17. Evie

Chapter 17

Evie

Holiday music filtered through the kitchen speakers as I helped prepare a meal for our closest friends.

The Speed were only afforded four days off this year, and the first game after Christmas was on the road, cutting it down to three. So, we decided to host a little get-together to celebrate since most of us wouldn't be seeing our families.

I didn't mind cooking for a large group. I'd grown up helping my mama in the kitchen as far back as I could remember, and our extended family could rival that of any other back in Rust Canyon. I guess that's what happened when you were related to the original settlers a century and a half back.

What I did mind was Maddox in my kitchen.

Thankfully, Dakota was working alongside us, providing a buffer between me and my husband's best friend, who wasn't exactly good at concealing his displeasure over my return to Indy.

I wanted nothing more than to finish up so I could spend time with Ollie and Bailey before Goose arrived, dressed as Santa, to surprise them and give them gifts. That man was the biggest goofball and leapt at the chance to play jolly old Saint Nick for the kids. It certainly didn't hurt that it grated on Maddox that Goose—whose real name I'd learned was Sasha—was always unflappable and peppy.

If we were going with Dakota's dog analogies to describe the men, Maddox was the German shepherd to Goose's golden retriever.

Dakota excused herself to use the restroom, and I itched to flee the room myself. The last thing I wanted was to be alone with Maddox.

"Um." I searched my brain for a reason to be anywhere else. "I think I'll go see if anyone needs their drinks refreshed."

I was halfway to the living room when Maddox called out, "Evie, can we talk for a minute?"

My back was to him, but I cringed. It was Christmas, a time of happiness and joy. I didn't want to have it ruined by a man who could barely stand to be in my presence.

"Maddox, I need to check on my guests."

His heavy sigh reached my ears. "Please? I'd like to clear the air between us."

Fuck my life.

Spinning around, I braced both hands on the kitchen island. "What do you want, Maddox?"

The large man standing opposite me tossed a dishtowel over his shoulder before folding both arms over his massive chest. "I haven't been fair to you lately. Frankly, I've been a total asshole."

I snorted over his astute self-assessment.

"I owe you an apology for how I've acted, Evie, but I need you to understand where I was coming from." Maddox ran a hand down his face. "You don't know what it was like for him when you left and then went radio silent on him. You were—no, are —his entire world. It broke him when you served him with those papers. For a while after you left, he thought you might come back, but that made it crystal clear you were done, that he wasn't enough for you. Without you, he was barely a shell of a man.

"So, yeah, I was a little angry when you showed up with your hidden agenda. I thought you were using my best friend, knowing he wouldn't turn you away."

I hung my head in shame because that's exactly what I'd done.

Maddox kept speaking, his words flaying my heart wide open. "You leaving Jenner shook me to the core. I was there when you said your first vows and watched him bawl like a baby when you walked down that aisle. You two made me believe in true love. And then you shattered his heart and, along with it, my faith that a couple so deeply in love could conquer any obstacle."

My chest tightened, making it hard to breathe. But as much as it hurt to hear what Jenner had been through in my absence, I needed Maddox to know our time apart hadn't been easy on me either.

Rubbing my fingers over the ache in my heart, I spoke. "Those years without Jenner were hands down the worst years of my life. I sunk into a depression so deep I could hardly get out of bed most days. I had this perfect man who adored me, but I couldn't give him a family."

Tears threatened behind my eyes, but I blinked them away. "You've seen him in there with Ollie and Bailey. That man was meant to be a father. And I thought I was stealing that from him. So, when he suggested we stop trying, I saw our future slipping through my fingers. I reacted in a way that was driven by deep internal pain. I've had enough time to reflect on my actions to realize that I was wrong. But by the time I figured it out, it was too late. So, I dug my heels in rather than change course, convinced that I'd made my bed and would be forced to lie in it. Never in a million years could I have pictured myself back here, getting a second chance with Jenner. So, I can assure you, Maddox, the only one at risk of getting their heart broken this go around is me because the only way I'm leaving again is if he kicks me out."

"Then I guess you're back for good because Jenner would've done anything to have you come home. I wouldn't put it past him to have been wishing on shooting stars and tossing coins into fountains, hoping for a miracle."

"I'm glad you were there for him, Maddox. He's lucky to have a friend like you who cares so much about him."

He shrugged. "He's not my biggest fan right now. But he was right to be upset, and he called me on my bullshit. Jenner's a better man than me. I'm not one to use my words when someone comes at the woman I love." Maddox's fists clenched along with his jaw, eyes taking on a faraway look like he was lost in a not-so-pleasant memory.

"You're his best friend. You two will figure it out."

"What about us?" he asked. "Can we be friends again?"

My lips tipped up in a smile. "That depends," I teased.

"On what?" One of Maddox's dark eyebrows rose.

"If you're willing to finish up in here so I can play with the kids."

He chuckled. "Yeah, I think I can manage that to help out a friend ."

