Page 123 of Spring Tide

“Pretty good,” I say earnestly. Once I earned my Master’s in Applied Neuromechanics and Sports Medicine, I secured a position working with my alma mater’s hockey team. This is officially my second year as their athletic trainer, and it’s been a blast so far. “Our regular season doesn’t start until October, so it’s a pretty tame schedule for me right now.”

“That’s good.” He taps June’s ankles, earning himself another quiet giggle. “You know, I’ve actually got one of your guys in my calculus class.” His voice drops to a whisper, protecting the innocent ears above him. “He’s a total dick, though.”

“Sounds about right. Who is it?”

“Holden Becker.”

My brows shoot up. “Does he know you’re my brother-in-law?”

“Doubt it.” He scoffs, lips downturned with frustration. “The only time he looks in my direction is to roll his eyes.”

A pang of disappointment shoots through me. “Hmm, I guess I’ll have to whip him into shape in the weight room.”

“Could you?” One corner of his mouth ticks up. “Torture him a little for me?”

“I can make it happen.”

He laughs, nudging me with his elbow. “I knew there was a reason I always liked you.”

“Sure you did.” I shake my head, lips pursing into a playful smirk. “Speaking of, I promised Juney we’d go to your parents’ house next week. Do you want to join us?”

“Is Luc coming?”

“I’m sure he’ll come along.” I wrinkle my nose. “Well, unless he has a last-minute conflict with the team or something.”

“I’ll be there, then.” He gives me a sympathetic smile. “I know once the season picks up, he’ll barely have enough time for you and June, let alone anyone else.”

“I know, it’s always tough. Can you believe this will be his fifth season with the Bobcats already?”

“Not at all.” He shakes his head in disbelief. “I also can’t believe June’s gonna be two years old in a few months.”

“I know, it’s honestly so sad. I thought she’d be my baby forever, but now she just wants me to call herbig girl,” I pout, reaching for my daughter’s tiny hand. “Isn’t that right, Junebug?”

“I a big girl, Mama.”

“I know, sweetie.” I tap my fingers against her palm, glancing up to give her a watery smile. “I know.”

* * *

It’s beena little over an hour since the game ended—the Bobcats winning by a landslide—and June’s practically passed out on Elio’s shoulders. We had a nice afternoon of snacking, napping, and cheering along with the rest of the crowd. Now, the three of us are waiting patiently as the players file into the family box.

Towering over the group, June is able to spot Luca before anyone else. “Dada! Dada!” she shouts, kicking and flailing her legs against Elio’s chest.

He crouches down, lifting her up and over his shoulders. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she runs full force in Luca’s direction. I watch, captivated by the sight of my handsome husband as he picks her up and twirls her around, popping a big, sloppy kiss onto her forehead.

“Hi, baby girl. I missed you.” Luca’s grin widens as I approach. “And I missed your mama, too.”

“You played so great today,” I say, wrapping my fingers halfway around his upper arm.

“I did, didn’t I?” He leans down, pressing a chaste kiss to my lips. “Did you see that last tackle at the six-yard line?”

“Of course I did.” I squeeze his bicep. “Amazing, as always.”

“Thanks, baby.” Luca acknowledges his brother with a nod, smiling faintly in his direction. “Hey, E. Thanks for coming to watch the game.”

“Sure, man, of course.” Elio taps his wrist, flashing us an apologetic smile. “I actually have to head out, though. I’ve got loads of studying to do for my calc pre-exam, but I’ll see you at Mom and Dad’s next week, right?”

Luca turns toward me, lifting a questioning brow. “Is that right?”

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