Total pages in book: 11
Estimated words: 9744 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 49(@200wpm)___ 39(@250wpm)___ 32(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 9744 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 49(@200wpm)___ 39(@250wpm)___ 32(@300wpm)
I watch as she sits him on her belly, checking her phone, and then mine sounds. I should have known. When we arrived, and Dawson and Louis started for the fridge, I offered her money. She wouldn’t take any from me, so I Venmoed her. Now she’s returned the Venmo. Again. We’ve been sending money back and forth for over four hours. It’s downright pathetic, but we’re both too hardheaded to stop at this point.
As I look around, I can’t believe how big everyone is getting. Lucy and her family came too—I should have known they would; the Sinclairs are extremely close. I went from having just my dad to now being a part of a massive, suffocating, loving family. It’s both a lot and everything I always wanted, all in one. Lucy’s boys, Max and Ryder, have joined my boys and Avery and Jace’s youngest, Jamieson, surfing and playing football in the water. Lucy and Benji’s youngest, Charlotte, and Avery and Jace’s eldest, Ashlyn, hunt for seashells with Autumn, Lucy, and Avery. The only kid missing is Angie, but she’s off being engaged and helping people with their mental health.
We are all so proud of her.
I notice that Jace, Jude, Jayden, and Benji are drinking beer on the back porch. Well, Benji has a soda instead. I watch Jay for a moment, and I can see he’s doing well. I don’t think he’s totally processed everything, but I know he needed this. His brothers have a way of calming him and helping him to see reason. Benji is always a joy to be around, and since he retired a while back with his own concussion issues, I know he is giving Jayden all the advice. It eases my concerns and worries, knowing Jayden has such great support. He told his teammates last night, and of course, they all wanted to come and be with him, but we were leaving for Florida. Shelli Adler-Brooks and Elli Adler, the owners of the Assassins, called this morning, and both were sad but loving. Not that I’d expect anything else—those Adlers are good people.
“Mom! Mom, look!”
I look out to see Dawson riding a wave, and it kills me how big he is getting. He’s going to be graduating before I know it, and he’s hoping to play at a college somewhere. Not sure which sport he’ll commit to. He’s got a damn good throwing arm, but also a wicked slap shot. Plus, he’s huge. The future is uncertain, but I know he’ll do something amazing and we’ll be proud.
“Awesome, babe!”
He grins widely at me before falling, much to everyone’s entertainment. I know I should probably join some part of my family instead of catching rays, but my mind is racing. I haven’t had time to process what my dad told me before we left.
Team USA wants you for the Olympics this year, but that’s not all. I’m leaving Bellevue, and I put your name in for the women’s hockey team. They want you, Bay. You should take it.
Talk about information overload. Not only has my husband’s career abruptly ended, but now mine could potentially take off again. I’ve focused so much time on charity work and my boys, I’ve never thought about picking up my career again after the last Olympics. While we did great and killed the competition, there are so many more talented women than me. I didn’t expect to be asked again, and I sure as hell didn’t expect to have a job opportunity appear out of nowhere. That’s my dad, though. He has always had my back. Always pushed me to be better than I thought I was.
It’s probably why I do the same for my boys.
I swallow hard as I glance back at Jayden. I don’t know how to tell him. I don’t want to possibly make him feel worse since I’ll be returning to the ice full time and he’s been forced to retire. I almost don’t want to bring it up. Just let things happen. But I have my interview next week. He’ll want to know where I’m going or where I’ve been, and I don’t lie to my husband. I want to be honest, but I also don’t want to hurt him.
When Lucy comes over, I grin up at her before she falls into a lounger beside me. Then Harrison is in her lap before Claire lowers herself into a chair.
“Why didn’t y’all tell me pregnancy was this hard?”
We both laugh as I tickle Harrison’s little double chin. He is a gorgeous baby. “It’s worth it,” I say, and Lucy agrees.
“Absolutely. But then they grow up and leave.”
I turn my lips down as I look out at the kids. All so big. “How’s Angie?”
Lucy beams. “So damn happy. She is working on an autism program right now, while still working hard with the players. Plus, she’s head over heels for Owen, and he for her. They’re adorable.”