Page 91 of Power Play

“Stop moving, Uncle Maxy. I’m getting the color everywhere.”

“Sorry, little Ro,” Max says, embarrassed to be getting scolded by a little girl. Looking up, he scans the room, searching for something or someone. When he catches sight of Gwen, Stella and Cassie curled up on the couch talking, he smiles as he watches the three of them for just a moment before quickly looking away. Weird. Max and Cassie have honestly never gotten along in all the years we’ve known each other, but I don’t think their hate runs as deep as he believe it does. But that’s for him to figure out when he’s ready. I love seeing Max this calm and carefree, he seems so happy.

This isn’t just a found family for me, Max lost our parents too so I’m thankful he has them too. It’s also nice that his new best friend happens to be the cutest little five year old that he’d pretty much do anything for. She’s got all these big bad ass hockey players wrapped around her finger. I hope she realizes that none of these men will let her get attention from any boys until she’s at least thirty.

We’ve been sitting here in Rex’s living room since we finished dinner, just laughing and watching some random movie they put on TV. It’s moments like this that I realize just how far everything has come, and none of it wouldn’t have happened had I not been at Atlantis that night. I’m the happiest I’ve been in as long as I can remember, and it’s because of Rex.

We decided to have a little get together before all the boys started back up with the NHL preseason. Rex and my brother have already started to get to know their new team, had a couple of practices but nothing official. They both seem really happy to be there, even if they will be rivals with their friends. But hey, that just makes it more interesting, right?

Rex walks up behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me in close to him. “You okay? Want another glass of wine?” he asks, whispering in my ear, his breath tickling my neck.

“I’m perfect,” I smile, truly believing my words. “But I’ll never say no to another glass of wine.”

Pressing a kiss on my cheek, Rex chuckles. “Of course, baby girl. By the way, your ass looks delicious. I want to bite it,” he says as he swats my butt as he turns to walk away, smiling at us as he walks away. “Your nails look beautiful, Max. You should always have sparkles, maybe do the Ice Hawks colors next, I’m sure the guys would dig it.”

Max just laughs, shaking his head while Rory smiles proudly. As soon as Rory looks back down, Max flips him off with a laugh.

I love these people. This feels like home, and soon, it will be.

I thought I would feel a piece of myself missing when I finally cut my mother out of my life, but instead I feel a sense of peace.

It takes time and growing up to realize people that actually want to be in your life and who will make the effort.

“All done!” Rory exclaims proudly, her smile wide and her cute little face beaming. “Uncle Maxy, go show everyone your pretty nails. They’ll love them so much.”

Standing up, Max looks down at his nails which are definitely blue. She did paint his nails, but she also painted around the nails and the tips of his fingers in the process. He does a good job of telling her how much he loves them though, which only makes her happier.

Max walks over to the guys who all make a big show of oohing and aahing at his nails. When he gets to the couch where the girls are sitting, I watch as he and Cassie start whispering to each other. She looks annoyed while he just sits there with a smug grin on his face. He’s obviously said something to annoy her, which tracks.

I don’t even realize I’m still staring at them until Rex hands me my glass of wine, startling me.

“Easy there, baby girl. Daydreaming?”

“Something like that,” I murmur, taking a sip of my wine.

“Should we tell them?” Rex whispers.

“Yeah,” I smile. “Cassie and I talked about it before everyone else came over. She’s bummed, but happy for us.”

“Ok,” he smiles before turning back to the room. “We want to tell you guys something, we have some news.”

“You’re knocked up?” Harris shouts out, which earns him a smack on the back of his head from Max.

“My sister doesn’t have sex, you asshole.”

“No, you idiot, she’s not pregnant.” Rex grumbles while I laugh. “It sounds silly saying it out loud, but I just wanted to let everyone know that Sawyer is going to be moving in here this summer.”

Grabbing his hand, I smile. Rex is so proud, telling our friends and family we are planning this next step in our lives. It may not be a wedding, it certainly isn’t a baby yet, but it’s a step for us to start building our lives together.

“That’s awesome, you guys!” Miles says with a smile.

“Couldn’t get away from this asshole, could you?” Harris says before giving me a hug. “But in all seriousness, I’m so happy for you guys.”

“I’m so excited, Sawyer! I’ve always wanted a mommy to live with me! Daddy, daddy! Does this mean I have a mommy?” Rory says as she jumps up and down filled with excitement.

“Sawyer will eventually be your step-mommy, but you’re more than welcome to call her whatever you two feel comfortable with, okay Ro?” Rex says proudly.

I can’t help the tears that well in my eyes. I love this little girl with my whole heart and soul, and to hear her talk about me this way, it brings me so much joy. Leaning down, I give her a big hug.

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