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Tending Tara (Alaska Blizzard Book 8)

Page 15

by Kat Mizera


  “I sowed some oats after the divorce,” he admitted, “but always with condoms, and not that many.”

  “Then I’m comfortable.”

  “Me too.” He kissed the top of her head. “Wanna go again?”

  “Is that a serious question?”

  24

  Christmas was going to be here in no time, and Tara was struggling with what to buy Donovan. Dani thought she should get him tickets for something they could do together and after thinking about it, she went online and bought two tickets to see one of the most popular shows on Broadway right now. There was a chance it wouldn’t happen because his hockey schedule was fairly rigid, but she’d studied it carefully and asked Miikka what he thought, and he’d given her his best guess on a time Donovan might potentially be able to get away for a few hours while on that trip. It was another long one but since they’d discussed her joining him in New York, she felt fairly comfortable buying the tickets.

  It was a somewhat impersonal gift, though, and she wanted to buy him something else, but the tickets had depleted most of her money and it felt weird using his money to pay for his own gift. Married couples did it all the time, of course, but they weren’t married in that sense. This was still a business arrangement of sorts, despite their growing intimacy. She still made money under the table working for Gage and Laurel, Kane and Hailey, and Sergei and Dani, but though her tourist visa had been extended thanks to the NHL’s involvement, it wasn’t a green card and she still couldn’t legally work.

  Donovan had told her to spend whatever she needed or wanted, but it was hard for her. Everything about this was difficult right now. More than anything, she was struggling with their relationship because she was falling for him. Hard and fast and without hesitation, no matter how many times she reminded herself that she had no idea where this was going. He’d commented more than once that it was too soon for him to get emotionally invested, which worried her, but it was too late on her end. She might be tough and independent on the outside, but she’d always wanted someone to love her, take care of her emotionally. That was probably why she’d stayed with Saku much longer than she should have. Working and playing hockey and all of that was great, but having someone to come home to, to share your life with, that was part of what made life worth living.

  She’d tried to convince herself that you didn’t need a soulmate, that a partner and lover was enough, because she’d never gotten what she needed from Saku, but Donovan wasn’t Saku. Donovan was…everything. She’d become addicted to his laugh, the timbre of his voice, and fuck, when he touched her? All bets were off. He’d been so attentive and romantic the last few days since he’d come home from that road trip, it was truly like being on some kind of honeymoon.

  This morning she had a hockey game, and even though he had practice at eleven, Donovan was up with her, making them one of his protein drinks and planning to watch her play and then hang out at the arena until his own practice started. Miikka was coming, too, which made her feel warm and happy inside, because the Saturday games were for fun and didn’t matter beyond exercise, but having her family there, which included Donovan, was nice. Her mother had even said she’d like to see her play if they had any games while she was in town.

  “What’s for dinner?” Donovan asked as he poured their protein shakes into glasses, peering at the meat she’d pulled out to defrost.

  “A Finnish dish called Lihapullat.”

  “What is it?”

  “Meatballs seasoned with bread, eggs, and onions, along with some spices. I’ll make a light brown sauce to go with it, and mashed potatoes and some vegetables. Do you have a preference of vegetable?”

  “Only one I really don’t like is spinach. I eat everything else.”

  “Maybe carrots?”

  “Sure.” He smiled. “The meatballs sound yummy. Are they like Swedish meatballs? Or at least what we call Swedish meatballs in the U.S.?”

  “It’s similar, yes.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “I don’t know what to make for Christmas,” she said as they drank their shakes sitting at the island.

  “We’re invited to Gage’s on Christmas Day, which is usually a big deal. Do you think your parents will want to go?”

  “We’ll have to ask them. It’s odd this year, because usually we all either stay with Miikka or at a hotel and we just hang out together. Now we have to juggle my family, your family, Leon—who’s going to be so excited to hang out with another hockey player—and it’s a lot to manage.”

  “My parents are pretty mellow,” he said. “The only thing they’ll want to do while they’re here is spend time with us and watch me play hockey. The rest of the time they’ll just want to hang out.”

  “My parents have Leon,” Tara said thoughtfully. “He’s very energetic at his age, so they can’t just hang out at home, but he mostly wants to be with Miikka. He usually brings him to practice once or twice and if I play, he’ll want to come.”

  “Are your parents staying with Miikka and Charli?”

  “Yes. Leon refused to stay at a hotel, said he wanted to be close to Miikka, so my parents will stay there, too.”

