Page 9 of Secrets on Ice

“Thanks, babe.”

"I can't even imagine what they are going through. I’m devastated for them,” she says. Emmett reaches over and kisses the side of her head. She leans into him for a second before straightening again. "They've got nothing," she says. "They left with gym bags. I'll go out tomorrow and get them some basics."

"You're the best." He gives her a totally besotted look.

She bumps his shoulder. "I know.” Then her smile fades. "What about Pierre and Issy's wedding?"

Neither of us answers straight away.

"I don't like leaving them here for ten days," I say.

“Shit,” Emmett says.

Jo gives him a look. "I'm calling Issy and asking if they can come. There’s plenty of room on the plane.”

"Jo ..."

"No. I’m not leaving them here,” she says, already with her phone in her hand. "They deserve to get away from all of this."

I shake my head. “Do you think a wedding is the best place for them?”

Jo stills. “You don’t think it’s a good idea?”

“Babe, I appreciate it, but it's your brother's wedding."

"So?" She shrugs.

He grabs her hand. “I think you are a thoughtful person, and while I think being on a tropical island would be good for them, maybe not at a wedding.”

“But we can’t leave them behind,” she says.

“Maybe we could send them somewhere?” I add.

“Yeah,” Emmett agrees, “but let’s talk to them in the morning, see what they want to do.”

“Okay,” she says, leaning over and giving him a kiss. “I’m just going to head over to Collette’s for some last-minute wedding stuff. You okay?” she asks.

“Yeah, we’re good.”

She gives me a wave and walks out of the apartment to her sisters at the end of the hall.

“She’s a good woman, you got lucky,” I tell him, slightly jealous.

“I did do good.” He smirks, looking at me as he sips his beer. “What about you, any women on the horizon?” he questions.

I have a reputation, but only because I am searching for the one. You’re not going to find her in a puck bunny. True.

“I think I’m ready to settle down,” I confess, which surprises him.

“Yeah?”

I nod. “Not sure how many years I’ve got left in the game and I guess …” I shrug. “I thought maybe I would have had a kid by now.”

“Really?”

I frown. “Hey, dickhead, don’t be like that. I’m being vulnerable, you’re supposed to be my safe space,” I tease him.

“You’re right, sorry.” He smirks.