Page 22 of The Winning Hat Trick (The Steel City Knights #1)

Maclan

" A nd the hammer for the 'Player of the Game' goes to Mac." Coach tosses me the foam hammer as my teammates cheer, slap my back, and jeer good-naturedly at me.

I can't fight the smile that's been plastered on my face since the moment I saw Celeste and the kids sitting in the front row of the arena.

I was beyond excited when she agreed to sit by the ice instead of up in the box seat with my brothers.

Not only because I loved seeing her and the kids so close, but I was glad there was a buffer between her and Carson.

As much as I love the shithead, the last thing I need is him winding up my girl.

I was disappointed when I saw Jessa escorting them out of their seats early in the third period, but I was happy once I saw them settled up in the box. I wasn't positive why they decided to move, but I had a feeling it had to do with our kiss.

I've been dying to get my lips on hers for weeks. Never in my wildest dreams did I think our first kiss would be at one of my games with over 15,000 fans in the stands. Thank God for Layla reminding us where we were before we lost ourselves completely.

I didn't think about what repercussions kissing Cel—and so publicly, at that—could have until I saw her leaving her seat. I just hope it didn't scare her off.

I rush through my post-game interviews, politely declining any information about Cel and the kids when questions get brought up.

Some of the reporters have done their homework and already know her name, recognizing my girl from her impressive modeling career.

Thankfully, Coach and Jessa keep steering the questions away from my love life and back to the kickass game we played.

As soon as Coach nods to release me from my interview duties, I race back to the locker room to shower and get dressed.

It never bothered me how much work we had to do post-game, but now I have several important people waiting for me.

My hair is still wet and wild as I barge out the door to the room where family and friends can wait for the players.

My eyes instantly find my rowdy crew off in the corner.

They're hard to miss with Cars and Cam in the mix, especially since Carson has taken it upon himself to entertain the kids.

He's loud as he pretends to be a monster, trying to get Calla and Talon, while Cameron stoically yet silently defends his lieges.

I let them continue their game since they seem to be having fun.

My eyes find Celeste, Layla sleeping in her arms. She's standing off to the side, talking to Daphne and Wren. My legs guide me in her direction, bypassing my brothers and making a beeline straight for my girls.

Her back is towards me, and she startles as I wrap my arms around her and pull her back to my front. She gasps as I lean in and kiss her cheek, then the top of Layla's head.

"Oh my God, Mac. You scared the shit out of me." She lets out a breathy laugh.

"Sorry, gorgeous." I squeeze her closer to me, eyes staring into hers as they say everything I can't, until someone clears their throat and snaps our connection.

Turning back to her friends, I see Wren smirking underneath my brother's arm. He shrugs at me as if to say "what can you do", knowing there's not a soul that can tame Wren.

"Aren't you two looking mighty cozy?" Wren's grin is wicked.

"Little minx …" Brooks's warning is met with an eye roll.

"What? They do!" She huffs indignantly.

Celeste blushes and shifts in my arms as she readjusts Layla.

"Here, let me take her."

I let Celeste slide from my arms. Stepping in front of her, I ignore her protests and scoop Layla into my arms.

It's way past the kids' bedtime, but I'm so glad Celeste brought them and stayed for the entire game. Snuggling Layla to my chest, I sigh, feeling more at peace than I have in a long time when she nuzzles in under my chin and starts to snore.

"Fucking hell. There go my ovaries," Wren quips.

"Watch it, brother. The way she's looking at Mac with that baby, you might be having your own semen demon before you know it." Carson, joining our conversation, smacks Brooks on the back.

"Mom, what's a semen demon?" Talon looks up at Celeste, who narrows her eyes at Carson while the rest of the adults try to smother their sniggers.

"You want to field that one, Carson, since you felt the need to teach my son a new phrase?"

"Fuck," Cars mutters under his breath as panic fills his face.

I should let him squirm some more, but I know Carson didn't mean anything by it. He's just a big oaf who's not used to having to censor himself.

"Hey, bub. You know how there are swear words you aren't supposed to say?"

Talon turns to me, brows furrowed. "Yeah."

