Page 34 of Golden Goal

“Hi, Hazel. You’re adorable in your Storm outfit. So festive.”

I chuckle. “Hey, Dr. Jansen.”

She stands up to her full height and peers up at me, her brown eyes brighter than usual thanks to the navy-blue shirt she’s wearing.

“What have I told you about calling me Rebecca?” She shakes her head at me.

“Come on, we’re going to be late,” Hadley interrupts.

“Late? There was no start time. They said ‘stop by anytime after noon.’”

“Whatever.” Hadley turns, strides toward the elevator, and pushes the Down button.

We make our way to my SUV. My brand-new Mercedes-Benz G Class SUV, better known as a G-Wagon, which I bought when Hazel came into my life.

“Nice ride,” Rebecca says.

“Thanks.” I focus on buckling in Hazel’s car seat.

Hadley jumps into the backseat ignoring Rebecca’s objections. I groan internally. Is Hadley up to something? I hope like hell she and Wes don’t conspire together.

Everyone is silent the entire ride. Me, because I’m trying not to breathe too much, lest I inhale the smell of Rebecca’s perfume. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask her what it is, but that feels too personal, too intimate, and is none of my fucking business.

All too soon, we’re pulling into the neighborhood Hunter and a few of the other guys live in, and I make a mental note to ask him for the name of his realtor. My apartment is only going to cut it for so long now there are three of us living there. Even if Hadley is only staying for the season, it’d be nice to have room for my parents to come visit.

“Hey, guys,” Hunter greets us with hugs for the ladies and a handshake for me. “Come in.” He holds the door open wider, and we step inside. “The ladies are in the living room chatting about who knows what.” He waves his hand. “We’re smoking a couple of turkeys out back. A bunch of people are out there. There are appetizers laid out in the kitchen. If you’re hungry.”

“Let’s go.” Hadley grabs Rebecca’s hand and all but drags her into the other room.

“How are you?” Hunter asks as I follow him into the kitchen carrying Hazel, who is napping in her car seat.

“Hi, Holt,” Madison greets me. Her eyes light up when she spots my daughter. “We set up a spot for Hazel to nap in the guest room if you want to let her sleep.”

I take a deep breath, trying to tamp down the emotions that threaten to overflow at the thoughtfulness of my friends.

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Come on, I’ll show you.”

I follow Madison out of the kitchen and down the hall.

“We borrowed a baby monitor, too.” She pushes the door open for me.

She really thought of everything, didn’t she? It didn’t cross my mind to bring something for Hazel to sleep in. I didn’t even think to bring her stroller. Does that make me a bad dad? I grimace.

I step inside and gently take Hazel out of her car seat and settle her in the bassinet. It must be my lucky day because she doesn’t wake up. Madison hands me the monitor, and we creep out of the room.

“Thanks,” I mumble.

“Of course.” She puts a hand on my arm and I pause turning to her. “I know Hadley is staying with you to help, but if either of you ever need anything, please call. Or if you both want a break, and need someone to babysit Hazel.”

I dip my chin in acknowledgment of her offer, at a loss for words, and follow her back into the kitchen.

The front door slams. “Where’s my niece?” Wes hollers, coming into the kitchen, Sebastian trailing behind him.

“She’s asleep. Or she was, but your yelling might have woken her,” Hunter says.

“Sorry, Cap.” Wes at least has the courtesy to look sheepish. “I’m excited to see her.”