Easy (Chicago Blaze 6)

“Enrollment in the youth hockey league has more than doubled, you know,” Cade says. “Now that everyone knows you’re gonna help coach when you can.”

“I guess they don’t realize they already have the best in you.”

He scoffs. “No need to kiss my ass, man. I appreciate what you’re doing more than you know.”

“You are a great coach. I’ll probably be asking you for a job when I retire someday.”

“Door’s always open, man. And if you ever want to bring any of your buddies up to help, I know the kids would go crazy. There are lots of hardcore Blaze fans around here.”

“Which reminds me,” I say. “Check your schedule for next July because I want you and your family to meet up with me and Allie and the kids and some of my teammates and families for a White Sox game. We’ve got access to a sweet box; it’s always a blast.”

“Sounds good.”

Allie walks over to us. “Cade, I’m glad you came.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

“Did you eat?”

He pats his stomach and says, “Two full plates. Everything was great.”

“I had to get out that second bowl of potato salad already,” Allie tells me. “It must not be that bad.”

She doesn’t think she’s much of a cook, but I do. Allie was born to nurture others, especially as a mom. Since Vi’s return, Allie has been eating more and sleeping better. Wearing a T-shirt and the cutoff jean shorts I’ve forcefully pulled off her a few times, she looks refreshed and happy.

I like it when Allie’s happy. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her that way. Pulling her close, I kiss her temple and assure her that her potato salad is amazing.

Vi’s enjoying all the attention. Her friends are flocked around her on the other side of the yard, as she regales them with one of her that time I was kidnapped stories. But she’s fourteen and has a flair for the dramatic, so I guess that’s to be expected.

My mom peeks her head around Allie’s garage and waves at me, which is the signal we agreed upon.

“Hey, I need you to do something for me,” I tell Allie.

“Sure, what?”

I lead her over to a lawn chair sitting in the middle of the yard by itself and say, “Sit down right here.”

She furrows her brow and gives me a confused smile, but does it. I look at Cade and he nods, taking out his camera to video record what’s about to happen.

Max walks out from behind the garage carrying a dozen dark pink roses. He looks at Allie and smiles at her as he approaches, stopping in front of her chair and handing her the flowers.

“What is this?” she asks, taking them. “I mean, they’re beautiful, thank you, but—”

“Aunt Allie, thanks for coaching my soccer team all those years ago and making a strawberry cake every year for my birthday,” Max says. “Thanks for teaching me how to drive, for washing all of my uniforms about three hundred times and for cooking us dinner every night.” He grins. “Most of the time.”

“Oh, Max.” Her eyes are filled with tears. “I’ve loved every second of it.”

He turns serious and clears his throat. “I know it hasn’t always been easy. You’ve given up a lot to take care of us. And you’re putting your own happiness on hold for me this school year. I just want you to know…” He clears his throat again and takes a breath, trying not to let his emotion show. “I love you and I know you’ve made Grandma and Grandpa proud.”

She stands up, passing me the flowers, and hugs him, wiping her eyes and saying, “I love you, too.”

Max moves aside then and Vi walks out from behind the garage, carrying a dozen yellow roses. She’s crying before she even gets to Allie to pass her the bouquet.

“Aunt Allie, thank you for all the times you made me a Halloween costume even though it took forever and you had no idea how you’d make me into things like a cupcake and the sun.” She laughs. “And thank you for showing us what it means to love someone else more than yourself.”

Allie takes the flowers and sets them on her chair, hugging Vi. “I’ll always love you,” she says to her. “You guys are the light of my life.”

Vi pulls away from Allie and looks over at me with a smile.

Then Hazel comes out, carrying a dozen light pink roses. She passes them to her.

“Aunt Allie, you’re the greatest. Thank you for always supporting me in everything I do. Thank you for getting up early to drive to my tournaments and never minding that they take all weekend. I just…” She looks down, pulling herself together before looking at Allie. “I really love you.”

I take the flowers from Allie’s arms and she hugs Hazel tight. “I love you, too. And you guys all make me so proud.”