  “My parents are going to stay here, so why don’t we have everyone over here on Christmas Eve and we can talk to everyone about Christmas Day?”

  “Sounds good.” Tara nodded.

  Tara’s parents arrived the following day and she picked them up at the airport since both Miikka and Donovan had practice. Miikka had driven Donovan and they were all meeting up at Miikka and Charli’s house for a late lunch or early dinner, once the guys were done with hockey for the day.

  Leon spotted Tara first and broke away from his parents, running to greet her. Though he was a little awed by his older brother and missed him more because Miikka hadn’t lived at home since Leon was born, Tara had helped raise him so they were close.

  “How’s my favorite baby brother?” she asked, hugging him.

  “I’m not a baby!” he protested, grinning up at her.

  “Hello!” Her parents were right behind him, hugging her tightly.

  “Welcome to Anchorage,” she said, heading toward baggage claim. “Do you have a lot of luggage?”

  Her mother grinned. “We do. Three large suitcases, one small, and our carry-ons.”

  “Good thing Charli didn’t come,” Tara responded. “We were afraid we wouldn’t all fit.”

  “Can we go see Miikka practice?” Leon asked in Finnish.

  “No, it’s almost over. And speak English now. You’re in America and it’s good practice for you.”

  Leon made a face but nodded. “Okay.”

  They chatted amiably on the drive to Miikka and Charli’s house, catching Tara up on all the news from home.

  “Jaana had a little girl,” her mother told her. “They named her—”

  “Aiti, I honestly don’t care,” Tara said, gently interrupting. “She and Saku both cheated, and I have no interest in anything they do.”

  “He got a job on a fishing boat,” her father said in his droll, quiet voice. “So he’s not at home for weeks at a time now.”

  Tara couldn’t help it; she snickered. “How convenient for him. Now that there’s a baby he’d rather do anything than be a father—even work.”

  “I thought you’d appreciate that.” He was sitting next to her in the front, and they grinned at each other.

  “Is Donovan Legori from the Blizzard your boyfriend now?” Leon asked, switching back to Finnish since their parents were. He prided himself on knowing everything about the team, so he was all over this development.

  “Aiti and Iskä can speak Finnish because they already know how to speak English,” she told him. “You have to practice.”

  “Fine.” He said the word in English.

  “Yes, Donovan is my boyfriend now.” Even though her parents knew she and Donovan were married, they hadn’t told Leon because he couldn’t be trusted with a secret.

  “Does he speak Finn
ish?”

  “Not yet, but I’m going to teach him a little.”

  “When is Miikka coming?”

  “Soon.”

  Leon asked non-stop questions even though he’d been to Anchorage more than once, and there was a lot more hugging and talking once they got to Miikka and Charli’s house.

  Tara went into the kitchen with Charli as her parents got themselves and Leon settled in the two guest rooms upstairs.

  “What can I do?” Tara asked her since Charli was cooking.

  “Nothing. I baked two apple pies this morning and the meatloaf is in the oven. I’ve already boiled potatoes for the mashed potatoes and I’m steaming the broccoli. I’ll make the gravy for the meatloaf once it’s done, but that’s it.”

  “You’re very efficient.”

  “I love to cook since we renovated the kitchen. And now Miikka wants a bigger house so we’re going to start looking.”

  “I’ve been enjoying cooking in a big kitchen like Donovan’s,” Tara said. “By the way, are you okay with having Christmas Eve at our house and then Christmas Day at Gage and Laurel’s? Donovan said that’s the plan.”

  “Absolutely. Honestly, I’m a little queasy all day long and it’ll be nice not to worry about dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.”

  “I’m happy to take on some of the holiday stress,” Tara said. “Do you need to sit down or anything?”

  Charli shook her head, smiling. “I’m fine. Just a little tired and queasy. Nothing I can’t handle.”

  “I’m so excited to be an auntie,” Tara said, hugging her.

  “Not as excited as Miikka is to be a dad,” Charli said softly.

  “Yes, he loves children. I’m very happy for you both.”

  “What about you? I don’t mean now, but do you want kids?”

  “I do.”

  “Does Donovan?”

  Tara grimaced. “You know, I have no idea. We’ve never talked about it.”

  “They’re here!” Leon’s shout reverberated through the house and then the front door slammed.

  “I’m guessing the guys are home,” Charli said, laughing.

  Tara wiped her hands and quickly walked out to the living room. Her parents had come downstairs, and there was another round of hugging and kissing as they greeted Miikka. Donovan had hung back a little, but Tara reached for his hand, pulling him forward.

