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A proud smile forms on my face as I watch her. I don’t think I could love her more than I do right now. But that’s how I feel every day, then I’m proven wrong the following one, so I’m sure I’ll feel differently tomorrow.
It’s been almost a week since we got back from Gabe’s wedding, and ever since our conversation that night on the roof, neither of us have mentioned kids again, and I don’t plan to. It’s Logan’s decision. It’s her life, and if I want to be in it, which I do, then I’m just going to have to accept that we won’t be parents.
It’s wild how much my perspective on life has changed since meeting Logan. I had never once thought about kids until she came into my world, but then it was like that small dream of mine quickly died that night on the roof in Wisconsin.
I’ve been coming to terms with it, though, and we will have an amazing life regardless, just the two of us—and the shit ton of dogs we agreed upon.
“Maddison,” Cam interrupts my thoughts. “We’re stealing your girlfriend for a while. So, you can go.”
I scan back and forth between the dining room and kitchen, looking awkward as fuck, standing here by myself and staring off. I steal a look from Logan, who has an amused smile on her face, both of us knowing my teammates like her more than me.
“Well fuck me, then.” I turn to head back to the living room.
“I’m sure she will, buddy!” Goody calls out as Logan’s giggle follows closely behind.
“Hey, man. I didn’t know you were here too.” I find my brother sitting opposite Benny on the couch, taking Goody’s place in their video game.
“Yeah, Logan said she was coming over, and I didn’t want her to drive her car with the ice on the roads.” Marc keeps his eyes locked on the TV screen above our mantel.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate that. I swear the first thing I’m going to do when I sign a contract is to buy Logan a new car. With all-wheel-drive.”
“Good luck with that.” Marc bites his lower lip in concentration, continuing to play his game. “There’s no way in hell she’s going to let you do that. Besides, she has the money to do it herself.”
“I don’t really give a fuck. I’m doing it regardless. That car is not meant for this weather, and since she’s going to live here another year, she needs something else.”
“Fuck,” Benny calls out in defeat as red animated blood splatters on the television screen, indicating that my brother just beat him.
“Another?” Marc asks.
“Nah, I can’t. I got a hot date with my girlfriend.” Benny stands, puffing out his chest. “See you guys later.” He tosses his controller on the couch and heads out the front door.
“Where’s Ali?” I take Benny’s now unoccupied seat. “It’s not very often that I see you and Logan without her these days.”
Marc’s face instantly drops at the sound of Ali’s name.
“I’ve barely seen her all week.” He keeps his eyes averted from mine. “Pretty sure she’s avoiding me.”
‘What the actual fuck, Ali,’ is what I want to say, but I don’t.
“Any idea why?” I ask instead, testing the waters. Even though I know what she’s doing and why, I don’t want to be the one to break the news. Ali can grow a pair and break my brother’s heart herself.
“I think we both know.” Marc sighs in defeat. “Wish she would just tell me straight up instead of avoiding me. We were friends before all of this, after all. Granted, we were sleeping together, but still.”
I hate seeing my brother upset. He’s the best guy and deserves everything he wants, so watching another girl break his heart just makes me feel for him. And it pisses me off that Ali is going about it this way.
“Maybe we should’ve just stuck to the fucking part. I should’ve never asked her out. We could’ve kept it simple.”
“That’s not you, Marc.”
“Maybe it should be. Maybe I should stop being the nice guy. It hasn’t done shit for me. Look at you. You treated everyone like shit. No offense,” he says, but I brush it off because he’s not wrong. “And your future wife practically fell into your lap. Maybe I should try that approach.”
“Please don’t do that, man. You’re a good guy. The best guy and the right person will see that. As much as I hate to say it, maybe Ali just isn’t that person.”
“I want her to be that person, though.” He keeps his eyes locked on the floor straight ahead.
“I know, man. Hey, I gotta head to the rink soon. The coaching staff wants to see me on skates. They’re talking about letting me play in the first round. I got a cortisone shot, and the doctor cleared me to start practicing again.”
“Fuck. I suck.” Marc’s head falls back to the couch behind him. “Logan told me about your appointment. That’s awesome, EJ. I can’t believe I forgot to ask.”
