Page 47 of From Maybe to Baby

I watch Alexa's professional mask slip for just a moment. "I should really get back to work. I have notes to organize..."

"It's sunset dinner." Lukas employs his best pleading face. " With torches."

"And shave ice." Jace bounces with excitement.

Jesus, my kids really know how to work it.

"The resort does have excellent sunset dining options," I find myself saying, like a freaking advertisement. "Could be good for your article. Research opportunity."

God, I’m such a dork. Trying to talk a woman into having dinner with my family and me by talking about “excellent dining options.”

Alexa raises an eyebrow. "Just finished a family-friendly dining article yesterday."

"Maybe you need... additional research? Can never be too thorough." I hope I don’t sound like a beggar. It’s just that the kids like her so much, and well, it’s easier with two adults.

As if that’s the only reason I want her around. Asshole.

She laughs, and it sounds nothing like Genny's. It's fuller, deeper, more surprised—like joy catching her off guard. The guilt hits immediately, followed by something else. Something that feels dangerously like optimism.

"Please?" Both kids slip into maximum persuasion power.

"I suppose..." Tapping her chin, Alexa pretends to consider it carefully. "For research purposes..."

"YES." Lukas punches the air. "You sit next to Dad."

"Oh?" Her eyes meet mine, amused. "Why would I want to do that?"

"'Cause you're pretty like Mommy," he says with a kid’s certainty. "And Daddy looks at you funny."

God help me with this kid.

The silence that follows is heavy with awkwardness and I wish the earth would swallow us all up.

But my phone saves us by buzzing again. Team manager this time:

*Need to discuss pre-season schedule. Ice time starts two weeks. Media day following Monday

Ice time. Hockey. Real life.

When did I start thinking of hockey as separate from real life?

"Miss Minty." Jace tugs Alexa's hand. "Will you come see the shave ice stand? I invented a new flavor."

"Invented?" Alexa looks slightly concerned, which is the correct response to Jace's culinary experiments.

"She combines them," I explain, grateful for the subject change. "Currently the record is five syrups in one cup."

"That's... creative," she says with a grimace.

I grin. "Very on-brand for Minty Fresh Adventures."

She laughs again, and this time I let myself enjoy it without guilt. Because Genny would want that.

My phone buzzes one more time. Vince:

TMZ asking about you and a mystery woman in Hawaii. Need statement ASAP.

Um, what?

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