Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101758 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 407(@250wpm)___ 339(@300wpm)
“Good,” he says. “I’ll make sure your house is ready for you.”
“You don’t have to—”
“It’ll be ready,” he says again, and I smile for the first time in what feels like months. “Text me the flight details when you have them.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
I feel lighter already as I start the SUV that I keep here in Denver and head back to the penthouse. I have to call the service I use that keeps an eye on my place when I’m out of town for extended times and book my flight. I don’t have to pack a suitcase because I keep my Montana house fully stocked with a wardrobe and essentials, so all I have to do is pack a backpack with my electronics and get on the plane.
It’s fucking convenient.
Three hours later, I’m in Cooper’s car, headed for the airport.
“So, you don’t know when you’ll be back.”
“When I can take the ice with the team, I’ll be back,” I reply and hold in a wince when my knee aches from moving it too fast. “I can’t be holed up here anymore.”
“You usually go home for the summer anyway,” Cooper replies. “Makes sense. I assume you’ll have a medical team there?”
“You and I both know that the team will be micromanaging the shit out of my recovery,” I say. “They’ll have a doctor and therapist booked for me before I even touch down tonight.”
“You’re probably right. And that’s good. Will you come back for the fundraiser?”
“Of course. I’ve never missed one.”
He nods and follows the exit for the airport. “Maybe I’ll come see you up there.”
“Anytime. You know that.”
He drops me off at the door and offers me a fist bump as I maneuver my way out of his car and then make my way to security.
I can’t walk quite as fast as I’m used to, but I eventually get to the gate, just as they’re boarding first class.
“Hey, aren’t you Xander Hendrix?”
I turn at the young voice and grin at the boy standing in line, who happens to be wearing my jersey.
“I am.”
“Cool! My dad and I watch every game. You’re my favorite player. Can we take a picture?”
Not wanting to hold up the line, I step aside and take a photo with the boy and his dad, someone produces a Sharpie so I can sign his jersey, and then I’m on my way down the ramp to the plane.
I’m ready to go home.
“Congratulations!”
Darby grins at all of us, looking shy with that new diamond sparkling on her finger. Tucker proposed to her out at the firepit, which he insisted was as romantic as it gets for them, and then brought her inside so we could all celebrate with the newly engaged couple.
There’s a shit ton of people packed into my childhood home, where Tuck and Darby now live.
In addition to our family, Darby’s entire family is here too. Tucker’s best friend, Zack, is home from LA to help celebrate as well.
It’s a full fucking house, but it’s perfect.
“How’s the knee?” Easton asks me. He’s the third brother, just two years older than me, and he passes me a Coke because he knows I don’t drink the hard stuff.
“It fucking sucks, thanks for asking.”
Easton smirks just as Harper, our sister, approaches with the baby.
“Someone needs to hold Belle. My arms are tired.”
“I got this.” I hold my hands out and accept the infant, who looks up at me with wide blue eyes and smiles, showing off exactly zero teeth. “Hi, beautiful. I’m your favorite uncle, X. I’m going to buy you your first car.”
“Not today,” Harper says with a wink and wanders off, leaving us with the baby.
“She’s so damn cute.”
“Adorable,” Easton agrees and sips his Coke. He doesn’t drink, either, but for completely different reasons. “Tuck says you’re staying for a while.”
“As long as possible,” I agree, and make funny faces at Belle, who seems entranced by me.
All the women are, sweetheart.
“Let’s sit,” Easton suggests, pointing to the living room chairs behind me, and I won’t admit that I need to take a load off my knee, but it feels good to put my leg up on the ottoman. It’s the end of the day, so it’s a little sore and I’ll be icing it when I get home.
I set Belle’s butt on my thighs and support her back so she can keep looking at me as she tries to chew her fist. She smiles, and it’s a punch to my heart.
“You look good with a baby,” Tucker says as he and Zack join us.
“All of you need to have more of them,” I reply. “Because I won’t be having any of my own.”
“Famous last words,” Tucker says.
“I’m not having any either,” Easton adds, and Tucker just smirks, but Zack nods in agreement.
“Same page, buddy,” Zack says.
“Dude, what’s wrong with you guys?” Tucker asks. “Just find the right girl.”