Page 68 of Open Net

He set down the car seat and struggled to release Jackson from the buckles. I bent over to help but he waved me off. “I can figure this out.”

Addison and I shared a look and I covered my smile behind my hand.

“Looks like you can’t, Cap.”

I didn’t notice Grant come down the hall until he was standing next to us. He smiled as he watched Hartman struggle.

“You try.” Hartman gave up and stepped back.

Grant bent down, easily unbuckling Jackson and pulling him out, all without waking him up. He held him against his chest and smiled cockily. “See? Easy.”

Hartman didn’t take the failure well. He turned to Addison and eyed her car seat. “Can I try with your baby?”

She laughed and set the seat down. “You just need to squeeze the center.”

We watched with amusement as the big, strong captain attempted to unbuckle the tiny strap. “Ugh.”

Before damage could be done to the baby or the carrier, Grant stepped forward and with one hand released Elijah.

Hartman glared at him before reaching down and pulling out the baby. “What’s his name?”

“Elijah.”

Watching these two guys who were brutal on the ice cradle infants was one of the sweetest things I’d ever seen. I could tell Addison agreed. Her gaze hadn’t left Grant, even though Hartman was cooing to her son.

“Grant, this is my new, single friend Addison.”

He smiled at her and I watched her melt a little more.

I grinned. I had a feeling a little crush was developing. Not that I could blame her, the guys were handsome and talented and holding a baby. It was every woman’s kryptonite.

I’d have to remember to tease her later.

“Hey, who’s here?” Erik called out as he and Reese walked toward us.

They both gave me a hug before introducing themselves to Addison. They demanded a chance with the babies and soon all four of them were arguing over who was getting the most time. I shook my head and laughed until I saw Olli and Noah coming down the hall. I froze and Addison appeared next to me.

“You’re okay,” she said. “You knew this was coming.”

I nodded. She was right, but that didn’t explain the anxiety I got whenever I saw Olli. It wasn’t like we were estranged or even really fighting. It was this awkward grey area that neither of us had navigated before. He stopped on the outskirt of the group and smiled at me.

“You came,” he sounded a little shocked. My breath caught when he stepped in front of me. I fought the impulse to reach out to him. I could see the fear lurking in his eyes. Was he worried I’d reject him? I dropped my head to cover my smile. His hope reminded me of when we were first dating. How eager he’d been.

I nodded and Addison stepped forward. “Thanks to me. I’m Addison.”

He shot me a confused look before shaking her hand. “I’m Olli and this is Noah.”

She nodded. “Nice to meet you both.”

“How do you know Emma?” Olli asked.

She turned and shot me a questioning gaze. I hadn’t told Olli what I’d been going through. Part of me didn’t want him to worry, and the other part felt a bit betrayed that he hadn’t noticed there was something wrong sooner. I shook my head. I needed to tell him on my own.

“We met at the hospital when we were both there for checkups,” Addison said.

I appreciated her stretch of the truth. It wasn’t too far off.

“So that’s your little guy?”