“I just figured it was some roommate thing or something with Kelani. I had no idea!”
“Hey, I thought I heard voices.” Uncle Leon enters the room, and I can’t keep the smile off my cheeks.
He’s wearing beat-up, faded jeans and an old, long-sleeved plaid shirt. His hair is shaggy and needs a trim, but his eyes are full of love.
He walks straight to me, putting his arm around my shoulders. “Seven times nine?”
My chin dips, and I exhale a laugh. “Sixty-three.”
“Baby genius.” He scrubs my shoulder with his hand, chuckling.
“I’m not a baby.” I hug him back.
Straightening, he squints down at me. “What’s this I hear about you taking up with a hockey player? I thought we taught you better than that.”
His hand drops off me, and he extends it in Maverick’s direction. “How you doing there, Mav?”
Mav clasps it in a firm shake, and their eyes meet. “Good to see you again.”
“I’m gonna tell you like I told her daddy.” Leon’s voice is grave. “Tara Dove’s a serious person. She’s got plans, and she doesn’t fall in love with just anybody.” He steps closer, tapping his finger against Mav’s chest. “I’ll kick your ass if you hurt her.”
Silence falls in the room.
I press my lips together, looking from the two of them to my mom. I’ve never heard my uncle speak to anyone this way. Leon’s always easygoing with a beer in his hand and a grin on his lips.
But he’s not grinning now, and I’m actually nervous for Mav.
Thankfully, my dad steps forward, slapping a hand on both their shoulders. “He’s not lying either. He tried to kick mine when my sorry butt showed up again.”
“Good thing Sawyer stopped him,” Mom calls from the stove. “I don’t like all this fighting talk. Dove, help me set the table.”
I start to move as my dad bends down to Maddie, whose brown eyes are wide. “Don’t pay any attention to these old men. They’re just messing around.”
She blinks up to my dad. “My daddy says fighting is only allowed on the ice.Neveroff it.”
“He’s right.” Dad laughs, holding out his large hand. “Want to see some dancing mice?”
Her face brightens, and she nods. “Yes!”
The two of them head for the living room, and Mom catches his arm before he disappears, pulling him down for a kiss. “I told you.Grandkids.”
Mav’s eyes meet mine, and we exchange aholy shitface. I don’t know what to do with all of these people. Thankfully, the back door opens, and a deep voice makes my chest squeeze.
“What’s happening in here?” Uncle Sawyer enters the room with Aunt Mindy right behind him. “Where’s my little Dove?”
With a yip, I run over to jump into his arms for a hug. Then I turn to Mindy. Her corkscrew curls are pulled back in a ponytail, and I hug them both.
The rest of the evening is spent eating fried catfish and corn on the cob, toasted garlic bread and peach ice cream. I’m full and happy and sleepy, and my head is spinning as we all say our goodnights.
Maddie is asleep on my dad’s shoulder, and Mom sits beside him, petting Kelani, who is curled up asleep on her lap.
“Your parents have a gift,” Gina laughs, rising from her chair. “Maddie is obsessed with Angelina Ballerina, and I’m pretty sure Kelani is going to want to stay here when it’s time to go.”
“That sounds about right.” I put my arm around Gina’s shoulder.
“I’ll take her up to Dove’s old room,” Dad says, standing carefully.
Gina gives me a hug, arching an eyebrow as she glances over my shoulder. “It’s been a long night. I guessyou two are ready to hit the hay? Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
