Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
Easton
“Luci’s almost here,” I announce to Cole, my hands busy helping him brush his teeth after breakfast. The morning sun streams through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the cluttered countertop.
“Yay! Time to make cookies! Daddy, do you think Luci is pretty?” Cole’s sudden shift in conversation catches me off guard, and I blink a few times, trying to process his question.
“Uh, yes, she is,” I respond, a bit taken aback. “Why are you asking me that?”
“Because I’m asking! Luci is real pretty, Daddy! I’m going to grab my lightsaber to make the icing behave like she said.” He dries his hands with a flourish, and I struggle to maintain a straight face. Just then, I hear a chuckle from the doorway, and I turn to see my brothers all gathered there, grinning.
“Wait, what do you mean?” I ask, genuinely confused.
“Luci said sometimes you have to force the icing to behave. I’ll bring my lightsaber and use the force!” He dashes out of the room, Kingston calling after him, “Go to Baker once you have your icing behavior modification device!”
Becker bursts into laughter, shaking his head. “I love that kid. I’m writing that one down.” He pulls out his phone, fingers flying over the screen as he captures the moment.
“Hey East, you might want to be careful today,” Kingston warns, his tone serious. “Dad is in the kitchen with Baker, and you don’t exactly keep your hands to yourself when Luci shows up. You kiss her every time you see her.” He pauses, letting that sink in.
“I don’t…” I start, but I’m suddenly struck by the memories. I’m not the type to be overly affectionate with my girlfriends, am I?
“Didn’t even realize he was doing it,” Jackson chimes in, shaking his head with a knowing smirk.
“Gonerrrrrr,” Becker sings dramatically, his voice teasing. “Yeah, you do. The other night, you went right to her and kissed her in front of Baker as soon as we got home. Good thing Dad was three minutes late coming in the back door.”
“In class lately too,” Jackson adds, raising an eyebrow.
“Shit. I haven’t done it in front of Dad, have I? I didn’t even notice.” I groan, throwing my head back and rolling my eyes toward the ceiling. “Because all I need is him mentioning that to our mother.”
“No, because he hasn’t chewed your ass yet. Just be mindful. That contract isn’t over,” Kingston warns before he strolls away, leaving me to stew in my thoughts.
I follow them into the kitchen, where Cole’s excited chatter fills the air as he talks to Dad about the upcoming cookie-making adventure.
The sound of a knock at the door sends a jolt of tension through me; I brace myself to keep my composure.
“Morning, Baker! I brought you something!” Luci’s cheerful voice rings out, brightening the room.
Baker laughs, his eyes sparkling. “I like it! Thank you, Miss Luci.” He immediately begins to fuss. “Why are you carrying all of this heavy stuff by yourself? Hand me that.” I flinch at the sight of what she’s bringing, my heart racing with curiosity and concern.
Baker rounds the corner, struggling with a large rollerboard suitcase and a hefty cooler on wheels, while Luci carries a smaller one. We exchange quick glances, all of us taken aback by the sheer volume of supplies. Baker is proudly wearing a camouflage apron that reads, “Fa La La La Oorah,” and he looks quite pleased with himself.
“Luci!” Cole exclaims, leaping down from his perch and almost launching himself at her.
“Cole, you’ll knock her down!” Dad intervenes, his voice firm yet gentle. Cole’s face falls, disappointment evident.
“Hi, everyone,” Luci greets softly, her smile lighting up the room. Kingston takes the cooler from her, placing it on the floor with a thud.
I nod in her direction, while Becker waves enthusiastically, and Jackson offers a cheerful good morning. Kingston raises a hand, and Cole looks momentarily confused. Dad finally releases him, and he bolts toward Luci, arms wide open for a hug. “Are you ready to make cookies? You ate breakfast?”
“I did! I’m all ready! I brought my lightsaber to make the icing behave!” He announces proudly, pointing to the toy in his hand. Luci’s eyes dart between the lightsaber and Cole, her brow furrowing slightly.
“You said I need to force the icing to behave,” he adds, his voice filled with earnestness.
Understanding dawns on her face, and she beams at him, pulling him into a tighter embrace. “I did say that! An excellent idea, Darth Coco!”
She glances around at all of us, her excitement palpable. “Alright, are we ready to start on the cookies?”
Dad remains seated, but I can feel his eyes boring into me, a silent reminder of my earlier slip-ups. Becker discreetly taps the back of my ankle with his foot, and I respond coolly, “Knock yourself out,” as I turn to rummage through the fridge, deliberately ignoring Luci.
Baker steps in, thankfully, sensing my frustration. “I have the oven all set up, and I cleared a shelf in the fridge,” he informs her, breaking the tension.
Dad rises from his seat, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “You’re giving up your day off to decorate cookies with Cole?” he asks, his tone incredulous.
“Only part of it, Mr. Reed,” Luci replies softly, a hint of defiance in her voice.
Dad nods slightly, his gaze lingering on the scene unfolding between Luci and Cole. “I’m heading to the arena site. I’ll be back late for dinner.” He hesitates, watching as Luci crouches down to open the rollerboard with Cole’s eager assistance.
“Here, I brought you something,” she says, pulling out a kid-sized Darth Vader apron.
“I love it, Luci!” Cole exclaims, his eyes lighting up as she slips it over his head. “Where’s yours?”
“Right here!” She reveals a pale pink apron featuring a loaf of bread wearing a black mask and holding a fencing sword, reading “Bread Pirate Roberts.” “It’s from an old movie,” she explains, her gaze avoiding ours. “Now, I brought cookie dough to bake two pans so you can have fun with that. And then I have a lot of cookies already made for decorating.”
Dad finally walks out the back door, and we all share a collective sigh of relief. “He’s gone,” Becker breathes out, the tension in the room dissipating.
“Sorry, Luci,” I say, moving closer to her, and she nods with an understanding smile.