Page 29 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

“Ten,” he states. “We might go to brunch and do other activities.”

“You can take them to brunch with your parents,” Teddy suggests brightly. “Then they can move the party to the grandparents’ house.”

Is she fucking insane? I give her a piercing look, hoping she gets the message that that won’t be happening. “They’re definitely not ready for the full family experience,” I state politely through gritted teeth.

“I want a family. My grandma is in Florida,” Myra pipes up, her chin quivering sadly.

This poor child is breaking my heart. Although, I know my family will welcome her—you don’t just bring strangers to the Deckers. They’re pretty overwhelming even for me—and I’m family. I know I’m going to regret what I’m about to say, but I do it. “Why don’t you drop by my place for brunch? After that we can do something fun, like the turtle sanctuary or a visit to Luna Harbor. We can take the ferry there.”

“Luna Harbor is fun! You can also try Silver Lake which is a bit closer,” Teddy suggests helpfully. “I’ll send you some options so Myra can have a nice day out.”

Myra is clapping and I’m just wondering how I’ll get out of this one. So much for not interacting with Tyberius more than I need to.

We say our goodbyes and I notice Ty regarding me thoughtfully as I end the call. “Well, that was unexpected,” he says wryly. “Are you sure it’s okay if we swing by your house tomorrow?”

“Definitely,” I say brightly, looking at my watch. “Well, I have to leave now. My next stop is furniture shopping.”

Ty’s face falls slightly. “You’re not spending the day with us?”

I shake my head, the lie flowing easily off my tongue. “Oh, no, I already have plans with my cousins—the ones who kept Dave. We have an entire day ahead of us.” I force a regretful look, hoping he buys it. “But I’ll see you tomorrow for brunch, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Ty confirms, though his eyes search my face like he suspects there’s more I’m not saying.

I grab my things, calling out for Rig before I wave a quick goodbye and jet out of the house.

Chapter Sixteen

Indigo

I step into the furniture store, scanning the displays with a sense of mission: find the perfect additions for my soon-to-be new room at Ty’s place.

As I wander the aisles, a twinge of doubt creeps in. Am I investing too much time and emotion into this? Lyric insisted last night that it’s logical, since I’ll be spending lots of time there until we find a nanny—she’s skeptical that will even happen before the season ends. Jude desperately hopes I’ll stay at least until June, when he’s convinced the Sasquatches will win the Cup.

My poor brother thinks that they can go all the way. This has been his dream since he started playing hockey—maybe not exactly the way he originally envisioned. Since he can’t play anymore, he wants to do it through his players. If living vicariously through his players keeps Jude’s own dashed hopes from poisoning the next generation, I guess that’s the lesser of two evils.

Keith suggested I look into an au pair agency. He dated one when he lived in New York. He can’t remember where she was from—but she had a sexy accent. My cousin can only think about two things: music and the people he finds attractive enough to fuck.

The point he tried to make last night was that most au pairs live-in with the host family. I didn’t really understand the arrangements well, but I made a note to research more later. Ty only wants the nanny to stay overnight when he’s not home. I’m not sure if he’d be comfortable having someone live permanently in his house . . . and if we hired her, would she stay long-term?

I brush the thought aside for now, and research that early next week. I also have to check in with Ty but only if I feel it’ll be good for Myra. Her earlier words about wanting a family are back on my mind. I still wonder about Ty’s mom. If any of us needed someone to look after our children, Mom would drop everything to be with them. She even does it for our cousins.

As I wander through the aisles looking at the furniture and thinking about the Brynes and their family dynamic, my phone buzzes. I wonder if it’s Teddy texting me her discount code or . . . I check and it’s actually Ty.

Ty: I received an email from Teddy with the list of activities we could do this weekend. Myra wants to go on a ferry ride. Would you want to go to Luna Harbor with us?

I should tell him that Silverthorne is more fun today and we could stay the night at the Luna Harbor Inn. And though the idea is great, I use it to get rid of my brunch invite for tomorrow.

Indie: I wish I could, but I’m swamped today. I can help you by giving you not only suggestions but an itinerary. Let me gather some links.

Ty: I thought you were going to buy furniture. We can wait until you’re done.

Indie: I’m at the furniture store already, but there are a lot more things I have to do in order to be free next week for Myra. I’ll take a seat on this plush sage green sofa and prepare this for you.

Ty: Why are you looking at a sofa? I have a perfectly good one here, no need to replace it.

Indie: I can still look at things even when I don’t buy them. This one is soft and plushy and . . . it invites you to sit in with a good book and a blanket.

Ty: Would you like me to leave you alone with the couch, seems like you two are having a . . . moment.

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