Page 57 of Triplet Babies for Pucking Christmas

“Curtains?” I ask, snorting.

“Yes, Savannah. Curtains! They add texture and make a place look lived-in,” Millie explains like it’s common knowledge.

Jade nods. “She’s right. And while you’re at it, toss some art on those walls. He’s got, what, one poster of a hockey game from ten years ago?”

I laugh so hard that I almost drop Noah. “Okay, okay! You two are ruthless.”

“No, we’re helpful,” Jade corrects, grinning.

“I was planning out Christmas already,” I admit. “You know, to make up for this past one that…well…sucked. Maybe I can get them some Christmas decorations for their oh-so-empty houses.”

“I love Christmas,” Millie says on a sigh, her expression dreamy.

“I do too,” I agree. “The boys think it’s a ‘commercial holiday’ designed to make us spend money we don’t have.”

Jade laughs. “I mean, it is, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the best time of the year.”

“Tell your brother that,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I already told him he’s a Grinch.”

Jade cackles with laughter. “He so is. I love that you told him that.”

“They just don’t have kids…well…theydidn’thave kids,” Millie amends, eyeballing Noah. “That changes things.”

“Well, Jared’s doomed, then,” Jade observes. “He can’t make time for a woman in his life. He’s never going to get to be a dad at this rate.”

I ponder this for a moment, stealing a Cheeto and crunching on it. “Do you think he wants kids?”

Jade shrugs. “I guess I don’t know. I know he wants to be good at his job, but I haven’t asked him about personal stuff in years.”

The conversation dies down as the game starts. The three of us settle in, eyes glued to the screen. The energy in the room shifts with every play.

“Come on, Axel!” Millie shouts, leaning forward.

Jade tosses a piece of popcorn at the TV. “What was that, Troy? Pass it!”

My heart races as the puck flies across the ice. “Oh my God, they’re so close!”

When Finn scores, the entire suite erupts. Millie and Jade jump up, screaming and high-fiving.

“Yes!” Millie shouts, practically dancing.

Jade grabs her baby from the stroller, spinning him around. “We did it! We freakin’ won!”

I laugh, bouncing Noah gently in my arms. “That was incredible.”

Millie turns to me, her cheeks flushed from excitement. “We’re heading down to the rink to celebrate. You coming?”

Jade nods enthusiastically. “C’mon, it’ll be fun. Everyone’s gonna be there.”

I hesitate, glancing at Noah. My stomach twists. Would I run to Troy’s arms…or Jamie’s? The thought makes my chest tighten.

“I think I’ll hang back,” I say, forcing a smile.

“Suit yourself,” Millie says, grabbing her bag.

Jade leans over to kiss Noah’s cheek. “You sure? It won’t be the same without you.”

“I’m sure,” I reply, giving Noah a little kiss on his forehead.

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