Twin Babies for my Pucking Defenders (Chicago Icebreakers #2)

Epilogue

Axel

Five Years Later

The sun dips low over the horizon, casting a warm glow on our backyard. I lean back in my chair, a cold beer in hand, and survey the scene. My family is sprawled out in the grass, laughing and chasing each other like a pack of wild animals.

JJ and Stanley are giggling as they tumble over each other, and damn if that doesn’t make me smile.

We're only missing Sadie, but that is normal these days. It seems like she lives at the mall.

“Hey! Watch where you’re aiming those little feet!” I shout, chuckling as Stanley accidentally kicks JJ in the ribs.

“Sorry, JJ!” he squeals, scrambling up and grabbing his brother in a headlock. “I’m gonna take you down!”

“Not if I take you down first!” JJ wriggles free and dives into the sandbox like it’s a swimming pool.

Jade walks up, a basket of snacks in her hands, and rolls her eyes. “Boys, keep it down! You’re destroying my eardrums.”

“Little boys need to be loud to thrive,” I chide her, taking some food from the basket. “They need to learn to be tough so they can be better at hockey.”

“Ugh, typical hockey dad,” she laughs, shaking her head.

“Hey! I’m just trying to teach them the art of being badasses,” I say, taking a sip of my beer.

“And making me deaf while you’re at it!” she teases, bumping my shoulder with hers.

Carter strolls over with a cooler. “What’s all this ruckus? You guys trying to start a riot or what?”

“Just a little friendly competition,” I say, waving him off. “What’s up, grumpy? You got something to contribute?”

Carter grins, opening the cooler to show a row of frosty bottles of beer. “Beer and burgers. Just what the doctor ordered.”

“Yeah, but which doctor?” Jade quips, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Fuck you,” Carter shoots back, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Hey, hey! Let’s keep it civil, fellas. No cursing in front of the kids,” Nate chimes in, bringing over a couple of folding chairs.

“Dude, I swear, if you throw a burger at me, I’m taking you down,” I warn, smirking at him.

“Sure you are, Ax.” Nate winks, settling into his chair and cracking open a drink. “You’ll have to catch me first.”

I watch the banter unfold, a warm feeling spreading through me. This is life, this is home. It feels damn good.

Suddenly, I spot Jared approaching, a look of concern etched on his face. “Hey, Axel! Got a minute?”

“Yeah, sure, man. What’s up?” I ask, sensing the tension in his voice.

He shuffles his feet, looking like he’s about to step onto a battlefield. “I, um, wanted to check in on you. You okay now that I’m gonna be the team lawyer?”

“Yeah, I’m fucking great,” I say, leaning forward. “What’s this really about?”

“I don’t know. It’s a big change, and I don’t want you to feel weird about it,” he admits.

“Why would I feel weird?” I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m proud of you! You’re the best guy for the job. I mean, it sucks that you won’t be my personal lawyer anymore, but if there is someone I would recommend for this position, it would have to be you.”

He seems to relax a bit, a small smile breaking through. “Thanks, Axel. I appreciate it. It’s just a lot to take on.”

“Dude, if anyone can handle it, it’s you. Plus, you’ve got a whole team behind you,” I say, gesturing to the group. “We’ve got your back, no matter what.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” he nods, gaining confidence. “I guess I’m just a little nervous.”

“Shit, who wouldn’t be? Just remember, I’m not going anywhere. We’ll get through this together,” I assure him.

“Thanks, Axel. It means a lot,” he says, looking genuinely grateful.

Jade and Nate share a glance, and I can tell they’re both proud of him, too. This is what family feels like—support, love, and a hell of a lot of teasing.

“Hey, what’s the plan for the next game?” Carter asks, shifting gears. “Are we gonna kick some ass?”

“Damn right! We’re gonna dominate!” I shout, raising my beer. “We’re the best team in the league, and we’re not letting anyone forget it.”

“Hell yeah!” Nate agrees, pumping his fist. “It’s time to show them who’s boss!”

“All right, but we need to practice first,” Jared adds, looking determined. “We can’t slack off now.”

“Who’s slacking? I’m all about the hustle!” I declare, but the laughter is contagious.

