Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
He interrupted me, his serious expression unwavering. “I won’t tell anyone. It’s a tradition, Daddy.”
I nearly fell off my chair at his earnestness. “Fine,” I relented, and Luci’s head whipped around to face me, her eyes wide with disbelief. “It’s tradition, Luci,” I added, trying to maintain a straight face. I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “There you go, Cole.”
His entire body sagged, and he still looked disappointed. “Grandpappy wants to go eat at the diner, Cole. Can you grab your shoes and jacket, please?” I encouraged him as he began to head out. “Oh, and leave your mistletoe here. We’ll get Uncle Becker with it later.”
He turned back, grinning, and tossed the mistletoe at me before darting off.
“Easton Reed…” Before Luci could say more, I closed the distance between us and kissed her deeply.
“Mmm, now that’s a great tradition. I think I’m going to buy a carload of mistletoe,” I teased, kissing her again.
She playfully shoved my arm. “What if he runs out saying Daddy kissed Luci?”
I shrugged. “Besides my mother, I really don’t care at this point. Sorry we can’t have dinner with you tonight.”
“That’s alright. Since Cole is going to stay with Barrett tomorrow night, can I take you on a date?” she asked, her voice softening.
“You want to take me out, sweetness?” I replied, my heart racing at the thought.
“Yes, as an early birthday present. Wait, you might have plans. Sorry, I forgot about that. Never mind.” She hurried to change the subject, but I turned her back to face me.
“I’d cancel them if I did. But I don’t. We’ll be done with practice by 5 tomorrow. What time do you want me?”
“Come to my place at 6 or anytime before. You can swing by and see Cole at the Olmos house if you want before that. It’s not too far from my apartment. I drop him off at 4:30.”
“I’ll be there.” I planned to take full advantage of having a key. “Dad is planning to separate from Mom unless she cuts Vivienne out of her life and goes to counseling with him,” I whispered, my heart heavy with concern.
“Is he alright? That can’t have been an easy decision for him.” Luci’s expression shifted to one of genuine worry.
“You’re the only person I know who would worry about a man who’s been giving you distrustful looks for weeks,” I replied, a hint of amusement creeping into my tone.
She made a wry face. “My reputation precedes me. I’m sure he’s heard things. But he’s good to you and Cole, so I worry.”
“All because of how he treats us, huh?” I asked, intrigued by her reasoning.
“Oh, and your brothers,” she added with a mischievous grin.
“I swear you might throw me over for one of them,” I grumbled, feigning irritation.
She laughed, a bright sound that filled the room. “They haven’t asked, so don’t worry.”
I growled playfully at her, and she laughed again. “Have fun at dinner. Maybe hide that,” she said, pointing to the mistletoe. “Your son has all the makings of a mischievous elf.”
“He can get away with it while he’s still cute and innocent-looking,” I agreed dryly.
After Luci gave Cole his dream instructions, we left for the diner. We settled Cole next to Dad, and I could see his mood lift significantly, especially when Becker started teasing him about his Christmas program character. Cole was being secretive about it, and I couldn’t wait to see his performance. I hadn’t even considered snooping around Luci’s for his costume, knowing how important it was for him to surprise us.
However, I grew suspicious when Cole leaned in to whisper something in Becker’s ear, casting a glance at me with a huge grin. I definitely needed to investigate what was going on there.
As we entered the house later, Cole was nestled in my arms, clearly exhausted. I knew his bath would need to be brief tonight. “Quick bath, buddy,” I told him, but I halted as I spotted the strawberry-blonde witch sitting casually at the kitchen island. She was perched there, legs crossed, an air of nonchalance about her. Jackson muttered just behind me, “Vivienne…”
Easton
“What the hell is going on here!?” I shout, my voice echoing through the room, oblivious to the innocent ears that might be listening.
“Oh Easton, it’s simply wonderful to see you too,” she replies, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness. “I thought I’d come to visit my grandson and let him meet his Vivi.” Her smile is wide, the same dazzling actress smile she’s always worn, a mask that hides her true intentions.
“Save that insincere smile for someone who might actually fall for it,” I growl, my patience wearing thin.
Baker, sensing the tension in the air, swiftly pulls Cole from my arms, wrapping his body protectively around him as he retreats from the room.
“Wait, Cole! Cole, I’m your grandmother!” she calls after him, her voice a mix of desperation and entitlement.
“You vile woman!” Dad’s voice cuts through the air like a knife. “How dare you invade my home and attempt to speak to my grandson!”
With a dismissive wave of her hand, she rolls her eyes, her arrogance palpable. She has always believed she could escape the consequences of her actions.
“Please, Jason. I didn’t break in. I simply know where the key is hidden,” she replies, her tone dismissive as if this somehow absolves her.
“It’s still breaking and entering. Becker, call the police,” Dad orders, his voice steady but laced with fury.
“With pleasure,” Becker responds, his hatred for her evident in every syllable.
“Vivienne!” My mother’s voice booms as she strides into the room, her presence commanding. “What on earth are you doing here?”