I let out a sigh as silently as I could to keep her from asking me questions. “I mean, Hawaii was fantastic and all, but I’m really not into hockey.”
“Oh, honey, but it’s your brother’s box seat.”
“He isn’t my brother,” I said just as fast as I could think.
She let out a disapproving grunt. “I know you hate that they aren’t as down to earth as you, but you can’t keep pushing them away because they have money. There’s nothing wrong with rising to the top.”
“Mom, I’m sorry. It isn’t that, really.” It was that I loved Daniel, and the twins. And not in the way a sister should.
“Well, he hosts this home game every year. It’s a family tradition.” She paused, and I knew she must have been fighting the urge to say something about being sisterly. “Danforth tells me Daniel takes a lot of pride in hosting.”
I could imagine.
“Alright, I guess so. But maybe not the whole game. I haven’t been feeling, er… I’m just not myself lately.” Don’t mention the baby! Or morning sickness, or anything else that might catch her attention.
“Are you coming down with something?” Cue the concerned motherly tone.
“Oh, you remember Mary from when you stopped in a while back.”
“Uh huh.”
“She’s got a head cold. I might have caught it.”
My mom let out a soft giggle. “Oh, you had me worried there.”
“Nope, all good. Trust me.”
“Alright, perfect! I’ll see you around seven-thirty.”
I slumped into the couch and tossed back my head. “The game is at seven, right? Daniel texted me a week ago about it.”
“Yes, but Danforth has a meeting at six. He thinks it might run over.”
“Oh my god, Mom!” I jetted forward. “You’re telling me not to miss this really important family thing, and you guys are going to be late?”
“The boys already know about it, and they’re fine. Just so long as we get there afterward.”
I hunched over my knees and let my hair fall around my face. “And what if the meeting goes on for hours?”
“It won’t. You just get there on time. Back dock, Daniel said. There’s a valet.”
“I know.” I rubbed my forehead. “I know.”
* * *
The last time we all were together we couldn’t keep our hands off each other. That wasn’t exactly something I wanted to continue. Yes, I wasn’t looking to ruin things for my mom and Danforth, but I also didn’t want to start something I knew I couldn’t finish. Or morally shouldn’t. If it were different circumstances, I probably would have already told the guys about the baby, and I’d be trying everything I could to see what we would do to make things work. Even if we would just stay friends and try to raise the baby together, that would be enough.
I grew up not knowing my birth parents, and it hurt sometimes. This baby had the right to know her three dads, and to grow up in a supportive, loving home just like I did with my adoptive parents.
Thankfully, the morning sickness wasn’t bothering me that afternoon as I got ready. After looking myself over in the mirror and being pretty proud of my curled hair and tight skirt, I sent Jourdanne a quick text for reassurance. Stay true to you, girl! She really was the best.
After a short drive across the city, I found the arena to be full and loud. Even from in my car as I pulled around the rear to show my identification to the guards, I could hear so many chants and echoes I thought I’d need earplugs.
The guard with my license in his hand was a big burly man who began to laugh. “Oh, you’re Parvati!”
“Um, yes,” I mumbled, taking my license back and pushing it into the slot in my wallet. “Do I know you?”
“Oh, no,” he said as he put his hand to his chest with a bashful smile. “Mr. Rolsom mentioned that you were coming.”
“He did?”
“He said to make sure to let him know and that he’d meet you at the valet.”
I glanced around the place, facing the guard once more with a nod and a smile. “Well, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” His happiness was infectious, but I wasn’t sure why he was so excited to meet me. As I drove away, before my window was all the way up, I heard him talking through his walkie. “She’s on her way, boss. And she’s just as beautiful as you said.”
I felt so embarrassed, but in the best of ways. Daniel thought I was beautiful, even after all we went through. I thought maybe he’d be upset, or possibly the twins would since I didn’t just choose one of them. They must have understood me more than I gave them credit for.
Daniel met me in the parking dock at the valet station just like the guard had mentioned. “Hi there,” I muttered as I slipped my hand into his. He effortlessly guided me out of my car as I was immediately rushed with the scent of his clean and citrusy cologne. In that short exchange, desire and longing hit me like a ton of bricks and all I wanted to do was head right back to Hawaii. The valet came over and asked for my keys, to which Daniel gave a nod.