Page 38 of The Sweet Talker
We’re joined by a young couple, and their daughter, who looks to be around four. We say hello after they introduce themselves as Brad and Talia, and their daughter, Madison, we introduce ourselves, and Brad’s eyes bug out of his head.
“I thought that was you,” Brad says, a big smile on his face. “What are you doing here?”
“Enjoying the farmacy with my girl, Josie.”
“Honey,” he says, “this is Brody Tucker from the Seattle Shooters.”
Talia gives me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I don’t follow sports.”
“No worries,” Josie says with a laugh. “I don’t really either.”
“Mommy, I want to go sledding,” Madison says.
“We will. Right after we finish eating.” She smooths her daughter’s hair from her face, and I don’t miss the way Josie is looking on with longing. Children were once a part of her future, and it’s clear she still wants them.
“What’s been your favorite part about the farm so far?” Josie asks, and Madison cradles her arms and rocks them like she’s holding a baby.
“I love the little lamb. Mommy, can we take that lamb home?”
Talia rolls her eyes and laughs as she gives her daughter a hug, and I almost hear a wistful sound rise up in Josie’s throat. “We’d have a whole farm if it was up to her.”
“I can’t wait to see and hold the baby lamb,” Josie says.
“I’ll show you how to do it,” Madison says, a very serious expression on her face. “You have to be very careful. They’re just babies, you know.”
I bite back a laugh as the little girl jumps from five to fifteen right before my eyes. Or maybe that’s normal. I’ve only ever been around my teammate’s kids and not for long periods of time. I really don’t know the first thing about being a parent. But it doesn’t look so bad.
r /> Josie grins. “I would love it if you showed me.”
“Then we can race down the hill on our toboggans. Right, Mommy?”
Talia’s expression turns apologetic again. “I’m sorry, you don’t have to—”
“Oh no. I want to,” Josie interrupts, as she leans into me, nudging me with her body. “Brody here might look like he’s an adult, but he’s really just a twelve-year-old boy at heart.”
“Hey, I resemble that comment,” I tease, and throw my arm around her. Her warmth wraps around me and squeezes tight, and laughter bubbles up inside me. My God, I love being with her. She’s so fun, so easy.
Everyone laughs and Talia says, “If you’re sure. I don’t want to intrude upon your day. It’s just that Madison here has never met a stranger.” Her gaze goes back and forth between the two of us. “Do you two have kids?”
Josie opens her mouth but I pipe up. “Not yet.” I pull Josie closer, and kiss her cheek. “But I’m always willing to work on it.” I love the pink flush on Josie’s cheeks and suspect I’ll pay for that later. I’m looking forward to it.
Talia smiles at us. “You two are a very cute couple, and your kids will be gorgeous.”
“Can we talk about hockey now?” Brad asks.
We all laugh and Talia nudges her husband. “Don’t be rude. I’m sure Brody has better things to talk about.”
“It’s fine. I could talk hockey all day.”
“Fine, you two talk hockey,” Josie says. “I want to hear more about these farm animals. Can you tell me more, Madison?”
“Oh yes.”
I laugh at Madison as she goes back into teenage mode. As the girls talk, Brad and I go over a few of the stellar plays made so far this season, and before we know it, we’re all done eating and headed to the petting zoo.
We spend the next few hours petting the animals, racing our new friends down the hill, and taking a short snow mobile ride along the trails. By the time we’re done, we’re both exhausted. We say goodbye to our friends as Brad scoops up a very sleepy Madison, and we collect Miss Mabel, who has been playing in the snow.
We drag our feet as we head back to the car and once we’re buckled in, Josie exhales and her head turns my way. “Thank you, Brody. I’ve had the best day ever.”