“My godchild.I know it.”Angus handed them over.Then he produced a wooden puzzle where the alphabet was hockey terms and offered it to Peter.“I brought this too.”
Peter’s eyes went wide, and he took the puzzle, looking almost as excited as Tori had been about the sticks and pucks.“Thank you, Mr.Hockey-man.”
“It’s like you already know them.”JP was impressed – they were the perfect gifts for his kids.
“I know you, eh?That’s good.”They fist-bumped, and Angus heaved a deep sigh.“Man, it is good to be home.”
He knew that feeling.It was more than just being back with his family.This was where he belonged.
The front door opened and closed, Mike’s voice calling out, “It’s only me.”
“Hey, man, come in and meet Angus.”
Mike walked in, and Angus stood, the big goalie’s green eyes fastening on Ian’s brother, eyes going wide.“Wow.”
Oh man, Angus was not the least bit subtle.Like at all.
And JP was not the least annoyed to have Angus’s appreciation move from Ian to his brother.
Mike arched an eyebrow.“Pleased to meet you.Ian said you didn’t mind having a fourth to play with.”
Angus was sparkling, just pouring off energy.“I could play?—”
“Cards.”Ian said firmly, bringing out Cokes for everyone.“We’re playing cards.”
“For now, anyway,” JP added, sotto-voiced.
Ian gave him a look that said, “Be nice”.
He opened his eyes wide, going for innocent, then he ruined it by laughing when he realized that was the same expression Angus had used just moments ago.
Angus elbowed him in the side.“You haven’t actually introduced me yet, JP.I don’t even know this lovely man’s name.”
JP rolled his eyes.“Angus, this is Mike – Ian’s brother.Mike, this is Angus – retiree.”
Angus poked him in the side with that elbow again.“I’m a former goaltender.JP’s best friend.”
Mike’s eyebrow lifted.“He and I have been friends for over a decade, and you didn’t know my name?”
JP blushed hard.“Uh…”
Mike shook his head.“Do you hear that, Ian?I never came up.”
“Stop teasing them.They’ve been busy winning games.”
Tori nodded.“They are hockey puckers, Unca Mike.I gotted a stick!”
“You got a stick?Make sure you don’t whack your brother with it!”Mike’s lips were twitching like crazy, but he managed not to laugh.
She pursed her lips and glanced at JP, as if she was asking what to do.
“Let’s just practice hitting the puck, not your brother.”
She shrugged.“Okay.I’m a hockey pucker, and I’m gonnaSCORE!”
“I hope I will, too,” Angus muttered under his breath.
“Dude,” he grumbled.“Otnay in rontfay the idskay.”
