“You’re back for good?”
God, she’s so cute when she repeats everything I’ve just said in a question back to me.
“Yes. The press release hasn’t gone out yet, but I just met with Carlisle this morning. I’m officially a player for the Minnesota Wolverines.”
“Griffin! What were you thinking? You can’t just—just make life-changing decisions like this without consulting me. We have to think of Cades first, yes, but we also have dreams, ambitions and careers to consider. Colorado has always been your dream, Griff.”
Taking a step forward, I move into her space. “Coloradowasmy dream. Cadence and you—the two of you—are my whole world. I’ve already missed so much of her life. I refuse to miss any more time than I need to. You know the travel schedule for the team is already crazy enough. It was agony those few weeks before my injury, only seeing her over FaceTime calls and short visits.”
I lift her chin so she can look into my eyes. “Besides, I didn’t have much of a choice except for trying to have Jared help me press Minnesota for the trade. Your brother and Bennett did most of the convincing on my behalf.”
If it weren’t for the newly appointed captain of the Wolverines, Bennett Wilson, I’m not sure Minnesota would’ve been convinced to finalize the trade. Bennett and I grew up together and played on many of the same teams from Squirts through high school. He’s one of the top defensemen in the league, having been drafted and signed right out of high school.
Kenna sighs. “I refuse to let you give up your dreams for us, Griff. Colorado has been your dream team your entire life. I can’t ask you to give that up for us—for her, I mean.”
“I guess I haven’t made myself clear yet, Kenna. My new dream team is you, Cadence, and I. And our mascot, Ranger. That’s the only team I truly need, Sunshine. The hockey team I play for doesn’t matter. My dream career is to play in the NHL, which I still get to do with the Wolverines. My heart is rooted in Minnesota with my girls.”
She releases a breath, almost as if she’s been holding it. There’s a dreamy look in her eyes as she says, “Say it again.”
“Say what?”
“Your girls,” she says bashfully, trying to hide in my chest.
I chuckle at her shyness. “My girls,” I rasp as I tip her chin up and bring her in for a slow kiss.
The moment is broken up when Carse asks, “Awe, aren’t they sweet, Cadey Cat? Your mom and dad are finally figuring it out.”
“Mama! Dada! Yay!” Cadence claps in excitement from where she sits on Carson’s shoulders.
Kenna blushes from being caught, so naturally, I give her ass a light spank when she tries to wiggle from my arms. Her cheeks turn crimson. She pushes my chest away, shaking her head.
“Come here, baby. Let’s go get you ready for your big party,” Kenna says as she catches Cadence’s dismount from Carson’s hold.
When they’ve disappeared up the steps, Carson turns to me. “I’m happy to have you on the team, brother.” He smacks my back and brings me in for a quick hug. When he pulls away, he adds, “But if you ever hurt them again, I’ll make sure you never play another hockey game again. You won’t even be able to play beer league if you fuck it up this time.”
Carson’s about as harmful as a dragonfly. Their dad, on the other hand, wouldn’t hesitate to get away with my murder if I hurt them again.
I nod at Carson. “I will never do anything to intentionally hurt them again. You have my word, Carse.”
He shakes my hand, his grip tighter than usual, as if he’s trying to sell me on his tough guy act. “One more thing. I know you just figured it out with her, but don’t make me wait too long to officially become your brother, yeah?”
The smile that takes over my face actually hurts my cheeks. “Is that you giving me your blessing, Carse?”
He smiles, scrubbing a hand over his scruff. “Yeah, I guess it is. Good luck getting my dad’s blessing, though.” He cackles.
I’ll have to pull Theo and Liz aside later tonight. Probably best to wait until Theo has had a drink or two to soften him up a bit. Because I do plan on making Carson my brother, hopefully soon. If Kenna will have me, that is.
McKenna
We’re in the Wolverines press room the day after Cadence’s birthday party. The news of Griffin’s trade broke yesterday, and things quickly turned to chaos. I’m standing at the back of the room as the media bombards Griff with questions about the trade news.
“Griffin, there are rumors swirling that you weren’t even hurt in Colorado, that you decided to take a leave of absence due to a family matter. What do you have to say to those rumors?”
Griff’s eyebrows shoot to his forehead in shock. “Well, Russ, I guess I’d show them the surgical scar on my knee.”
The reporter continues, “So, are you saying there were no family matters that influenced your trade decision?”
Griff keeps his composure. “Look, you and I both know a guy on his rookie contract, no matter how good he is, doesn’t get a seat at the table in these kinds of decisions. I am incredibly thankful to the Summits organization for giving me my start in the NHL. My coaches and teammates were incredible, as was the entire management staff. But I’m also honored and looking forward to playing for my hometown team. My focus right now is rehabbing my knee and getting back up to full speed for the start of next season.”
