Page 96 of Never Bet Against A Hockey Player

“Let’s just say that our parents look like model parents compared to their mom.”

Silence. Then she let out a sad whisper. “Those poor kids.”

I glanced toward Gavin. He was pretending not to listen but it was impossible seeing as how she was echoing through the SUV.

“Actually, Gavin’s here with me. We’re heading to the store to grab dinner ingredients. They moved into the pack house today, so we’re celebrating by having our first family dinner.”

“Oh god and here I’ve been rambling.” She laughed. “Hi, Gavin.”

Gavin leaned toward the phone. “Hi.”

His smile was impossible to miss. This kid didn’t know it yet but his family was growing.

“He insisted I call you,” I explained. “So I wouldn’t get into more trouble.”

“Oh, I’ll absolutely kick your ass later for just now telling me when they’re moving in. But right now I’m way too excited.”

“So, Gavin. When do I get to meet you and your sister? I could always use more family,” she said.

“So could we,” Gavin admitted quietly.

My heart squeezed and I knew my sister was already planning to spoil them both right along with me.

“We’re actually in town next week for a game,” Lana said. “What if we all have dinner?”

“I’ll check everyone’s schedules. Maybe Roxie and her crew could come, too. It’d be like a little reunion.”

“I’ll talk to the pack,” I promised. I hoped Dhara would like the idea. I didn’t want to overwhelm her.

She deserved omega friends. Women who understood parts of herself she’d never been allowed to explore.

“We’re pulling into the store now,” I said as I parked. “But, I’ll call back later.”

“I’m so unbelievably happy for you, Conrad. You deserve this.” Then she spoke to Gavin. “Take good care of my brother. He’s a big softie. Just know you’re also in good hands. And, I can’t wait to meet you and your sister.”

“I’m excited, too,” Gavin admitted.

His sincerity made me smile. He’d talked before about wishing for a bigger family. Now he finally had one.

I hung up and turned off the car. We grabbed a cart and headed inside.

“So.” I rested my hands on the handle. “What protein are we thinking for the nachos: steak, chicken, or ground beef?”

“I’ve only ever had ground beef.” He shrugged. “As long as there’s queso, we can’t go wrong.”

“Then I think we should try all three. We’ll figure out which one you like best.”

“No.” The answer came too fast. His shoulders tensed. “You don’t have to do all that. I don’t want you going out of your way.”

I stopped pushing the cart and waited for him to look up at me.

“Gavin. I would never offer something I didn’t want to do. And if it’ll make you feel better, you can help me cook.”

A tiny smile appeared. “I’d like that.”

“Good.” I nudged the cart forward again. “Let’s start with produce.”

He immediately became more animated as we picked through the produce. I held up a tomato. “What about these?”