Page 20 of The Winning Hat Trick (The Steel City Knights #1)
Celeste
T oday has been one of the most magical days I can remember, and it's all thanks to Maclan.
The party is over, and the only people left are my family sitting around the farmhouse table while Layla sleeps on my lap, icing smeared across her face, and Talon and Calla sleeping in the hammock Mac hung for them.
They're chatting quietly amongst themselves while I reflect on how different the day went to what I was expecting.
I woke up well before the sun, my body filled with anxiety and stress for the day to come.
Layla's party wasn't going to be big, just close family and friends, yet the prep to get my house ready weighed heavily on me.
I tried centering myself, but before I was ready, my baby girl was calling for me from her room.
We snuggled as she had her morning bottle—something I realized we'd be quitting soon enough, which only added to my bad mood.
I tried shaking it off as I got her dressed and heard the other kiddos stirring in their room.
I didn't want Layla or the other two to feel my strain today when it's supposed to be joyous.
We were all gathered in the kitchen when the doorbell rang.
With Layla in my arms, I went to investigate who would be coming to visit us so early.
I wasn't ready to see a sweaty, shirtless Maclan standing in the doorway.
My mouth dropped open as Layla launched herself at Mac.
Thankfully, he has quick reflexes and caught her as she tumbled out of my arms.
Thinking back, I'm pretty sure he said hi to me as he entered the house, but my mind and nether regions were too busy fantasizing about all the sweaty muscles we had seen on display.
I eventually snapped out of it and followed them into the kitchen—Mac unfortunately had a shirt on, which made it easier to think—where I heard the kids' excited chatter as they discussed Layla's party with Mac.
Before I could join the conversation, I was startled by my big brother wrapping his arm around my shoulder.
He informed me that he and Daphne were there to take us all out for breakfast while Mac prepared for the party.
I tried to object, but both men were adamant they had everything under control.
Mac finally relented and clued me in that my mom would be there shortly to help him.
I fought back tears as I got ready to go out with my brother, Daph, and the kids. Nobody—other than my immediate family—has ever stepped up for me the way Mac did. I didn't know what to make of it, and it's weighed on my mind all day.
Ezra took us to breakfast at the diner. Then we went to the bookstore, where Brooks spoiled the kids with free books.
After, we took the kids to play at the park until Ez said it was time to go home.
He kept the kids and me so busy that I didn't even have time to worry about what was going on back at the house.
When we got home, my house smelled amazing.
I was unsurprised to find my mom fussing over food in the kitchen as she ordered Mac around.
Upon looking around the house, I realized it was spotless.
I wasn't sure if I had Mac or my mom to thank, but another weight lifted off my shoulders, knowing my friends wouldn't be seeing my messy house.
As soon as he saw us, Maclan rushed to show us what they had accomplished while we were gone. He talked excitedly as he guided me to the backyard, but all I could focus on was the fact that he'd showered and changed at some point.
When he gestured towards the backyard, my heart was close to bursting.
Maclan had gone above and beyond for my baby girl.
The decorations were top tier, from the gorgeous backdrop surrounded by the balloon arch to the beautiful farmhouse table with the lace runner and wildflower bouquets.
It looked like it could be the centerfold of a party event magazine.
Every detail was perfect and well thought out.
Overcome with emotion, I buried my face in Maclan's neck.
He wrapped his arms around me and Layla, and held us there, letting me be in the moment.
As I pulled back and looked into his eyes, the pull to kiss him was so strong.
If it hadn't been for my brother interrupting us, I might have crossed the line then and there.
"Check out that dreamy look on her face. I bet she's thinking of Maclan," Ezra teases, making my cheeks heat. "When are you going to put the poor guy out of his misery and give him a real chance?"
"Leave her be," Daphne chides. I adore her and am so grateful to have her as a friend, and to help rein in my big brother.
"Well, your brother's got a point. Mac's a good man and the complete opposite of Chad dick. You'd be a fool to let him slip through your fingertips."
"Mom." I groan, not wanting to discuss my feelings with her. Hell, I've barely come to terms with them myself, so that's the last thing I want to do.
"Don't 'mom' me. That man busted his butt this morning so that you could enjoy your day with your kids and not have to stress about the party.
