Page 59 of War

God, I’m so over his messages. I should block him. That would be the reasonable reaction. Then again, I wonder if that will just make him escalate and actually show up at Tyler’s house. That’s something I’d like to avoid. Besides, there is a degree to which I get that he’s hurt. He probably thinks I was cheating on him with Tyler. Why else would we get married just days after our breakup? At best, it had to seem like there were feelings between Tyler and me while Xander and I were dating. I obviously can’t tell him that our marriage is one of convenience. Even if I could, is that really still true? I’m not so sure.

The one thing I do know? The slew of berating texts doesn’t make me want to set aside a time to apologize.

I close out of the app and slide the phone back into my pocket, determined to focus on the good in my life. “Don’t worry, I over-ordered.”

“No, I over-ordered.” Lennox grins.

I laugh. “She’s right. She made a list, and I ordered them all, not realizing she was writing down choices for us to pick from.”

“Options,” Lennox sings. “Always good to have options.”

As the pregame commentary begins on screen, excitement flits through me. It’s almost game time. I’ve never enjoyed watching eitherof the Langfield teams nearly as much as I do now. The sight of my husband on the ice sends electricity through my body every time. Two nights ago, when one of the players from Seattle checked him into the boards, I screamed, and the whole room went silent.

I swipe my phone from the island so I can send Tyler a quick good-luck message. For a moment, I consider admitting that I can’t wait to see him, but since I don’t know where we stand, I decide against it. Once I’ve clicked on our text thread, I realize he sent me two while I was upstairs putting Scar to bed.

Tyler: My attorney has the paperwork ready. I’m going to send it to the printer in my office so you can read it over. If it looks good, I’ll fly home tomorrow so we can both sign it and get it filed immediately. Also, if you’re still up when I’m finished tonight, I’d like to talk to you. Just you. If that’s okay.

Tyler: I’m really excited to get home to you and the kids.

That admission makes warmth bloom in my chest.

Not just the kids. He’s anxious to see me too. Giddiness has me folding my lips in and tossing my head back to hold in a squeal. I may actually get to see him tomorrow. Then maybe we’ll see where we really stand.

Not wanting to forget the contract but knowing I want to focus on the game for now, I set a reminder in my phone so that I can look it over later on. Then I grab my glass of wine and head to the couches. It’s incredible, the sensation that washes over me at the thought that I’m spending a cozy night with some of my favorite people, cheering on the man I’m starting to think could beincluded in that group too.

“Good night, love bug.” I release my hold on Josie and nod at Maria, who’s standing behind her, waiting to take her up to bed. It’s nice having Maria around to help, though now that I’m here permanently, she’s started talking about going back to work at the hospital. I’ll miss her when she does, so I’m soaking up all the extra help now.

Brayden has already disappeared for the night. I can’t blame him. The guys’ loss put a damper on the evening.

“You’ll still be here tomorrow?” Josie asks, just like she does every night.

As much as it kills me to know she still doesn’t feel secure in her place here, I give her a reassuring smile, and like I’ve been telling her for weeks, I promise, “I’ll be the one waking you up with kisses on your nose, sweet girl.”

With a giggle, she nuzzles her nose against mine. It’s become our thing. Then she hugs all the girls before following Maria up to bed.

“That girl,” Hannah says as she watches her disappear.

“Tell me about it,” I mutter, heading for the kitchen to grab the bottle of wine. It’s almost empty, and it’s our second one. “I can’t wait until the adoption goes through and she doesn’t have to worry that she’ll be taken from her home.”

Lennox follows me, empty glass in hand and expression aghast. “They can do that?”

Hannah’s right behind her. “Until the judge approves the adoption.”

“Speaking of,” I say, remembering the contract in Tyler’s office. “Tyler said the attorney sent the paperwork. Let me grab it.”

Without waiting for a reply, I take my wineglass with me to the home office.

Against one wall of the masculine room is a row of dark wood bookshelves that are shockingly full. A large oak desk sits in front of the window with a black leather chair situated behind it. Then there’s the sports memorabilia. Everywhere. When I spot the printer, I make a beeline for it. My friends are here, so I’ll have to snoop the shelves later. I snag the stack of papers from the printer tray and settle in the desk chair, reading the top quickly as I shift, making sure I’ve got the right document.

Marriage Contract

Hmm. Not exactly what I was expecting.

I scan the page, my eyes narrowing further with each ridiculous word I read. “What the hell?”

The door swings open, and my friends appear. “What’s taking you so long?” Hannah asks. “Oh, shit. Look what War has been hiding in here. He’s a secret romance lover. I told you he was the hottest guy on the team.”

“Oh, let me see, let me see. Does he have any stalker romances?” Lennox darts to the shelves in a pink flash.

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