Wyatt let out a dry laugh. “Say that again and I’m shoving you down into the ice.”
I shrugged. “Not my fault I’ve been their favorite since I was seventeen.”
“You know,” Trevor turned to Bryton and Wyatt, “we never beat his ass because he was just a kid, but now…”
“Now he’s an adult,” Bryton finished.
“I’d like to see you try.” I knew I was goading them, but I couldn’t help it. Probably not smart considering they were three of the best hockey players in the country, but I never said I was intelligent.
They shared a look as if coming to a secret agreement. I angled my body to the side, pushing back on my heel in case I needed to take off. A sudden thud behind us made all four of us whirl around.
Wrenley sat on the ice, legs spread out in front of her. Ittook all of a millisecond for Wyatt to take off for his daughter, pulling her up in one smooth motion. I waited for cries but none came.
Wyatt stopped in the middle of the rink as Josie came over, both checking to make sure she was okay. Everyone else stood still, as if afraid to move. I glanced over at Emmie, who hovered nearby, expression tight.
“Again!” Wrenley said through her helmet. Josie and Wyatt shared a look.
“Baby, maybe we should take a break,” Josie started to say, but Wren shook her head.
“Again!” She wiggled in her dad’s arms, wanting to be put down.
“She is so much like Josie,” Trevor muttered beside me. “Can’t tell her no.”
“Nope.” I grinned. She fell but that wasn’t about to stop her. Even at four, she was a determined little thing.
Wyatt gently put her down but held onto her arms as she wobbled.
“Okay, knees bent,” he coached, guiding her forward a step. Josie moved back to give the two space, the softest look on her face as she watched her husband and daughter.
Wrenley immediately tried to take off on her own. Her skates slipped out from under her again. Before she could hit the ice, Wyatt caught her under the arms.
I skated away from Trevor and Bryton and toward her. “Easy there, speed demon.”
I expected her to reach out toward me like she always did, but this time, she didn’t. She looked past me, one arm extended. “Emmie!”
With a glance over my shoulder, I found Emmie standing there looking surprised that Wren called out for her. A look of uncertainty flashed across her face as she came forward. Wyatt still held Wrenley as she reached for my girlfriend.
Emmie looked at Wyatt in question. I could tell she was trying not to overstep. He gave Emmie a nod as Wren’s hands latched onto hers.
“Remember, tiny steps,” Emmie said softly. I could tell the others were watching, but I only had eyes for my girlfriend.
It was adorable seeing Wren’s little tongue poke out as she concentrated on moving her feet. It wasn’t pretty, but each little inch she moved, she stayed upright.
“There you go,” Emmie encouraged.
“Daddy! Did you see me?” Wrenley whipped her head around to look at her dad.
“Always,” Wyatt said.
“That’s my Wrennie girl,” I boosted.
“Your girl?” Wyatt repeated. “Pretty sure she’s not yours.”
I shrugged. “Could be.”
“Keep talking and see how fast your brother takes you out,” Trevor joked.
Josie came up beside us, hands clenched to her chest. “Look at her go.” Her voice was soft and wobbly.
