We break apart, and I stop to give a few interviews.
“Congrats, Liam. Great start to the season. How do you feel after that win?” The reporter holds the microphone up to my face.
“It feels good. I couldn’t wait to get the season going, and it’s always good to win the first game.”
“What do you think the difference is between last season and this one?”
I glance up, looking for my family.
“My priorities.” I don’t elaborate.
“Thanks for your time, Liam. Congrats.”
I nod. “Thanks.”
After a few more interviews, I head back to the locker room and clean up fast. I want to get to my girls and get home so I can finally be there for my daughter’s birthday.
We’re at Alie’s place in Manhattan. It’s a small party, including her parents and sister. Archie holds Emma’s hand while she has their newborn son, Tucker, strapped to her chest.
There are pink balloons everywhere and streamers that say 2. And lots of sugar.
Archie’s kids, Lainey and Duke, are running around with Sera like they’re on sugar fumes, and the cake hasn’t even been cut yet.
Aston shows up late, of course, holding a stuffed unicorn that’s almost as big as Sera.
“For the MVP,” he says.
She beams. “Fank you!”
“God, Pitz. She looks just like you,” Emma says warmly.
“She really does,” Alie agrees. “It’s not fair that we do the cooking, then they look like their dads.”
I wrap my arm around her. “Maybe the next one will look just like you.”
“Next one?” She looks at me with her brows raised.
We haven’t talked about more kids, but I want as many as she’ll give me.
Instead of answering, I lean down and kiss her.
“This is … insane. Much more hectic than her first birthday party,” she murmurs.
“Good insane though?”
“Yeah, she’s having a blast with them.”
We eat some food, visit, and the Grants get to know my friends. Having Archie and Emma here to meet my girls and celebrate my daughter means the world to me. I’ve really missed them.
When it’s time for cake, everyone sings, and she squeezes her eyes dramatically before making her wish and blowing out the candles.
“What’d you wish for?” Aston asks her.
“Secret.” She grins.
Smart kid.
The party winds down, and Alie’s parents and sister are the first to leave. Everyone else leaves soon after because Archie and his family have an early flight back to Dallas tomorrow.
