Page 189 of Slapshot Baby

She stands when we walk in. Her eyes go to me first.

"Donovan."

"Lucy."

"I heard about the captaincy," she says. "Congratulations."

"Thank you."

She walks to Ava, hugs her, then sits back down. The corner of Ava’s mouth pulls up.

Dennis is in the kitchen doorway. He steps forward with a broad smile and hazel eyes that are so identical to Ava's it catches me off guard.

"There she is."

He wraps Ava in a hug. She stiffens, then loosens.

"Kai." Dennis extends his hand. His shake is firm, his smile genuine. "Good to finally meet you in person."

"You too."

Joan has set out a spread in the kitchen: roasted chicken, corn salad, sliced tomatoes from someone's garden, fresh rolls. Ava eats three rolls before she catches Lucy counting.

"Don't do that."

"I didn't say anything," Lucy says.

"You were counting my carbs with your eyes."

She rolls her eyes. "I was counting your rolls."

"Lucy."

"I'm happy you're eating."

Joan shakes her head but she's smiling.

The conversation flows in the way family conversation does.

Lucy asks Ava about the studio. Ava lights up describing a client who wants a home library with a rolling ladder.

Dennis asks me about the season opener. I give him more than yes-or-no answers, and it soon turns into a discussion I thoroughly enjoy.

After lunch, Ava and Lucy move to the back porch. I can see them through the window. Ava rocks slowly in the porch chair, both hands on her belly. Lucy is perched on the railing, saying something with her hands that makes Ava throw her head back laughing.

Joan is rinsing plates. I pick up a dish towel.

"You don't have to do that," she says.

"I know, but I'd like to." I dry a plate, set it in the rack. "Joan, there's something I want to talk to you about."

I dry two plates before she turns off the faucet and faces me.

"I want to marry Ava."

Joan's hands grip the edge of the counter. Her grey-green eyes fill slowly, the way a glass fills from the bottom.

"I'm not asking whether I'm good enough for her, because I'll spend the rest of my life working on that answer. But I love your daughter, I love our baby, and I'm going to be there every single day."