Page 38 of Ice, Ice… Maybe?

“Well, look what the cat dragged in…”

“Fancy seeing you here, stranger…”

“Becca! Oh my goodness, you look wonderful…”

Each of her siblings was hugging Becca, smiling openly, with tears in their eyes, and welcoming her like she’d never left. Toni kept holding her close, while Luke and Matthew slapped each other on the shoulder, pointing, and laughing – before hugging the two women. Even Jason had a small smile on his tired face as he met her eyes.

“Who’s your new friend?” her brother said quietly.

Guiltily, Becca turned and saw Travis walking up to join them. He was obviously giving them a little time for their reunion, not wanting to intrude. He stepped forward and extended his hand toward Jason, who stood there for a moment looking at him.

“Hello, you must be Jason,” he said simply in greeting. “Becca talks so much about you, and it’s nice to finally put a face with the name.”

“Jason,” Becca said and met her brother’s eyes, seeing the slightly imperceptible nod just before he shook Travis’ hand.

Jason was opening the home to Travis – for her. There was no mistaking it, either. He was very protective to the point that it could be smothering sometimes, but family was everything to her brother. He would get his digs in elsewhere when the time was right.

“I’m Jason Baird – and it’s nice to meet you, Travis.”

“Likewise.”

It was like watching Travis on the ice as the two men were sizing each other up and taking measure of one another. She almost wished he had his big hockey gloves here, so if he flung them to the ground, there might be a two-second notice before things exploded around her.

“Is this your fella?” Toni whispered, letting out a slow whistle of appreciation, distracting her. “Nice job…”

“Where’s your guy?” Becca teased, smiling at her sister. “Don’t think that I haven't heard through the grapevine…”

“That’d be me,” Matthew interrupted, raising a hand. “I’m the grapevine – and I wanna meet Travis. Scooch over, ya’ hussy. Duuuude, my man! I’m one of your biggest fans, Travis.” Her brother launched past the two of them, grinning easily in that charming way that he usually used for the ladies. “So, how would you feel about signing a T-shirt for Becca’s favorite brother?”

“Did that jerk just call me a hussy?”

“Yup…”

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black…”

“Village bicycle,” Luke chuckled, making Becca laugh because she’d thought the same thing several times in the past.

“You better be talking about Matthew,” Toni growled, swinging her head around and looking at Luke, utterly shocked that he’d said something like that aloud.

“Oh mercy…” Jason muttered openly, shaking his head and smirking.

“Don’t forget me, Matty,” Luke blurted out and literally darted away, accidentally pushing Toni into her, making them all laugh.

“Actually,” Travis began and she saw that telltale smile on his face, realizing he was up to something, something secretive to surprise her. “I brought jerseys for each of you – and tickets to the next game if you want them.”

Becca sighed.

Travis was utterly perfect.

“What?!” Matthew hollered – throwing himself at Travis. “Dude – you just passed my test. Forget this grouch over here. I ain’t got no shame. You want a beer? A kidney? Whatchu need, bro, and I got ya.”

“It’s gonna be a long night,” Jason volunteered again before chuckling. “I’m gonna go check the smoker to see if the ribs will be done in a bit. Toni, did you finish with Bluebell?”

“Yessss…” her sister drawled pointedly and then looked at Becca, muttering under her breath. “Want to help me with Bluebell?”

“Girls to the barn…” Luke ordered, grinning. “Men, to the den!”

“Hear! Hear!”

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