A huge smilesplits my cheeks when I see his words on my phone. My insides have been all zippy and swoony ever since our brunch-turned-fight-turned-make-up slash make-out session in the park.
Yep. That’s what it was! In front of God and everybody.
Even though we weren’t exactly hiding our feelings before, we’rereallynot hiding them now. We haven’t said anything to Maddie just yet, but I know it’s coming. We’re just letting it all unfold naturally.
When the three of them join us for dinner now, I love that Owen will put his hand on my waist and lean down to kiss the side of my cheek. Or he’ll put his arm around my shoulders when we’re sitting on the couch watching a movie. Or he’ll reach up and hold my hand if he’s sitting and I’m standing beside him.
It all has me walking around with a goofy grin on my face and a glowy light in my eyes.
Gina
Do you mean the bag with the purple, white, and black jersey inside with a 13 and the name Stone on the back?
I grin, biting my bottom lip as I watch the gray dots bouncing on the screen.
Owen
That’s the one.
Gina
I’m modeling it in the mirror right now.
Holding up my phone, I take a selfie of me wearing Owen’s jersey along with my black leggings and white turtleneck and send it to him.
Owen
Hot. Can’t wait to see you in it tonight… and out of it later.
Gina
I can make that happen. (sly emoji) Although, it’s too bad Mav won’t have anyone in his jersey.
Owen
Mav’s got plenty of jerseys out there. Tell Shortcake I’ve got a puck with her name on it.
Gina
She’ll be so excited—see you soon!
The guys are on the ice warming up when we arrive a few hours later. Lucy and Maddie are in theirDaddyjerseys with Gavin and Owen’s numbers on the front, and Heather and Haddy are inStoneandKnight. I’m in my newStonejersey, feeling proud and a little shy.
“Maybe we should get Heather aMurphyjersey to wear?” Haddy’s lips twist as she surveys our outfits.
Just then a group of four females runs down to the plexiglass divider, jumping up and down and waving… and all wearingMurphyjerseys.
“I think Mav’s going to be okay,” Heather says with a laugh, nodding in their direction.
“Miss Gina is wearing Daddy’s jersey tonight!” Maddie stands on the seat in front of us, putting her hand on my shoulder. “Does that mean you like Daddy best of all now?”
My throat tightens, and I cautiously smile. “Is that okay?”
Her little eyes slide left to right, then just as fast, she nods really hard. “I think that’s super okay!”
She does a little jump, but I catch her around the waist. “Easy there, want to walk down and get your puck from your dad?”
“Okay!” she shouts.