"Friends, it is," I agreed.

Dakota breezed into the kitchen, eyes darting between the two of us standing on opposite sides of the island. "Y'all sorted?"

I shook my head in amusement. "Listen to you. You'd fit right in if I took you down to Rust Canyon tomorrow."

"Really?" Her blue eyes sparkled.

"Maybe you can convince that husband of yours to come down for a visit this summer. For research." I threw her a wink.

She bounced on the balls of her feet. "Oh! That would be amazing!"

I held my hand out to her. "Maddox said he's got the kitchen handled. Let's go kick our feet up while we wait for him to wait on us."

Dakota threw me an impressed look before shooting a sideways glance at Maddox. "Well, shit. That must have been one hell of a talk."

"Oh, you should have seen him. Got down on his knees and begged me to forgive him." I shot a smirk at Maddox, whose head tilted toward the ceiling as he shook his head.

"Run along before I change my mind," he grumbled, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone.

We giggled as we hustled out of the kitchen to join the rest of the crew gathered in the living room.

Jenner had moved the coffee table earlier so the kids would have room to play on the floor. I'd gone a little overboard with my holiday shopping, excited to buy toys for children I adored, and the second they arrived, I allowed them to open their mountain of gifts. Asher simply shook his head, mentioning that they had more toys than they knew what to do with, but Tessa understood my need to spoil them, and we shared a secret smile.

The adults were on the couch while Ollie pushed a giant firetruck across the floor. Bailey was asleep, tucked against Asher's chest. I couldn't help staring at the gentle way he stroked her tiny back; his cheek pressed against the top of her head as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Jenner's fingers brushed mine, and I peered down to where he was seated on the couch. His brown eyes shone with love as he smiled up at me. "Wanna come sit?"

I nodded, but instead of taking a seat beside him, I dropped to the floor at his feet. Ollie's head snapped up, and he ran over to me, launching his tiny body into my chest.

"Hey, little man." I squeezed him in a tight hug. "You like your new firetruck?"

"Hee whooo! Hee whooo!" Ollie screamed, mimicking the sound of the siren.

Laughter bubbled up from my chest. "I'll take that as a yes."

The little boy snuggled closer into my chest, patting the cleavage visible from the neckline of my top. "Soft VeeVee," he murmured, and I wondered if he was about to join his baby sister in dreamland before Santa arrived.

Jenner's amused voice said from behind us, "Watch it, buddy. Those are mine."

OIlie reared back to glare at my husband over my shoulder. "No! My VeeVee!"

Chuckles sounded around the room at the toddler's claiming statement.

Peeking behind me, I saw Asher nudge Jenner with his shoulder. "Better watch out, man. I think you've got some real competition there. The kid's a charmer, and it looks like he's gunning for your girl."

Jenner's smile brightened, his eyes never leaving mine as he replied to his teammate. "Can't say I blame him. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on."

Heat rose to my cheeks.

Yes, we were married. Yes, we'd been intimate for nearly a decade combined over our two marriages. But it would never get old, knowing he found me attractive. He'd never expected me to transform myself to meet society's standards of "beauty." Jenner had always loved me just as I was—even when I hadn't loved myself.

A knock at the front door pulled us from our private moment in the middle of a gathering of our closest friends.

Bouncing Ollie on my lap, I brightened my voice. "Who could that be?"

"I'll get it," Jenner announced, rising from the couch.

I shifted to sit on my knees with Ollie standing before me. I couldn't wait to see his reaction to Goose dressed as Santa. He was a smart little guy, but I prayed he wouldn't recognize the man behind the beard. It would ruin what I hoped to be a magical moment for my little friend.

Jenner glanced over his shoulder at me with his hand on the doorknob, and I nodded, letting him know we were ready.

The door was barely cracked open before it was flung wide, and there was a booming "Ho, ho, ho!" as Goose, dressed in a red velvet suit with white cuffs, came into view.

The terrified screech that assaulted my ears had me wincing. Ollie turned tail and ran to hide behind the Christmas tree.

Poor Goose's face fell. "He doesn't like me?"

Jenner shut the door and clapped him on the shoulder. "Maybe he just needs a minute to warm up to you."

Goose stepped closer to where we sat, but Ollie screamed, "No! No!"

Glancing at Tessa to see if she wanted to take the lead since he was her son, she gave me a subtle nod, letting me know it was okay for me to comfort the little boy.

Crouching down near his hiding spot, I offered him my hand. "It's okay. Santa came to bring you presents."

Glassy eyes met mine as one tear rolled down his chubby red cheek. "No, VeeVee. Peease no." His sad little voice broke my heart.

I opened my arms to him, and he burrowed his face against my chest, his tears soaking the fabric. Stroking his soft hair, I asked, "Is it okay for Santa to leave the presents?"

He nodded, and I locked eyes with Goose. "It was a good idea in theory but not so much in practice. Time to pull the plug."

