I release him so I can see his face. His eyes have that telltale shine to them, like he’s fighting his emotions but losing. I sit on the side table next to his chair, and he grips my hand in his. “Rook is a good match for you. You’re so much more . . . confident with him. Or maybe you always were, and he just brings that out in you better than we could.”

“Dad—”

“I’m not being self-deprecating. I’m just reflective these days. I have ten grandchildren, and only one of my children doesn’t live within a ten-minute drive. It gets a man to thinking, is all.”

I laugh a little at that. “The youngest is always the wildest, or so I’ve heard. I’m just sowing my oats.”

“If you’re my wild one, I think we’ve done all right.” He gives my hand a squeeze, and his expression turns serious. “That man worships the ground you walk on, and he feels an extraordinary amount of guilt for his mistakes—he’ll do just about anything to make you happy.”

“I know.” I see it in everything he does for me and Kody. I feel it in his love.

“You might try to take advantage of that weakness, Lainey.” He gives me a wink, and I laugh.

Kody squawks, so I take him from my dad and press my lips to his temple. “And your grandpa wonders where I get my sass.”

CHAPTER 27

SHOTS, SH-SH-SH-SHOTS

Rook

I pick up Lainey and Kody at the airport in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve. As soon as they’re through the arrival gate, I’m all over her. “I missed you so fucking much.” She doesn’t even have time to give me trouble for swearing in front of Kody, because I cover her mouth with mine and kiss the hell out of her.

The flash and click of phone cameras reminds me that we’re not in the privacy of our own home or bedroom, as does Kody’s annoyed squawk at being ignored. I release Lainey and give her a sheepish grin. “To be continued. I’m so glad you’re home.”

I free Kody from his stroller and lift him into my arms. “How’s my favorite little man? You take good care of Mommy for me while you were away?” I lay a noisy kiss on his cheek and tickle his tummy, making him laugh. Then I pull Lainey back in for another kiss, this time without all the tongue. “God, I love you. That was too long to be away from you.”

“You’ve been gone longer with away games,” Lainey points out.

“Yeah, but the house felt empty. It isn’t home anymore without you two in it.” It’s the first time since she and Kody moved in that they haven’t been home to greet me after an away series, and I finally understand why my teammates are always so antsy when we hit the landing strip in Chicago.

I strap Kody to my chest and take Lainey’s bag so we can head to the valet, where a car is waiting to take us home. I didn’t want the distraction of driving. Once we’re all buckled in and on the freeway heading home, I stretch my arm across the back of the seat so I can play with the end of her braid. “Did you have a good visit with your parents?”

Lainey smiles softly. “It was great to be with them over the holidays. I think we all needed that, but it’s good to be home. I’m more settled when we’re all together.”

I kiss her temple. “I get that. It’s how I feel every time I step through the door after being away—like I’m whole again.”

Once we’re home and Lainey’s suitcase is unpacked, we put Kody down for a nap and I spend the free time showing Lainey how much I missed every single inch of her. She’s stretched out beside me, legs tangled with mine, head on my chest, following the dips and ridges on my stomach.

“This is our first New Year’s Eve together.”

She lifts her head and rests her chin on my pec. “I didn’t even think to plan anything, with the flight home. I guess we’ll be having a quiet night in, huh?”

“Well, actually, I have a proposition for you.” I’m nervous, aware that what I’m about to propose might take some convincing. The team has been doing well this season, and we don’t have a game until the second—which means we can go out tonight, if I can convince her it’s a good idea.

“Oh? What kind of proposition?”

“So Randy thought it would be fun to go out tonight, and Alex has some connections at the Velvet Room, so he rented out one of the private rooms there for a party tonight.”

“What’s the Velvet Room?”

“It’s a bar.” I barrel on, hoping to erase the brief flash of panic on her face. “Most of my teammates are going, and all the girls will be there—Sunny, Poppy, Lily, Violet, and Charlene. Like I said, we’ll have a private room once we’re in there, so it’ll be people you know and not a bunch of random strangers.”

“What about Kody?” Lainey worries her bottom lip.

“I’ve already made arrangements for that. Miller’s offered to have all the kids come over to his place. Kristen’s agreed to help, and Lance and Miller’s nannies are going to hang out and have a little celebration.”

“They’ll have all four of Miller’s kids, Lance’s son, and Kody?”

“And Robbie, Violet and Alex’s son. Don’t worry, they’ve got it covered. It’ll be a fun night for everyone. What do you say?”

Lainey’s fingers go to her mouth. “Will I need to dress up?”

“Yeah, but I’ve already got that covered. I picked up a couple of dresses in your size that you can try on. Vi and the girls have someone coming over to do hair and makeup, and they’ve already reserved you a space.” I check the clock: she’s supposed to be at Sunny’s in a couple of hours if she agrees to go.

“All the girls will be there?”

“Yup, all of them.”

“I’ve never gone out on New Year’s Eve before.”

“No time like the present to try something new, right?” I cross my fingers that it’s something she’s willing to give a shot.

“Okay.” She nods, resolved at first, before she hits me with one of her heart-melting smiles. “We can go out.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

I kiss her—enthusiastically—and it looks like it’s going to turn into a whole lot more until she realizes we’re under time constraints. Parts of me are disappointed, but the rest of me is excited that she’s excited, so I’m willing to delay the gratification.

An hour later Lainey is freshly showered, wearing a loose button-down shirt and jeans, and loaded down with a pile of dresses. I added them to her wardrobe this week with the help of Stevie’s online shopping skills.

I drop her off at Sunny and Miller’s place so she can get her hair and nails done with the girls. Violet greets us at the front door and holds up a hand when I try to come inside with Kody. “Babies and boyfriends are to head around the back. This is an adult-beaver-only zone. We’ll see you in a few hours.” And with that she closes the door in my face.

I drop Kody off around the back of the house where Miller’s brood, Poppy and Lance’s kid, and Violet and Alex’s son are all hanging out with three nannies to support them. I hang out with the guys for an hour, have a beer, then go home and get ready myself.