“Me too,” Amelia said, walking into the room. “Can we go play outside?”
“Of course, but only if you let me go down the slide,” Max said, and Gabi rolled her eyes.
“Uncle Max, you’re too big.”
“I am not. I fit perfectly,” he said.
She refused to look at his lean hips. His strong legs.
No. She hadn’t looked. All hockey players had strong legs, so it’s not like she’d known that from staring at him.
“Maybe you could push me on the swings,” Max continued. Gabi noticed that he’d directed that comment toward Amelia, causing the little girl to giggle.
“You’re too big, but you can push me,” she said, grabbing his hand as Connor grabbed the other. Max grinned down at the kids as they pulled him toward the backyard.
Gabi couldn’t take her eyes off of them. Why did he have to be so sweet with the kids? As much as he irritated her, even she couldn’t ignore that.
“He’s great with them,” Ava said.
“Hmm.”
“My brother. He loves those kids. Bet he’d be the same way with his own if he ever found the right person,” Ava said.
“If they could get past the teasing and tormenting, maybe,” Gabi muttered. “Where’s Elise?”
“Napping.” Ava sighed.
“Go take a nap, too.”
“Nah. I’m good for now.” Ava took a seat at the kitchen island. “You know, you don’t have to cook for everyone.”
“I know, but I love cooking, so it’s fun for me. Want to help?”
“You know I’m decent in the kitchen, but not great. Greg did a lot of cooking when he was at home.”
“Oh, Av,” Gabi said, coming around the island to hug her friend as Ava dashed away a tear.
“No. It’s fine. It sucks and…” she trailed off. There was something in her eyes, and Gabi wanted to press, but now wasn’t the time.