The grown man who was always happy-go-lucky pouted. "Aw, man."

Jenner tugged him away. "Come on, big guy. I'll show you where you can change."

A few minutes later, the men returned with Goose dressed in street clothes.

Instantly, Ollie perked up. "Goose!" He ran from his spot on my lap and wrapped his arms around the goalie's calves.

Goose shook his head, but his near-permanent smile was back on his face. "Oh, now he likes me."

Asher chuckled. "Better luck next year."

Bending down, Goose gripped Ollie around the waist before flipping him upside down and blowing raspberries on his belly. The sound of the toddler's squeals filled the air. "Yeah, sure. As soon as he warms up to me, Bailey will be afraid. You're not gonna fool me twice on this one."

"We doing presents or what?" Maddox stepped into the room, holding a flat box covered in holiday-themed wrapping paper.

Our small pod had decided to focus on the kids since the adults had everything we could ever need, and they'd already opened everything—minus the ones held in Santa's sack.

"I know we said no gifts," he explained, coming closer to where I stood, "but I was hoping you might allow an exception."

He held the box out to me. Even though we'd hashed out our differences in the kitchen, I couldn't help being apprehensive.

Maddox shook it. "Come on. Consider it a peace offering."

Warily, I accepted the package. My eyes shifted to Jenner, who shrugged, making it clear he knew nothing about this.

Dropping onto the couch, I ran my hands along the seam where tape held the edges together, slipping my fingers beneath it and removing the paper. I uncovered what looked like a white clothing box.

My brows furrowed. What in the world could Maddox have bought me that fit inside a box so small?

Pulling the top off, I gasped. Nestled inside the white tissue paper was the tiniest Speed jersey I'd ever seen. My fingers traced over the racecar logo stitched on the front.

"What is it?" Tessa asked from across the room.

Swallowing, I lifted the garment. I'd known it was Jenner's jersey from the C stitched on the breast, but seeing the back was what had tears leaking from my eyes. Above the number seventy-five, the nameplate read: DADDY.

"Maddox," I whispered, locking eyes with the man. "I don't know what to say."

A smirk curved on his lips. "Thank you is always a good place to start."

Before I could utter the words, Dakota blurted, "Oh my God, are you pregnant?" She turned to her redheaded best friend, accusing, "And you knew and didn't tell me?"

Bristol held both hands up. "I didn't know anything about this."

I was at a loss for words, but Jenner always had my back. "No, we're adopting."

Tessa was at the park the day I got the call from the agency, so she had some idea of what we were going through, but I hadn't spoken a word about Paige choosing us to anyone.

My new friend gushed, "Oh, you guys. That's amazing! I'm so happy for you!"

Asher chimed in. "Yeah, congrats. That's great news."

Braxton, Dakota, and Goose all offered words of excitement and congratulations, but Bristol narrowed her eyes at her fiancé, huffing, "You sure kept this one close to the vest, didn't you?"

Leaning down, he brushed a kiss over her lips. "Sorry, love. Can't overrule best friend confidentiality."

"Hmm. I suppose I'll have to allow it." Turning to face me, a smile lit up her face. "Tell me all about it! I love babies." She slid a glance at her bestie. "Unlike Dakota here."

"Hey!" Dakota protested. "I like babies. I just don't have much experience with them, is all."

"Don't worry, we'll fix that." Braxton dusted her cheeks with a kiss.

"Look what you've done," Dakota teased me. "He's gonna be back on the baby train again."

That comment surprised me. Did she not want kids? It wasn't for me to judge, but for someone who wanted them so badly, it was difficult to understand why some couples chose to remain child-free. I guess to each their own.

"Yeah, yeah. It's no secret Braxton wants all the babies." Bristol waved a dismissive hand. "But I want to hear about Evie and Jenner's baby."

My trembling hands lowered the infant-sized jersey back into the gift box.

"Well, we haven't quite been blessed enough to create a family the traditional way," I began. There were sympathetic expressions from everyone in the room, including Goose, the only single person in attendance. "So, we decided to explore other options. And last month, a teenage girl going to college in Indy picked up our file and decided that we were the ones who should raise her baby girl as our own."

"Aw." Bristol clasped her hands together over her chest. "A girl? So precious."

Tessa wiped a tear from her eye. "Our girls are gonna grow up together."

A watery laugh fell from my lips. "I can't wait."

Goose clapped Jenner on the back. "Dude, you're gonna be a dad. That's wild."

"Been a long time coming." Jenner's eyes never left mine.

"I'd like to raise a toast," Maddox's deep voice called out. Everyone grabbed their drinks. "To Jenner and Evie as they embark on this new phase of life. I know the journey has been difficult, but I couldn't be happier for the two of you."

Everyone murmured their agreement, and we drank.

This was our chosen family. They were the ones who would share in all the important milestones that lay ahead. I couldn't have picked a better group of people to have supporting us as we embarked on this new adventure.