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I don’t say anything.

“I think you should bring her to Alberta. Mom says she’s been working, so she couldn’t come.” She sighs. “That’s the troublewith a weekday wedding, but this was the only time Ed could get off from his hectic surgery schedule.”

“I know Hollie. But I don’t think she’d want to come. She’ll meet my family as the mother of my children, but she isn’t looking for anything with me.”

“Well, I think you’re a catch.”

I nudge my shoulder against hers. “Thanks.”

“Seriously. You need to bring her to meet us.”

“I’m working on it, trust me. But I am running out of ideas.”

“Just straight up tell her you’re in love with her. Lay it all out there.”

I wince. “I think I already did.”

“Have you actually said the words, though?”

I shake my head. “No. Look, it’s complicated. She knows what I want, and I’m just trying to hang in there.”

“I still can’t believe you’re gonna be a dad! Will you find out what you’re having?”

“Yeah, I think so. But she’s only nine weeks. We haven’t decided yet, but I fucking hope so. I need to buy all the baby shit, and yeah, I’m going for blue or pink.”

She throws a palm to her chest in surprise. “Oh shit, I’m going to be an auntie! Twice!”

“You’ve only just worked that out?”

“Mom told me the news this morning, and I’ve only just processed it.” She turns to me. “I want to meet her, Jensen. If you love her, then I know I will, too.”

I raise a concerned brow. “Why does this idea worry me?”

“Well, it shouldn’t.” She taps her fingernails against her chin in thought. “I can take her baby shopping for clothes and things. Yes, I can come over one day to watch a game, stay at your place, and then take her shopping the next day.”

Scrubbing a hand across my face, I know arguing is pointless. “You’re not going to back down, are you?”

“Nope,” she sings.

“Let me talk to her.”

Hollie squeaks in delight.

“But!” I caution her. “Let me talk to her in my own time.”

She claps excitedly.Christ, was I this excitable at twenty-eight?

“Okay. And just so you know, only Ed and I know, and obviously Mom and Dad. When do you think you’ll tell the media?”

“They don’t need to know anytime soon.” I pause and side-eye my sister. “And when I let the pregnancy go public, I plan to do it as a couple.”

I should be driving backto my apartment, ready to start preseason tomorrow. At least, that was the plan. Instead, I’m pulling into Kate’s apartment parking lot and taking the stairs three at a time. It’s been too long since I saw her. She’s not expecting me tonight, but like that’s ever stopped me.

Pulling out my key to her apartment, I know I’m pushing boundaries I shouldn’t, especially since it’s eleven at night and she’s likely asleep.

But fuck, I can’t stop myself as I turn the lock and walk into the darkened living room.

Shrugging off my jacket, I dump it on the couch. Next to go are my sneakers, which I leave in the hallway.