Page 17 of Defensive Zone

“Shh. That’s how they all start,” Amelia said, leaning around Max to look at Gabi.

Gabi’s lips tilted up in a small smile and he forgot what he was talking about for a second.

“Anyway, Cornelius was excited to show off his puck handling techniques in the upcoming talent show. He’d been practicing all week with Narly, and as long as he didn’t slip or anything, he was going to be amazing.”

“Narly always cheers for Cornelius, but Cornelius always slips. One time he went right into the net instead of the puck,” Amelia said. “But Narly bobbed up and down in the water from side to side. That’s how he cheers.”

“Oh, that’s good to know,” Gabi said.

“Stop interrupting, Lia.” Connor huffed.

Max continued with his tale, and the kids sank against him. His sister had dozed off while leaning against the headboard on the other side of Gabi. Ava was probably exhausted. Gabi was a huge help, but he couldn’t imagine what his sister was going through on top of having an infant and two energetic twins.

He should try to help her out more. Story time every night he was available was just the start. He wanted to find a way for her to get more Ava time. She needed time to herself. Since he was off tomorrow and clearly wouldn’t be nursing a hangover like the rest of the guys who went out tonight, he would offer to take the kids to the indoor trampoline park to expend some of their energy and his.

“Uncle Max, then what?” Connor’s voice cut in.

“Sorry, buddy. Where were we? Ah, yes, so then it was Cornelius’ turn on the ice. He could hear his older brother, Monty, taunting him, telling him he was going to slip and that the ice was rough. But Narly bobbed up and down and said, ‘You can do it,’ and Cornelius started skating.”

Max continued for another twenty minutes, and by the time he’d wrapped up a second story about the clumsy polar bear, Connor and Amelia were out.

Max looked over at Gabi. There was a look in her eyes, almost a twinkle, and he was close to saying something to tease her, but he stopped himself.

Well, that was a first.

“What’s the plan?” Max asked.

“What?” Gabi said, trying to clear her head. He had her all muddled. That story and the kids all snuggled up against him with their commentary that he obviously didn’t mind, it was too adorable and now she was thinking thoughts she shouldn’t.

Or not thinking at all.

“Um. I guess it was boring.”

“What? No. It was wonderful,” she said.

His grin widened. “Wonderful. Really? No words of annoyance for me?”

She huffed. “Don’t ruin this, Max.”

“Ruin what?”

“Ugh. Why must you be so annoying?”

“It’s a gift,” he said, his voice still low. “Okay, you wake up Ava and get her to bed and I’ll take care of these two.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I am capable.”

“Are you?”

“Do you have to constantly be combative?”

“You bring it out in me.”

“For the love of god, stop it, both of you. Some of us are trying to sleep,” Ava said, shifting to sit up next to Gabi.

“Sorry, Av,” Max said.

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