He shrugged.“I think they are mad at both of us for putting ourselves over the kids and over each other.”
God knew he’d heard it a lot.
“Huh.”JP reached out and took his hand again, squeezed it.“It’s nice they’re coming to help, right?”
“It is.We haven’t seen them since Easter, right before you came home.”
“Did they visit a lot?While I was gone?”
“At least once a quarter, yeah.More when the babies were tiny, then less and less.”He sighed softly and shook his head.“At first Mom was here a ton.”
JP bowed his head.“I’m sorry.”
“For what?Loving hockey more than anything else?That’s…your life.”His was the kids.It was what it was.
Even when it was his teaching career, his focus had been the kids.
“Not anymore.”JP gave him a warm smile.“Although I probably still love the game more than I should.”
“You have a daughter who’s following in your footsteps.She’ll need someone who understands.”Because God knew he didn’t.Not really.
JP grinned.“I do understand.I get her at a fundamental level.”
There was a knock at the door, and then it opened, Mike calling out softly.“It’s just me.”
“Did Mom call you?”
“Yeah.I figured I’d come to help.”Michael was a good brother, no question.“How is Tori?”
“Finally sleeping.They both are.”JP answered for him.“Are your folks going to be happy with just pizza?”
“Yeah.If they’re not, they shouldn’t just show up unannounced.”Mike winked at JP, rolled his eyes.“They just can’t bear the thought of Tori being hurt, and they’ve been threatening to visit for weeks anyway.”
“Threatening?”JP chuckled.“Interesting turn of phrase.”
“He only says that because Mom wants to see his place, and he’s a slob,” Ian teased.
“Busy.I’m busy,” Mike corrected, eyes lit up.
“Not so busy you can’t come help me with my physio every day.”
“Brother, I will never be that busy.”Michael reached over and clapped JP on the arm.
“Thanks, man.You’ve been invaluable, seriously.”
The doorbell rang, and JP winced.
“I hope they don’t wake the kids.”
“They need to wake up so they sleep tonight.”Ian stood and went to the door, opening it and letting in the whirlwind that was his parents — food and toys and wine and presents.It was nuts.
Tori started crying from the living room where she’d fallen asleep, and JP hobbled his way over to them while he took bags from his parents.
“Oh, is that my grandbaby?”
Michael eased Mom down, encouraging her to lower her voice.“She’s hurting a little.”
“Well then, she needs me.”
