“Yeah.”

“You gonna pussy out again?”

I’ve had the ring for a few months. “I’m waiting for the right time. I don’t want to push Charlene into something she’s not ready for.”

“Seriously? If she didn’t run screaming at the offer to be knocked up by you, I’m pretty sure it means she’s ready. Besides, I hear Randy’s been looking at rings, and he and Lily are the co-founders of the Anti-Marriage Brigade. If you propose first, it means you get dibs on wedding dates.”

“You think Randy’s going to buy Lily a ring?”

“Make sure his wiener is pointing down,” Violet instructs as I slide the fresh diaper under Liam’s butt. She nudges me out of the way and finishes up. “I think what people want can change with time and perspective. You and Char are a perfect example of that. We can all make ourselves scarce tonight if you want. It’s supposed to be nice out. There are always fireflies by the water when the sun goes down.”

I mull that over. “You really think she’ll say yes?”

Violet fastens the snaps and picks up Liam, patting his little fresh butt. “When I met Charlene, she didn’t date a guy for more than three weeks. She never settled down and wasn’t interested in long-term boyfriends, which, considering what she’s been through, isn’t much of a surprise. But everything changed with you, Darren. If you ask, she’ll say yes.”

“Okay.” I nod, resolved.

She smiles and pats my cheek. “Now go wash your hands so they’re not covered in crap residue, and maybe your face, too.”By nine o’clock, Alex and Violet still haven’t reappeared from putting Robbie to bed. I have my doubts that Sunny and Miller will be back since the twins were fussy at dinner. Lily and Randy are likely doing what Lily and Randy do best, and with Poppy in the early stages of pregnancy where all she seems to want to do is take naps, she might be done for the night, as well.

I’m not sure Violet had to work all that hard to give me and Charlene some privacy.

Charlene snuggles into my side on the glider, and we watch the sun disappear behind the trees from the deck outside our bedroom. “Remember when we used to stay up until three in the morning and drink our faces off?”

“I certainly do. My favorite part was always getting you up to the room at the end of the night. You’re such an adventure in the bedroom when you’re drunk.” I run my nose up her temple and kiss her cheek.

“I always went into it with the best of intentions.”

I can feel her smiling. “Let’s try all the things!” I mimic her voice.

“I do not sound like that when I’m drunk!”

“You do, and I love it. You’re so fucking adorable when you’re trying to be a little firefly.” I chuckle. “We could do shots if you feel like letting your freak out.”

Charlene snorts. “I think I’ll pass. Those babies are like roosters at the crack of dawn. I can’t imagine nursing a hangover and dealing with all of that craziness.” She motions to the sounds coming from inside the cottage.

We’re silent for a few minutes, enjoying the peace and the quiet—apart from the occasional burst of crying coming from one of the bedrooms, anyway.

“Alex said the cottage next door is for sale.”

Charlene shifts so she can look at me. “You want to buy it.”

It’s not a question.

“This place isn’t going to be able to handle all of us for much longer.”

“Not with the way Sunny and Miller keep populating the future NHL draft,” Charlene agrees.

Sunny’s currently pregnant with baby number four, and very determined to have a girl. Based on Alex’s competitive nature, I’m pretty sure he and Violet will be trying for baby number two soon. Even Randy seems to be warming to the idea of having a family. Although I think it’s a lot easier to picture it when you’re surrounded by your teammates, who are essentially your family. Which is something I’ve started to do lately.

“It might be nice to have a second cottage for summer get-togethers, especially since my contract expires at the end of next season.”

“Chicago could renew.”

“Maybe, but if they do, I think it’ll be for a year at a time.” I stare out at the lake, considering all the options for our future. Charlene and I have talked about this often over the past year—what I’ll do when my contract with Chicago ends. “I don’t know if I want to play without Alex.”

Charlene kisses the edge of my jaw. “You are such a sentimental softie.”

“I’m pragmatic.”

“You can call it that if it helps you feel better about it. There’s no shame in loyalty.”

“I’m pretty sure he’s going to retire at the end of next season.”

“He has too much to lose now.”