Page 55 of On Thin Ice

“Food’s getting cold,” Darren called out. We all turned to where he and Julie sat at the table.

“Nice to see you, too, Darren,” I said, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

“Sorry, Ally. Julie was just hungry,” he said, trying to look chagrined.

“Don’t pull me into this,” Julie said, her face pinched. I would never understand what both of my brothers saw in her. Granted, I was a teenager when Ethan dated her, and she’d seemed nice at the time, but ever since Ethan and Penny had gotten together almost five years ago, Julie had become… bitter, for lack of a better word. She and Darren didn’t appear happy, but I wasn’t going to say anything. Yeah, he was my brother, but they deserved each other. They weren’t fun to be around, and I wished they’d skip these dinners.

I loved how happy Penny made Ethan and secretly gloated every time Julie looked miserable when Ethan was around. Karma was a bitch sometimes. I knew I was being petty, but I hated the strife Darren and Julie had caused for years.

Taking the seat between Ethan and Mom, I started filling my plate as conversation flowed—for the most part—around me. Julie typically didn’t say much, and I knew Darren just showed up to appease my mother and because her cooking was better than Julie’s.

I placed my hand on my belly as my little girl moved around. I couldn’t move to Denver and leave this. Right?

***

Dom: How are my girls today?

Dom: Is she bouncing around?

He’d added a kangaroo emoji, and I couldn’t help but smile. It was the afternoon after my family dinner. I’d been too exhausted to talk to him when I got home the night before.

Ally: We’re good and she has the hiccups again. It feels so weird.

Dom: I wish I was there to feel it.

I glanced down at my phone, not knowing how to respond. Yeah, it’d be great if he could feel his daughter as she grew inside me, but he was in Denver. Uprooting my life right now did not make sense, logistically.

Dom: Oh shit, I know how that sounded, but honest, no pressure. Really, Ally.

Ally: I know.

***

Dom: Finally back in Denver. How was your doctor’s appointment?

Dom: Any new pics of our girl?

Ally: Hi. None today. Maybe next visit. Appointment went well. She’s measuring right where she should be.

Dom: I got her something. Couldn’t stop myself. Do you have the same problem?

He followed it up with a picture of him holding a stuffed horse, wearing a Stampede jersey, and holding a hockey stick. His smile made my heart flutter, and then Baby Girl fluttered in my belly.

I found myself looking forward to his texts every day.Dammit. Why was he so adorable?

Ally: Yeah, I have the same problem. She’s going to be so spoiled by everyone.

Dom: I can’t wait.

Shut up, stupid heart.

***

Dom: Hey, I’m free tonight. Want to watch a movie and FaceTime? I’m thinking the second Bourne movie.

Dom: Practice was a bitch today, so I’m glad we have the night off.

Ally: Don’t you want to hang out with your teammates?

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