Page 15 of One Kind Goal

Isabel pulled out her phone. “Wonderful!”

They took the picture then Sean and Zack thanked Sawyer, Morgan, and Isabel before walking back to their own table. A few other guests realized who Sawyer was and more picture and autograph requests were issued.

Morgan snapped photos and chatted with fans, but mostly she worked hard to contain her drool over watching Sawyer interact with these people who valued his hockey prowess. He was kind to everyone who approached him, engaged in appropriate small talk, made jokes, and basically dazzled adults and children alike.

She was definitely dazzled. When she had hooked up with Sawyer last time at the cottages, they’d spent the majority of their time in their cottage or with his teammates. Sure, Morgan had seen him around fans on TV, but to witness him with them in person was a whole other level of Extremely Sexy.

When the fervor finally died down, Sawyer stepped over to her. “Sorry about that.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. That was fun. At least for me,” she said. “Was it not fun for you?”

Sawyer slid his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and rocked back on his booted heels. “It was fun, but it always makes me think of why Carina doesn’t want Nia to be around me. Maybe she’s right.”

“She most certainly is not right.” The harshness of Morgan’s voice surprised her.

It surprised Sawyer too because he flicked his gaze up to meet hers. “Picture if Nia was here right now. How would I have kept her away from ending up in a picture or video?”

“I could have taken her somewhere while you interacted with your fans,” she said.

“Okay, but I don’t usually have you around,” he said. “I get caught in these situations a lot and many times I’m by myself.”

“Well, when you have Nia couldn’t you hire someone to be around for this purpose? Like a nanny or something?”

“Carina is anti-nanny too. I agree with that one,” he said before Morgan could comment. “I mean, the point of wanting to be with Nia is to be with Nia, not have someone else look after her.”

“Okay, I get it. Austin didn’t want to hire someone to watch my sisters and me when he first started acting either. We were fifteen and should have been able to fend for ourselves, but after our parents died, we weren’t in the best place emotionally.” She pushed those memories aside, not wanting to darken the day ahead of them. “Anyway, he did hire someone and she helped us for about a year. It ended up being a good thing for us at the time, but everyone’s situation is different.”

“And not everyone has Carina to contend with.”

Morgan reached out and rubbed Sawyer’s arm. “All I know is watching you with your younger fans is evidence enough that you can be a father.”

His expression softened and he closed his eyes for a second. When he opened them, he tugged her closer, tucking her in under his chin as he held her. “Thanks for saying that.”

“It’s the truth.” She pressed a kiss to his jaw, gave him a squeeze then stepped back. “Okay, time’s a-wasting, Mr. Center Forward. What’s next?”

Isabel appeared again. “I know you guys are on your way, but . . .” She held up a bag and wiggled it at Morgan. “Sawyer looks as if he’s appropriately dressed for Vermont, but you, dear Morgan, look as if you’ve been plucked from the dance floor of a hot New York club.”

“I have been actually.”

“I figured.” Isabel winked. “And good for you, girl. While I love my life in Maplehaven, I do miss a good dancing night.” She waved her free hand. “Anyway, here’s a few things you can borrow for today if you want them. They might not be as fashionable as what you’re used to, but they’ll keep you warm and dry.”

Morgan took the bag. “Thanks, Isabel. You truly do have a guest-first attitude, don’t you?”

Isabel shook her head. “No, I have a friend-first attitude.” She gave Morgan’s arm a little squeeze. “Have fun, you two.” She walked away, but she spun around quickly. “Oh, and be sure to check out the gift shop. We’ve got a woman who makes these amazing scarves that are selling like wild.”

As Isabel left, Morgan looked at Sawyer. “We should hit the gift shop on our way back to the cottage.”

“Do you need a scarf?” Sawyer asked as he opened the dining hall door for them to exit.

“Yes. I need at least two.” She turned to face him once they were outside. “But not for my neck.” She held up one hand, exposing her wrist and loving how Sawyer’s eyes widened when he got her meaning.

“To the gift shop. Immediately.” He marched her in that direction. “Maybe we need four scarves?” He glanced down to her ankles. “I mean, if we’re going to do this, we should go all in, don’t you think?”

“I’m game if you are.”

Sawyer grinned. “Oh, baby, I’m always game.”

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