Page 52 of One Kind Goal

She pointed to a clearing behind it. “There’s a helipad back there for Charlie’s helicopter.”

“I want to see a helicopter!” Nia yelled.

“I’m sure Charlie will be happy to show you,” Morgan said.

“But you’re going to remember to be polite, right, Nia-bunny,” Sawyer said.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Good.” Sawyer put his hand on the door handle, but he turned back to face Morgan when she rested a hand on his arm.

She motioned to the house with her chin. “I like you, Sawyer.” She drew in a deep breath. “Don’t let Austin break you.”

His face softened as he rested his hand over hers. “I like you too, and I highly doubt anything your brother says or does will send me running.”

“Remember you said that.” She grabbed her purse and opened her door. After getting Nia out of the SUV, she met Sawyer in front of the vehicle.

Sawyer spent a moment looking at the house. “Small confession. I’ve seen all of Austin’s movies. Sometimes when the team is on the road, we watch them too. I might be a bit excited to actually meet the guy.”

Morgan rolled her eyes. “Lead with that and maybe Austin won’t try to charbroil you over hot coals.”

“Good tip.” He held his hand out to Nia and she took it, her purple winter coat a bright splash of color against all the white snow on Austin’s property. Then he offered his elbow to Morgan. “Shall we?”

“Let’s get this over with,” she muttered, hooking her arm around his.

Sawyer leaned toward her. “Let’s just have fun. That’s what this entire getaway is about, right?”

“Yeah!” Nia tugged on Sawyer’s arm until he took a step forward, making Morgan have to take a step as well.

Too soon they were at Austin’s front door.

“I want to ring the bell!” Nia reached her arm up, but of course she was too short to reach. “Daddy, help me.” She looked back at him then added, “Please.”

“Of course.” He lifted her and she pressed the doorbell button. Sawyer set Nia back on her feet as the chimes sounded.

“Ohh, that’s pretty.” Nia clapped, dancing around the front porch.

“She finds joy in everything, doesn’t she?” Morgan envied the kid. “If only adulting offered that much joy.”

“Doesn’t it though?” Sawyer asked. “I’m feeling rather joyful though I can’t play hockey.” He frowned for a moment. “There’s a sentence I never thought I’d say without being at gunpoint or something.”

“Nia is rubbing off on you,” Morgan said.

“No doubt. Being around her makes everything awesome.” Sawyer glanced at Nia who still danced around though the doorbell chimes had ended. When he looked back at Morgan, he tugged on her hair. “But I think I could say the same about you.”

More squishiness flooded through Morgan. She leaned into him, but when the front door suddenly opened, she jumped back. She opened her mouth to greet Austin and make introductions, but Nia ran right up to her brother.

“Hi! My name is Nia!” she said excitedly. “What’s your name?”

Austin’s gaze traveled down to this pint-sized spitfire, a smile creasing his face. “Well, hello, Nia. I’m Austin.”

Nia pointed over her shoulder at Sawyer. “That’s my daddy. His name is Sawyer Lundin, and he plays hockey.”

“I see,” Austin said. “And what about this lady?” He gestured to Morgan. “Did you pick her up on the side of the road?”

Nia giggled. “No, silly! That’s your sister!” She walked past Austin right into the house.

“Well, she’s freaking adorable,” Austin said. “And I don’t like kids.” He extended his right hand to Sawyer then quickly shifted to his left hand after noticing the cast peeking from Sawyer’s jacket. “Nice to meet you even if you think hanging out with Morgan is a good idea.”