Page 120 of On Thin Ice

“Absolutely. Is the community garden idea still around, too?” Anna asked.

“Yes. I’ve already scoped out a few ideal locations. One of the spots has space for a new playground, too. Tally said the guys could help build it, and I’m starting to look for designers. Anyone want to help?” Cora asked.

“I can,” Maxine said. “I know a few people we could look into.”

Cora smiled. “Perfect.”

I sat back into the deep couch and nibbled on my second cookie as everyone continued to chat. I was excited to get more involved with these projects. It was something I’d enjoyed doing with the Strikers when they’d asked for family members to volunteer, but I’d never been in on the planning stage. Talk moved from community outreach to the guys and how the season was going and then just general conversation. I’d forgotten how much I loved hanging out with a bunch of interesting and passionate women friends.

A few hours later, I was showing them a few videos of Olivia that they’d demanded to see as we finished up the rest of the cookies Anna had brought.

“She looks like the perfect combo of you and Dom. Just beautiful,” Brooke said before turning to look at her buzzing phone.

“Violet,” she said, shaking her head and turning her phone to face us.

There was a line of quick texts.

Duncan: Mommy

Duncan: Mommy

Duncan : Mommy

Duncan: Come home

Duncan: Can I have ice cream

Duncan: Daddy’s mean

Duncan: This kid. Sorry. It’s me. She’s driving me crazy.

Duncan: Should she have ice cream?

Brooke laughed. “Someone taught her how to do voice-to-text.”

“Oh, man. I love that little girl,” Cora said with a chuckle.

“I should probably get back to them before all hell breaks loose,” Brooke said.

That was when I finally noticed the time. I’d been here for three hours, and the meetup had been exactly what I needed, but I wanted to see my Livi. And Dom. “Yeah. I need to head back downstairs soon.”

We all stood up, and Anna gave each of us a bag of sweets she’d tucked away. I should’ve brought a bag to hide them in. Domwas going to try to snag them as soon as I walked into the condo. There were too many cookies in here to polish off on the short elevator ride downstairs.

Brooke hugged Anna. “You are amazing.”

Anna laughed. “Sugar is good for you.”

“Thanks for all this. I needed it,” I said to the women.

“Any time. And if you and Dom need a night out, call Cora.” Harper grinned and pulled me into a hug.

We all said our goodbyes and headed to the bank of elevators. I was so happy that I made the decision to move to Denver.

Hell, I was so happy that I stupidly slept with Dom after that game last year, setting all of these changes in my life in motion.

DOM

“Don’t cry, Livi baby. We’re going to get you all cleaned up before Mommy gets home, promise.”

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