Page 29 of Blue Lines and Lullabies

"I can't believe how badly I missed her. And you," I whisper, not missing Cassie's sharp intake of breath. I turn and sit on the floor, my back to Cassie's legs, as I place the lightest of kisses against Mackenzie's forehead, then lay my head against Cassie's thigh.

"I saw the game today." I'm not surprised at her quick change of subject.

"Yeah?"

"Yup. It was weird rooting for someone other than my brother," she giggles.

"You were cheering me on?" I ask.

"I was. I saw both goals. Also saw the fight," Cassie whispers.

I chuckle. "Daniels is such a prick. I fucking hate that guy," I tell her.

"Grant doesn't like him either. He texted me from the plane and said he was glad you basically knocked him out."

"I'm not sorry I did," I murmur.

"I can't believe it's a five-minute penalty, though. The sport revolves around fighting, but it has the one of the longest penalties? It makes no sense."

"Mmhmm," I respond, my eyes closing as I finally relax for the first time since I left.

"I debated on ransacking your closet and finding a jersey so you could come home to find me in it," she whispers, raking her fingers through my hair. I let out a yawn and a moan.

"Every hockey guy's dream," I mumble.

"Gabe."

"Hmm?"

"Give me Mackenzie. Go get ready for bed," she says with a light laugh.

"On one condition."

"Okay?"

"You stay in here too," I say tentatively, awaiting her response.

"Can I be honest?" she finally responds.

"Always."

"I slept in here every night," she confesses.

I swear under my breath. "Fucking love that, Firecracker."

"Go get out of your suit," she says, pushing me lightly on my neck. I turn my head to apply the barest of kisses to her thigh, then swivel to hand her Mackenzie. Standing, I extend my arms above my head and stretch, which untucks my dress shirt. When my arms drop, I find Cassie staring intently at my crotch, and I'd laugh if I didn't fear waking up my daughter. I walk to the bathroom and get ready for bed.

When I finish, I leave the bathroom and find Cassie nervously waiting. "I never asked what side of the bed you sleep on? I've been sleeping right next to her, but it's fine if that's where you normally sleep. I can move. I can sleep in the other room, too, if you want to stretch out since you've been sleeping on crappy hotel beds for almost two weeks."

I grab her hand and drag her into my arms, burying my head in her hair as I exhale. "I said I wanted you in here because I want to hold you. I don't give a fuck about stretching out. I just want you in my space, Cass. Okay?"

She nods against my chest.

"I sleep closest to the door. You stay next to Mackenzie."

"Why by the door?" she mumbles.

"It's a protection thing. Gotta protect my girls," I whisper.

---