Page 105 of On Thin Ice

If I wasn’t in love with him already, watching how gentle he was with her and how supportive he was with me would’ve sent me right over into head-over-heels territory. There was something about seeing him cradle her tiny body against his while he did skin-to-skin that made my heart want to burst. Maybe it was just the hopped-up hormones coursing through me or some sort of delirium from giving birth, but I was so damn smitten with that man.

But tonight, Livi and I were on our own. By some miracle, the Stampede had ended up with a small break in their schedule, so he hadn’t had a game in three days, but that streak had ended. At least it was a home game. He wasn’t heading back on the road for another four days. And then, when he got home, it would be Christmas Eve and the three-day break. As timing went, it was actually perfect, especially during the season.

“Are we going to watch Daddy play tonight? He’s actually pretty good, but don’t tell him I said that. He’s got a very big ego,” I whispered, kissing the top of her head.

“There are my girls,” Dom said, stepping into the living room.

My body may have ached in so many places, but that didn’t stop my heartbeat from kicking up a notch at him standing there in his game day suit. Dammit. He looked too hot for my well-being.

“Has there ever been anything more perfect than seeing you two decked out in my jersey?” He winked and leaned in to kiss Livi’s cheek.

“You’re looking pretty perfect right now,” I said softly before I could stop myself.

His grin widened. “Well, Ally, I didn’t think you’d want anything to do with me after just giving birth. Especially with all the threats you lobbed at me during delivery.”

I rolled my eyes. “My body is in recovery, but I’m not dead. And it freaking hurt like hell giving birth. I can’t be heldresponsible for anything I said.” I pretended to pout and then he was wrapping his arms around both me and Livi, pressing my back to his chest.

“The next six weeks are going to be torture,” he growled, kissing me under my ear.

“Stop it,” I whispered.

“Fine,” he murmured against my skin. His lips teased my jaw, and I tamped down a shudder.

Again. I was in achy pain, not dead.

“Give me my baby so I can get some loving before I head out,” he said. “Hi, Livi baby.”

He took her out of my arms, and I melted as he smiled down at her. Her eyes were wide open as she looked at him.

“Hi, sweet girl. You look so cute in Daddy’s jersey, and you better cheer for me tonight, but no being fussy for Mommy while I’m gone. I might come home with presents because it’s my first game back.”

“Dom,” I started.

He shot me a wink. “From the guys. And maybe a few things from the pro shop. She’s going to be spoiled rotten, just accept it.”

I shook my head at him, laughing softly.

“And if you need anything while I’m gone, just call Cora and she’ll help or come and get me if needed,” he said.

I wasn’t surprised by how family-oriented hockey teams were. I saw it every year while Ethan was on the Strikers, how the players and their partners stepped in to assist with new babies or basically anything families needed. I’d only been in Denver for a few months, but so many people with the team had stepped in to help. It made the sting of missing my family a little less painful.

“I’ll be fine. We’re going to watch a little, eat a little, and then go to bed. I make no promises about staying up for the entire game.”

“If you’re still up when I get my first goal for Livi, I want a video of her cheering.” He leaned down and nuzzled her cheek again.

Ugh. My heart.

“Your first goal? That’s a lot to promise,” I teased.

“I might be a little exhausted from the last few days, but I’m fired up, and I’m getting my baby a goal,” he boasted.

I giggled at his ridiculousness. “Fine. If we’re awake, I’ll take a video.”

“See, Livi? Mommy doesn’t think I’m going to get you a goal tonight, but you are both my lucky charms. I got my head out of my ass—oops, don’t repeat that word—and I’ve been playing better since Mommy moved in. I’m only going to be better now that you’re finally here cheering me on too. Silly Mommy doubts your power.”

“Stop being adorable,” I grumbled, even as my heart clenched in my chest.

This freaking man.

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