Page 67 of Defensive Zone

Ava’s eyes were watery.

“Yes. We’ll figure it all out, I promise,” Max said. “I would be so lonely without all of you there, so you can stay as long as you want. Maybe I do need a puppy.”

“Yeah,” Amelia and Connor cheered.

Gabi wasn’t sure that was the best response, but it was sweet, nonetheless.

“If not, I bet we can go play with Chicklet any time we want,” Max said.

“Yes. Yes, we can. Riley said to just let her know.” Ava gave a soft smile.

“Great. Now, should we go back to talking about my awesome game?” Max asked.

“You’re the bestest, Uncle Max. Can we do a FaceTime story tonight?” Amelia asked.

Gabi breathed in a sigh of relief. Puppy crisis averted. At least for now.

“How’s the hunt going?” Gabi called out the following day as Connor and Amelia moved through the living room.

“I found something blue,” Amelia shouted.

“The pillow is a square,” Connor said.

Ava grinned as she sat at the kitchen island. Elise was in her bouncy chair on the counter, babbling.

“This was the best idea,” Ava said. “They’ve been occupied for an hour already.”

“Yes. And they’re learning and having fun. And we can chat and make lunch,” Gabi said.

She’d come up with a scavenger hunt, finding specific shapes and colors in the different rooms in the house, along with a few items she’d hidden around the living room. She’d also set up an obstacle course throughout the living room to keep them engaged as long as possible.

The twins had endless energy. Luckily, tomorrow Max was taking them to the arena to see Riley and Chicklet and to have a skating lesson. Amelia kept telling Gabi that she wanted to skate as fast as her Uncle Max. Gabi still hadn’t tried skating since the Strikers’ family skate a few weeks ago. Her ankles wouldn’t hear it.

“Make a few sandwiches for Max, too. He should be home any minute,” Ava said.

Gabi’s stomach started to flutter.

“Of course,” Gabi said, pushing aside the butterflies.

“I’m glad you two are getting along,” Ava said.

“Hmm. What?”

“You and Max. Not as much arguing and tension,” Ava said.

Except there is a whole other kind of tension happening.

“Yes, he can be a pain, but as long as he doesn’t pull any pranks on me, we can be friendly,” she said nonchalantly, remembering the confetti gun that had almost sent her tumbling off the counter. But that had been an accident.

“He’s good around you.”

“What?”

“He’s a goofball, but he’s not trying to push your buttons as much as when you first arrived. At least, not that I’ve noticed. Not that I’ve been aware of everything,” Ava said, her voice trailing off as she looked over at the kids.

Gabi put her hand on Ava’s and squeezed. “Stop. You’re doing amazing. Those kids are doing fantastic. You are strong and awesome, and I’m proud of you.”

Ava smiled softly. “Have I mentioned how much I love your pep talks?”

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