Page 85 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
Laura had smiled sweetly. “Well, you are watching his kids and technically living with him. So, it’s safe to assume that he listens to you.”
I had snorted. “That is a bold assumption.”
Anyway.
Right now, I’m sitting on the bleachers with Mia, Nico, Keith, and Liam’s wife, Hazel, for the first division of the playoffs. Hazel, by the way, looksinsanelystunning for someone who just had a baby. If I didn’t like her so much, I’d be jealous.
The energy in the stadium iselectric. The crowd buzzes around us, the smell of popcorn in the air, conversations here and there, and the pounding bass of the pre-game music vibrating through the stands.
Oh boy, oh boy… Everyone is pumped. Both our fans and the fans of the other team.
I glance down at our outfits and grin in satisfaction. Imayhave sweet-talked (read: bullied) Keith into joining myGet Ready With Me(GRWM) video this morning. Mia and Nico loved every second of it.
I’m wearing a cropped Avalanche team jersey with skinny jeans and my comfiest sneakers, while Keith is rocking a blackand gold custom hoodie withBlake’s Biggest Hater/Supporterplastered across the front because, as he put it, “Support is important, but keeping him humble is a necessity.
Nico is rocking a mini version of Blake’s jersey with little hockey skates printed on the front. And Mia? Her jersey is oversized and knotted at the waist, paired with leggings and tiny sneakers. She looks adorable.
A perfectly coordinated game-day look.
The game is about to start, and the kids are practically bouncing off the bleachers with excitement. “There he is!” Mia squeals, waving frantically.
“Daddy!” Nico shouts, pointing toward the rink.
Mia waves both arms. “Daaaaaddy!”
Blake turns in our direction and lifts two fingers in a lazy salute.
Keith leans in. “He always thinks he’s so cool.”
I snort. “Cooler than you are apparently.”
Keith gasps dramatically. “Excuse you. I am your brother.”
“Exactly.”
Keith gasps again in mock offense. “Wow. Disrespect. And for my best friend.”
“It’s called honesty.”
“I should smack you for that.”
I tilt my head, daring him. “Try it, and I’ll…”
Before I can react, he flicks me on the forehead.
“Hey!” I reach up to smack him back, but the sharp sound of the whistle cuts through the arena, making me pause.
Keith grins, leaning back. “Saved by the whistle. Chance missed.” He sticks his tongue out like a literal five-year-old.
“Guilty.”
Hazel laughs beside us. “You two are ridiculous,” then her attention back to the game blowing a kiss to Liam who winks…
Aww… how sweet.
My gaze drifts to Blake. He’s standing tall at the goal crease, shifting from side to side, eyes locked in my direction. Our eyes met for a beat; I said good luck and was answered with a nod and a beautiful smile. Most of the girls behind and below me all squealed in excitement and the usual ‘He nodded and smiled at me’ argument.
Classic.