“More like all about the food,” Jade smirks, tossing me a baggy of fruit snacks.

“Touché!” I catch it, opening the wrapper, and popping the snacks in my mouth. “But hey, that’s why we have each other. Balance.”

“Yeah, let’s balance things out by crushing them on the ice and eating our weight in burgers,” Carter laughs, clapping me on the back.

As the sun sets, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, I take a moment to soak it all in. Family, friends, chaos—it’s everything I ever wanted.

The boys come racing back, their cheeks flushed with excitement. “Daddy! Look at our fort!” JJ exclaims, tugging at my shirt.

“Dude, that looks epic!” I say, kneeling down to get a better look. “You guys built a fortress!”

“Yeah! We’re kings!” Stanley shouts, puffing out his chest.

“Kings of the sandbox,” I tease, earning a glare from both of them. “Sorry! Kings it is!”

“Hey, let’s get a game of catch going,” Carter suggests, and the boys’ eyes light up.

“Throw the ball to me Daddy, me!” they both shout, practically bouncing on their feet.

“All right, but remember—no sand in the eyes!” I call out, grabbing a couple of balls.

“Challenge accepted!” Stanley yells as he runs to grab one.

“Dude, you guys are gonna get so wrecked,” Jared laughs, shaking his head.

“Only if you can catch!” JJ shoots back, ready to show off his skills.

“Bring it on!” I say, tossing the first ball high into the air.

As the kids scramble to catch it, the air fills with laughter, and I can’t help but feel my heart swell. This is it—the joy, the love.

Nate stands nearby, arms crossed, looking proud. “You’re doing great, Axel.”

“Thanks, man. I couldn’t have done it without you guys,” I say, gesturing to the group.

“I’m just glad to see you happy,” he replies, a genuine smile on his face.

“Right back at you. We’re in this together,” I say, clapping him on the back.

As the sun sets, the stars begin to twinkle above us. The laughter continues to echo, filling the air with warmth and love. I glance over at Jared again, and he seems more relaxed.

“It’s only gonna get crazier,” I chuckle, nudging Carter playfully. “The next season is about to begin.”

“Bring it on!” he grins, his confidence shining through.

And in that moment, I know we’re gonna be just fine.

As the night wraps around us, the laughter continues, and I’m grateful for this beautiful mess we’ve created together. The kids are shouting, the adults are teasing, and it feels like the perfect family.

“All right, who’s ready for some s’mores?” Jade calls out, pulling out supplies from the cooler.

“Me! Me!” the boys yell again, racing over.

“Damn, we’re gonna need a bigger fire!” I declare, and everyone bursts into laughter.

“Just don’t burn down the dang house!” Nate warns, shaking his head.

“Hey! I’m a pro at this!” I protest, but the smile on my face says it all.

As we gather around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows and telling stories, I can’t help but feel the love radiating from everyone. This is home. This is family. And no matter what, I know we’re all in this together.

“Here’s to us, and the crazy ride we’re on!” I shout, raising my s’more in the air.

“To us!” everyone cheers, the warmth of the fire lighting up our faces.

And as I sit back, surrounded by the people I love, I realize that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

THE END

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What to read next??? You'll love Baby with my Brother's Bestie!

Start reading Baby with my Brother's Bestie NOW!

***

My brother’s best friend oozes forbidden charm. And after one flippin’ night of being roommates, he’s my soon-to-be baby daddy.

What was I thinking? Oh right, I wasn't. I was drunk off the thrill of tattooed muscles and a Harley between my legs.

I don't have enough fingers to list all the reasons why bad boy, Jack- freakin -Larson, is straight-up wrong for me.

So when he says he's got me, why do I believe him?

When his career pulls him across the country—I can’t go. But Jack seems to think money's the fix-all…lord knows he has enough. Too bad his big fat bank account can't fix distance.

As he eases his motorcycle forward, inch by cautious inch. I seem to forget why any of this is probably a phenomenally bad idea.

Then I’m reminded…Two pink lines glare up at me from a dreaded plastic stick.

But Mr. Charmbomb holds me close as he whispers, “I’ve got you.” And it feels like he’ll never let go.

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