Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 93683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Alexeyev – Cap – arrives next, wildly grinning at both of his daughters alike.
Bella pounds on the glass and rambles and showcases her fancy, hot pink boots while their headphone wearing baby – with a little assistance from Joey – gently taps the barrier to “participate” in the activity as well.
Photos are snapped by the media team.
Other Slayers.
Myself.
Watching Cap with his kids has me oddly anxious for my own, which is so not a subject we should be anywhere near this early in our relationship.
I mean…right?
Yes, we do…are…kind of…now…living together in a weird way – because of the guardianship situation – and Jukes…loves…to talk about marrying me – despite not having actually exchanged the love word sentiment – and he is…steadily…collecting “wedding songs” for the day – he has an actual playlist – but I don’t know.
I’m not sure if that’s just him being him or if…he’s…already ready.
Would it be wrong if he was?
If I am?
When it comes to love…do we have to play the songs in their album order or can we skip around tracks?
“He’s so fast,” mutters Bronny in undeniable awe over watching his big brother block shot after shot with his stick. “Like he’s got super vision or somethin’.”
Giggles are barely swallowed. “That’s how he spots you eating all his oatmeal cream pies.”
“Yeah, I don’t like that.” He folds his arms across his chest, our attention plastered on where Thayne is sliding from post to post, talking to them, breaking in his new dragon claw themed pads. “Or that Idono where the kitchen cameras are anymore.”
Relocated after the fire incident.
“Mannnnnn…” A slow, impressed headshake is executed at the same time Thayne snatches a puck out of the air. “Look at him.” Another lands in his mitt. “Bes’ in the league.” His gushing is accompanied by bangs of encouragement against the see through blockade. “By effin’ far.” I glance over to admire his adoration. “Hundo.”
Seriously.
Can we say swoon?
Like season finale was worth all the angst build up swoon.
Despite their bickering and antics and loud displays of frustration, there’s no doubt in my mind that they love each other.
Honestly?
Their closeness reminds me of the one I have with M.
The excitement to share cool shit.
The ear needed when the day has gone to shit.
The unbreakable bond built to get you through anything.
Everything.
Guilt skates across the pit of my stomach forcing me to briefly shut my eyes.
I gotta tell him.
I wanna tell him.
I just…can’t seem to find the right time.
“Gilly,” Hoss unexpectedly calls to me, pulling my focus over to her and out of my own head, “you two sittin’ in the boxskie with us tonight?”
“No, we’re actually sitting with my parents on the glass behind the goal.” Hooking my thumbs on the edge of my thigh located pockets occurs as other Slayers with their hatchlings begin passing by her. “And just in case you were wondering…no. The discounts that I get from being the dental practice that works with the team and having my brother be head coach barely help. Especially when you buy four tickets instead of two.”
They actually always come to the home season opener.
We all do.
Gotta support my big brother.
They just happen to mention wanting to be by Bronny – who I had already planned to get glass seats for to be near his brother in action – which meant having to splurge on their behalf.
And it’s fine.
I can afford it.
Plus, they want to be in his life, and he wants them in his life, and Thayne welcomes the extra support for them both.
Bonus episode twist?
I think their approval will come in my favor when I do finally tell my big brother.
They’re already discussing us all celebrating holidays together.
“You got us glass seats?!” squawks the teen, damn near jumping up and down. “Behind the goal?!” His body twitches uncontrollably. “The home goal?!”
More giggles shake my frame prior to me answering, “Yes. I thought it’d be nice for your first game here.”
“Holyshit!”
“Aw, that’s so sweet,” Hoss coos against her own volition given the way she frowns after the sound escapes her mouth. “Ugh, did I just swoon? Out loud?” The gag face she makes has me snickering again. “What am I, a girl?”
“Wait…” Bronny tips the brim of his hat slightly upward, “are you not?”
Her immediately glaring precedes her middle finger flying into the air and attention shifting back to me. “Enjoy the game. Tendy’s such a fucking beauty, so I have no doubt it’ll be a shutout.”
“Yesssss!” his little brother roars and turns around to give a pre-emptive victory pound to the glass. “Woooo!”
We exchange small waves leading me to turn around just as my boyfriend skates over. The instant his dragon design bearing bucket is off, he loudly croons, “There’s my Gillybean.”
“Groffee.”
His disapproval is instant. “Jukes.”
“Thirty-five.”
“Jukes.”
“You’re on the ice.”
“And I’m still singin’ all the time.”
There’s no use in fighting his charm or his goofy grin. “Jukes.”