Legend (Arizona Vengeance 3)

That’s not an option this year because I just don’t have the guts to fly across the country with Charlie. I’ve only had her for three days now and I’m still so very wet behind the ears when it comes to caring for a newborn. I mean sure…right now it’s just caring for basic needs, and she sleeps a hell of a lot, but I wasn’t about to take her on a plane with all kinds of germs and little self-esteem as a dad right now.

So tonight, Tacker, and Dax are coming over. I’ve got dinner all ready—thank you Whole Foods Market, who actually cooked the turkey and sliced it for me—and we’re going to stuff our faces and have a few drinks together to celebrate the holidays.

None of the team has met Charlie yet because most of them don’t know about her. Really, the first opportunity to convey the news was before the game against Toronto last night, but that didn’t feel right. I didn’t want anything to draw away anyone’s focus. I decided it would be better to do it at the next team practice, although I have let a chosen few people in on the secret.

Dax and Bishop, of course, as they’re my closest friends on the team.

I’m an assistant captain along with Bishop, so it made sense for me to tell our number one. That would be Tacker, as he’s the captain.

And I told Coach Perron and our general manager, Christian Rutherford.

Past them, I’ve held this tight to my vest. With Pepper helping out on babysitting, I didn’t even have to bring any of the other players in on the secret by asking their wives to help watch Charlie.

The plan is to tell everyone on the twenty-sixth after our short practice. Coach Perron has already told everyone to gather in the team meeting room and I bet they think we’ll be reviewing film, but instead I will be helping them to welcome the first baby born to the Vengeance since we formed.

Truth be told…I’m kind of fucking excited about telling everyone.

Heading back to the kitchen, I grab the last of the presents, which includes a singular gold foil bag that’s much smaller than all the others. I place it near the rear of the other packages, as it won’t get opened until the day after Christmas.

Within that bag is a present for Pepper that I went out and got today. I had to pick up the groceries at Whole Foods for dinner, and I made a stop at one other store.

Charlie was a perfect angel while I shopped. I set her car carrier up on one of the counters and an elderly sales lady cooed and fussed over her while another lady helped me pick out a necklace for Pepper.

It was no easy decision. I had nothing to go on as Pepper wears little jewelry. Sometimes earrings or a little silver ring on her hand, but mostly nothing and I didn’t know her style.

In the end, I found what I think is both meaningful and beautiful.

I didn’t think twice about it.

Getting a Christmas present for Pepper.

It’s true we’ve gone from enemies to lovers in about a nanosecond—which is how long it took for me to become a first-time father—but in a short period, she’s mostly become a good friend. I seriously don’t think I could have made it these past few days without her help and support.

My doorbell rings and it jolts me out of my thoughts. I trot though the living room to the foyer and swing the front door open. Dax stands there with a dopey grin on his face, a Santa hat on his head, and a bottle of scotch in his hand.

“Merry Christmas,” he booms.

Tacker is standing just behind him with a surly expression and his hands stuffed down in his pockets. His eyes come to mine and he mutters, “Merry Christmas.”

I look to Dax and give a nod toward Tacker. “Is he going to be a bah humbug kind of guest all night?”

Dax holds the bottle of liquor up and waves it. He shoots Tacker a nasty grin. “Not after I get some of this in him, he won’t. Right, Tack?”

“What the fuck ever,” Tacker grumbles and snatches the bottle from Dax’s hand. “Let’s just pour some drinks.”

I snicker as I step back, opening the doorway for them to enter. I’ll give Tacker a pass, even if his mood gets pissier. I know Christmas has to be extremely tough since his fiancée was killed in a plane crash last year.

In a plane that Tacker was piloting.

The man has been fairly closed off and removed from the rest of the team, at least on a personal basis. On the ice, he’s a good leader as our captain.

Off the ice, he’s elusive and standoffish. He rarely comes to team parties or get-togethers unless it’s mandated, and I’m surprised he accepted my offer to come hang with me and Dax.