"While semen demon is not technically a swear word, it's also not a phrase for kids. When you get older, I promise I will explain what it means, but for now, can you please not repeat it?"

"Sure, Mac." He shrugs.

Relief at how smoothly that went fills me. It doesn't hurt that Celeste has her hand wrapped around my waist and her head resting on my shoulder.

"Thanks for that," she whispers in my ear.

"No problem." I kiss her forehead.

"Mama, uppy." Calla whines at Celeste's feet.

Calla looks whooped, and Talon looks like he's barely hanging on by a thread. I think it's time to get this crew home, even though I'm far from ready to end my day with them.

"I think it's about time to get these kiddos home. Thank you all for coming. I know it's hard with your shop"—I turn to Wren and Daphne—"and your schedule"—I look at my brothers—"but it really means a lot having you all here."

"You know we wouldn't miss it, just like you'll be at every one of our games if you can." Carson steps forward and wraps me in a hug.

Cam gives me a nod in agreement.

"Are you kidding me? This was fucking awesome! Not only are hockey players hot as hell, but it's brutal." Wren grins.

"In other words, right up her alley." Brooks rolls his eyes.

"Well, I really do appreciate it, and any time any of you want to come to a game, just let me know. I'll make it happen."

We all take turns hugging and saying goodbye, which takes longer than you'd think since are group is large, then I lead everyone out of the arena and to the private parking. Most of the cars have cleared out, but there are still a few of my teammates and their friends and family saying goodbye.

"Umm, I'm parked over there. I drove us here so we'd all fit." Celeste worries her lip as I follow her to her SUV.

"Hey, sis. We're going to catch a ride with Brooks and Wren. We're starving."

"How could you be starving when you didn't stop eating tonight?" Celeste looks at her brother incredulously.

"I'm a growing boy." He pats his stomach.

"Whatever you say. Be careful and have fun." She steps into his open arms, then gets Calla into her car seat. "Are you going to go meet them?" she asks me over her shoulder, not making eye contact.

"Nah, I'm beat. I was actually hoping you'd ask me back to the house. I could help you get the kids to bed, then we could spend some time together." I run my hand over Celeste's back, startling her.

She jerks her head up and hits it on the top of the car. "Ouch."

"Shit. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I think my pride’s more wounded than anything." She rubs her head as I grasp her chin to hold her still and examine it. "Really, Mac. I'm fine. Are you going to put Layla in her seat or do you want me to?" She gestures to the baby still snoozing in my arms.

"I've got her. Talon, did you get buckled?" I peek in the backseat when there's no answer and laugh when I find him buckled in his booster seat, already passed out.

I get Layla latched in, then close the door.

Celeste is leaning on the driver's side, waiting for me. She's worrying her bottom lip, ankles crossed and arms hugging her middle.

"What's wrong, gorgeous?" I tug her lip from her teeth, then cup her jaw.

"I'm nervous, Mac." Her eyes are wide as a war rages in their depths.

"Because of me?"

"Yes. No. I don't know." She huffs as she leans forward, her head falling on my chest and her hands going to my waist.

I tuck her into my body, one arm holding her firmly around her waist while the other slides under her hair and grasps the nape of her neck. "I get it. You make me nervous as fuck."

"I do?" she whispers.

"Hell yeah, you do. You have the ability to wreck me, Celeste.

From the moment I met you and the kids, you've been under my skin.

I never expected you, but y'all knocked me on my ass in the best possible way.

Every little inch you give me, every wall you let down, every time you let me step in and help is a win for me.

For a while now, I've been ready to settle down, to start a family, and being with you and the kids just confirms that feeling.

"But I only want that with you, and only if we're on the same page.

I know you've been dealt a shit hand before I came along.

You have every reason not to trust that I'm genuine and that what I feel is real.

I'm good with showing you every day that I'm in this for the right reasons and that you and the kids will always be a priority for me. "

"Oh, Mac." Her voice cracks as her body shakes in my arms.

I pull her closer to me, letting her know I have no intention of letting her go. When her body stills, I release my hold but keep her close.