Page 82 of Second Draft

As soon as I lie down Joshua jumps on my chest, making my breath leave me in a whoosh. “Careful.”

“Story,” he pleads, brown eyes the same color as Layla’s wide awake now.

Layla just smiles and gives me that, I-told-you-so look.

“One short story,” I say.

“About hockey.” His grin gets bigger.

The kid loves the game already. I bought him his first set of skates this past winter, and next year I’ve decided to coach the Little Tykes program.

“I’ve got a better story,” I say, tapping his nose gently. “About a little boy who’s going to be a big brother.”

Joshua frowns. “No. Hockey story.”

Layla chuckles and shakes her head.

“What? Babies aren’t as fun as hockey?” I grin.

“No.” He shakes his head, brows drawn down.

Laughing, I muss his hair. “There was a time I would have agreed with you, buddy.”

His nose scrunches up.

“But now?” Layla asks, one eyebrow raised, a grin playing on her lips.

I place my hand on her stomach and smile, “Now, there’s nothing that makes me happier.”

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