take ten-minute shifts while I run practice.”

Fitz steps up close and ducks his head. “We’re trying to build trust and respect here, remember?”

I take a step back and holler for the guys to gather around. Most of them have migrated this way, clearly curious about the baby by my side. “Let me make a quick introduction. Guys, this is Vivi, my daughter. Her mother left her on my doorstep last night. Anyone have a problem with me bringing her to practice while I figure shit out? No?” I ask without waiting for a response. “Great. Now let’s play some hockey.”

The guys all nod, and Fitz lets out a heavy sigh and skates off toward Brooks, who’s still at the net.

“’Kay, Vivi girl. Be good for Daniel. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” I bend at the waist and press a kiss to her forehead. When I pull back, she gives me that big gummy smile again. Fuck, she’s cute.

Aiden moves closer to me, his expression more stoic than I think I’ve ever seen. “I can watch her.”

I pat my brother on the shoulder. “As much as I love you for offering, you’re our center. If I sat you on that bench right now, I’d actually not be doing my job.”

War pokes at my brother with his stick. “Yeah, Lep. We need our good luck charm on the ice at all times.”

I head for the ice and blow my whistle. “Line up, boys. I don’t have all day.”

My phone rings just as practice wraps up. When Beckett’s name appears on the screen, I answer quickly. Maybe he’s got news on when all Vivi’s stuff will arrive. Or maybe he wants me to come over and hang out while we stare at our babies. Maybe take turns napping.

“Hey, Beck.”

“Finn is freaking out. He says you promised to take him to the park.”

Wow. No hello. No how are you?He didn’t even ask about Vivi. It’s nice to see Beckett is his usual self today. After that forehead kiss last night, I was concerned he’d been possessed.

“Fuck.” I scoop up Vivi’s seat and hit the light on my way out of my office.

“When he was adamant about it this morning, I told him you were busy,” he says. “But as soon as he got home from school, he brought it up again.”

Standing in the empty hall, I survey Vivi. Could I handle taking her to the park? The old man on the bench yesterday was more than happy to offer advice. Maybe he knows a thing or two about babies. Or maybe some fresh air and time with Finn will do me good.

“Nah, tell him I’ll be there shortly. Any update on Vivi’s stuff?”

“I’ll have Brooks and Aiden go to your apartment to wait for the delivery guys. Once the girls are down for the night, I’ll bring pizza over.”

“Thanks, Beck. I’ll see you shortly.”

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