Page 10 of All In: The Price We Pay

“Yes.” Sid is very pleased with himself.

“I’ll take you guys,” Miller says. Always the captain—giving orders, no questions asked.

How many years has it been since I’ve been here? We’re sitting together with Katleen, Blake’s wife, and their kids, Sienna and Max.

The two of them are not toddlers anymore. But our captain isn’t exactly young either.

“What are you grinning about?” Blake asks.

I wave my free hand dismissively. “I realized that your kids are already quite big.” I grin at him challenging.

“Oh, I see. A not-so-subtle dig at my age. Are you after the captain’s job?”

Katleen joins in with Sid and my laughter.

“Never,” I finally say with a chuckle.

“And I’m not leaving this team until we’ve won the Cup,” Blake declares, taking a big bite of his casserole.

“Guys, you gotta get a move on, because these bones won’t hold out much longer,” Katleen whispers behind her hand and points a finger at her husband.

Feigning outrage, Blake puts down his fork. “Honey. Are you serious? I can’t believe it.”

She raises her eyebrows challenging. “Do you really think it’s a good idea to celebrate your fortieth birthday on the ice?”

“You’re turning forty already?” Sid stares at Blake with wide eyes.

“In two years,” our captain protests, and I burst out laughing. You rarely see him this relaxed.

Still, it’s a topic that will soon be on our minds. If Blake does retire, it’ll shake things up for the team. I can’t even imagine the Monarchs without him.

“All right, I’ll do it.” Sid leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest.

“Can we please stop talking about my retirement from hockey and focus on preparing for the game?”

Sid jumps up and puts his empty plate in the sink.

“You don’t have to.” Katleen is already following him, but Sid waves her off.

“I’ll go hit the john and then meet you guys in front of the screen.” Sid glances at us questioningly, and we nod.

“And I’ll put those two to bed,” Katleen says. Max and Sienna follow her, protesting only a little.

I quickly shovel the rest of my food into my mouth.

“Take your time,” Blake says, eyeing me.

Oh, please, no lecture about anything. “I’ll be done in a minute.”

“I’m glad you came along. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it.”

I turn to him, but Blake raises his hands in a dismissive gesture. “You know you’re always welcome, but . . . ”

“I know, thanks,” I murmur staring at my food.

Blake nods. “Good. I was . . . ” He laughs softly. “It’s none of my business, and you know how to deal with media nonsense, but somehow, I thought you’d be more shaken up today. After the news.”

Sighing, I put down my fork. “You heard about it, huh?”