He also planned a fair bit, which I know since he's been in constant communication because you sent the party to-do list. For everything you crossed off the list, he crossed off three.
If that isn't enough, he looks at you as if you're the sun and he's a moon unable to resist your pull. He's—"
"Okay, Mom. I get it," I cut her off before she really gets going.
"I know he's a good man, far better than Chad ever could dream of being.
I also know he cares about me and the kids, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't care about him as well.
I have all the feelings when it comes to Mac, but I'm not ready to discuss those with you yet, so can you please just stop? "
"I get it, honey, and I'm glad you see it. I just don't want you to miss out on something that could be amazing for you and the kids."
"Alright, dear. I think she gets it." My dad wraps an arm around my mom and pulls her into his side, kissing her head. I send him a grateful smile that he returns with a wink.
"So, is it about time to get the kids ready for the game?" Ezra looks at his watch.
"Probably, if we want to get there before the rush of the crowd."
"Divide and conquer?" Ez nods towards the two sleeping on the hammock.
"That would be great if you're up for it."
"You bet. I'll get little man, and Daph can help Calla. Is there anything specific you want them to wear?"
"Ha." A laugh bubbles out of me as I remember how over-the-top Mac went with the swag for the kids. "I'm pretty sure the kids have every piece of merchandise in the Knights kids' clothing line."
Ezra looks at me in surprise.
I giggle. "I'll lay it out for them. Just have them put their t-shirts on, and then we can layer once we get to the arena.
I take Layla inside and gently wake her with kisses all over her face.
She's such a wiggle butt that changing her should be an Olympic sport.
Once she's decked out in her gear, I clean up her face, then take her with me to my room while I get ready.
I smile as I hear the other kids' excitement coming from their rooms.
"Are we all ready to go?" I pass Layla off to Ezra while I grab the diaper bag and another to put our extra layers in.
"Kids are all dressed, and shoes are on. I'll put Layla's on while you do that."
"Perfect." I pass Layla off to Ezra. "Do you guys just want to ride with me since Mac gave me a pass to park in the player and family parking lot? We can all fit if Mom and Dad don't mind squeezing in."
"Sure, but the folks are skipping the game.
Mom already talked to Mac about it, and she told me to not let you fuss over it.
She and dad are going to get everything cleaned up while we're out of her hair, then watch the game from home.
" He walks out with Layla before I can protest, leaving me to finish packing the bags.
"Alright, party people. Let's hit the road."
The drive to the arena goes by quickly as we sing and dance the whole way there.
The naps did wonders for the kids' mood and are going to help with the late night we're about to have.
The closer we get to the arena, the crazier it gets.
Thankfully, I'm familiar with the parking lot since we parked here for Talon's skating lesson.
"Damn, sis. This is a hell of a lot better than dealing with the general admission entrance. I could get used to this treatment."
"Oh, shut it, Mr. Fancy Pants CEO. Like you haven't had the red carpet rolled out for you a time or two," I tease my brother, who flips me off.
Ezra might be a billionaire, but he's the most down-to-earth guy I know. He doesn't flaunt his money or waste it on extravagant things. Yes, we've gone to sporting events and sat in the lap of luxury, but most of those were for business opportunities or gifts given for a job well done.
We tease and joke each other as we wrangle the kids, and all of our extra stuff, across the parking lot and to the arena entrance. We meet the kindest security guard, who indulges the kids as they tell him all about "their" Mac and how excited they are to watch him play.
Once we enter the arena, I pause, unsure where we need to go. I'm looking for directions when a petite blonde with a messy bun, bright purple glasses, torn jeans, chucks, and a retro Knights jersey stops beside us.
"Hi, are you Celeste?" She smiles sweetly.
"I am." My brows scrunch.
"Hi, I'm Jessa. I work in the Knights PR department. Mac asked me to help get you situated." She offers her hand to shake, and it's only now that I notice the badge hanging around her neck designating her an employee of the Steel City Knights.
"It's nice to meet you." I shift Layla in my arms and my purse over my shoulder so I can shake her hand. "I've only been here once, and I didn't pay attention when Mac took us into the arena."