Page 19 of The Winning Hat Trick (The Steel City Knights #1)
Hearing him cry out in pain at practice had my heart dropping, especially when I couldn't race to him like I wanted; I had Layla and Calla to look after.
When he didn't calm down, I knew something was wrong.
Instead of calling Celeste and pulling her from her meeting, I decided to take advantage of being at the team's facility and checking if our team doctor was in.
Relief flooded my veins when I saw his office light on, but it was short lived.
When he told me he suspected Talon might have a small break, panic flooded my system.
The doctor took an X-ray and confirmed his suspicions but was unable to treat Talon.
He stabilized Talon's wrist to make him more comfortable for our journey to the hospital.
I've never been more scared in my life than I was on that drive.
Talon stirs as I lie him in his bed. He lets out a little whimper when he sees his mom but calms down quickly once she loves on him a bit. I give his forehead a kiss then follow Celeste back out to the front door.
"Thanks for taking such good care of him tonight, Mac. I know this wasn't what you signed up for, and I'm sorry for freaking out at first."
"No, I'm sorry for not calling. I won't make that mistake again if you give me another shot."
"Hmm, I'll think about it." She smirks, letting me know she's teasing.
I pull her into my arms and inhale her intoxicating perfume.
She smells so fucking good that it takes reciting stats and thinking of the worst hockey injuries to not let my dick get the best of me.
With one last inhale, I give her a squeeze then kiss her head.
"Get some sleep, gorgeous. I'll talk to you tomorrow. "
Walking away from her gets harder every time. All I can do is keep showing up until the day I won't have to walk away.
"Okay, so the party theme is Layla's berry first birthday.
I have several images saved; I can email you different ideas for the balloon arch and backdrop.
I think that would probably be easiest, to keep with the theme and aesthetic her mom is going for.
" I hold up a hand to Thor, who is looking at me—arms crossed and one brow raised—while I listen to the woman on the other line talk about seeing if she has enough supplies on hand since this is last minute.
"If you need to rush the order, just bill me.
I'll pay whatever fees you need to expedite materials so that we can have the backdrop for Saturday.
In the meantime, I'll email you the inspiration pictures so you can give me a formal quote.
" I wait for her response, thank her, then hang up.
"I only heard the tail end of that conversation, but it sounds like you might need to add event coordinator to your resume." Thoren smirks.
"Fuck off. Celeste was so wrapped up with meeting your sister that she forgot to plan Layla's birthday party this Saturday, which you're invited to, by the way.
I told her I'd help her get everything figured out so she could keep working.
We might not have a ton of downtime during away games, but I figured I could check some things off the to-do list while I wait for lunch. "
"That's good of you to step up and help her.
She's got her hands full with all the kids and trying to launch her career, although I don't think she really needs to worry about that too much.
Her meeting with my sister was more of a meet-and-greet, but even as such, your girl knows her shit.
She has this quiet confidence that's going to take her far in that industry. "
"Damn straight she's going to kill it. I have no doubts about it.
That's why I'm trying to step up and help her where I can.
She deserves a second act, where her hard work is recognized and applauded, and I plan on doing just that.
Plus, how could I not help plan a party for one of my favorite girls? You're gonna come, right?"
"You said this Saturday?"
"Yeah. We'll have to leave a little early to get to the arena for the game, but her whole crew is going to come and watch after."
"Yeah, I should be able to swing that. You think she'd mind if Talia comes? She's having a hard time meeting people here. I know she really admires Celeste. I think she could be good for Tal."
"I'll double-check with Cel, but I don't see her saying no."
Thor and I settle into our lunch as I complete a few more tasks off the list Celeste shared with me for Layla's party. I'm sure she's going to give me shit for going overboard, but I'm really excited for Layla's birthday and that Cel is letting me be a part of it.
The rest of the week flies by in a blur as I play games, practice, and prepare for Layla's party. I talk to Celeste every day and even get to FaceTime with the kids a few times. I miss them like crazy while I'm gone, but getting to see and talk to them helps.
On Saturday, I opt out of an early morning skate for a run to Celeste's house.
Ezra arrives right on time to whisk Celeste and the kids away, letting his mom and me get everything set up for the party.
I didn't tell Celeste this was part of my plan, but I wanted to make sure she got to enjoy Layla's birthday and wasn't stressed about the party the whole day.
Luckily for me, Ezra and his mom approved of the plan and helped keep Cel and the kids occupied.
Once everything is ready, I leave the last-minute details in her mom's hands while I run home, take the fastest shower of my life, grab Layla's present, then race back to their house.
I return just before Celeste and the kids.
I can't wait to lead them all to the backyard, where we are holding the party, to see the transformation.
"Hey, gorgeous. Are you having a good day?" I pull her into my arms for a hug.
"The best." Her voice is barely a whisper as she squeezes me back. "Thank you for giving me this. I've never had the chance to experience any of the kid's birthdays this way."
Leaning down, I kiss her forehead. "It's my pleasure. Now, where's the birthday girl?"
"Ezra was getting her out of the car. They should be here in a minute."
As if summoned, Ezra walks into the kitchen with a bubbly Layla in his arms.
Layla squeals as soon as she sees me. Striding across the room, I scoop her out of Ezra's arms and smother her in kisses.
"Hello, my Layla Bug. Happy birthday, baby girl."
"Ma, Ma, Ma!" She claps her hands on my cheeks.
"Are you ready to see your party?" I tickle her belly, making her baby laugh ring through the kitchen. "Come on, Celeste. Let me show you what we got done while you were gone." I grab Celeste's hand and pull her to the back door.
Celeste stops in her tracks as soon as we make it through the door. She gasps and covers her mouth while silent tears roll down her cheeks. "Mac, I—" She tries to talk, but she's overcome with emotions.
I tug her hand that's still in my own until I can wrap my free arm around her, tucking her against my chest next to Layla.
She buries her face in my neck as I rub circles on her back.
Layla joins in on the love fest, throwing her pudgy arms around Celeste's neck as she gives her a sloppy kiss on her cheek.
Cel smiles at Layla, kisses her nose, then turns the crystal-blue eyes to me.
"I can't thank you enough for what you've done here today, Mac.
You've gone above and beyond for me and Layla.
Hell, for all of my kids since you met us.
I don't know how we got so lucky to have you in our lives, but I'm so grateful that you're here. "
"Fucking hell, gorgeous." I fight my own tears. "You don't need to thank me. There's nowhere else I'd rather be." I kiss her forehead, wishing more than anything that it were her lips against my own instead.