  “Mom. Dad. This is Donovan Legori.” It was odd calling them Mom and Dad instead of Aiti and Iskä, but she wanted Donovan to be comfortable.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Laassonen.” Donovan shook her father’s hand and hugged her mother. “It’s very nice to meet you. Tara and Miikka talk about you all the time.”

  “We’ve heard much about you also,” Aiti said, her eyes twinkling with what could only be called amusement.

  Tara nearly groaned, knowing her mother’s penchant for mischief. She was bound to say something embarrassing, and Tara really wished she wouldn’t.

  “Dinner’s almost ready,” Charli called out. “What if everyone got a plate and we ate here in the living room? There just isn’t enough room in the kitchen.”

  “I’ll help.” Aiti moved toward her and Tara followed, glancing over her shoulder at Donovan. She hated to leave him with her father this soon, but what choice did she have? Hopefully, he wouldn’t grill him too much.

  25

  It had been a long time since Donovan had met the parents of a woman he’d been serious about. He’d been nineteen when he’d met Jane’s family, and it had been different then because they weren’t serious yet and it was still mostly a fun, teenage romance. By the time things had gotten serious, he was part of the family and it hadn’t been a thing.

  Luckily, Leon had no intention of letting the adults have a conversation that didn’t include him.

  “I like to watch you play,” he announced to Donovan. “But Aaron plays more. Why don’t you play more?”

  Miikka playfully cuffed his brother on the back of the head. “Be polite. You know we have no say over the decisions the coaches make.”

  “It’s okay,” Donovan said easily. This, at least, was a subject he was comfortable with since journalists had asked a slightly more polite version of that question for a few years now. He looked down at Leon. “I’m the back-up goalie because Aaron is older and more experienced. Soon, it will be my turn to be a starter, but for now, this is how we learn and grow as hockey players.”

  Leon nodded. “Okay. This, I understand. But will Aaron come back soon?”

  “I don’t know. That’s up to the doctors.”

  “I think I prefer to be a forward like Miikka. I play right wing…” He seemed to be struggling with English and switched over to Finnish, speaking animatedly, hands in the air as he continued whatever he was saying.

  Miikka laughed and shook his head. “He wants to know if you’ve ever played forward.”

  “I have,” Donovan said. “In fact, I was a forward—a center—until I was thirteen. Then I switched to goalie by accident, when someone was hurt during a game, and I loved it.”

  Leon continued asking questions, in both English and Finnish, until Charli called out that dinner was ready. Everyone moved into the kitchen to get a plate and Donovan stayed in the back of the room, his eyes following Tara as she talked and laughed with her family. He hoped his parents would like her even half as much as he did.

  “Sorry about that,” Miikka murmured to Donovan under his breath. “He gets a little excited.”

  “It’s okay. He’s just a kid.”

  “When do your parents arrive?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “On a game day,” Miikka nodded. “Will they come to see you play?”

  “They’re supposed to land around two forty-five in the afternoon, so unless there’s a delay, that’s the plan.”

  “Will you pick them up?”

  “Unless they’re delayed, yeah, Tara and I will go together. If it gets late, I’ll send a car service or something. I think Tara would be uncomfortable picking them up on her own.”

  Miikka nodded. “I think it’s going to be nice to have all the families together for the holidays. Charli’s been estranged from her family for so long, she’s usually alone at the holidays, so this year I want to make it special. Our first Christmas together, our first Christmas married, and our first Christmas with my family.”

  “I thought things were better?” Donovan asked.

  “Better, yes, but her father didn’t want to leave his congregation at Christmas, so maybe they’ll come later.”

  “Like when the baby comes?”

  Miikka gave a slight half-shrug. “Maybe. Only if Charli wants them to come. When it’s time for the baby, I want her to be relaxed and often she doesn’t relax with her mother.”

  Donovan glanced over at where Tara and her mother were giggling over something. “I don’t think that’s the case with Tara.”

  Miikka’s lips turned up as he followed Donovan’s gaze. “No. They are very close. We all are.” He turned to Donovan curiously. “Are you close with your parents?”

  “Yeah, but not like you guys. I see mine about three times a year. Once at Christmas, for a week or so during the summer, and then when we play in Detroit. We only talk on the phone once a month, sometimes six weeks… It’s not that anything is wrong, but I left for boarding school at fifteen. I barely remember living at home, you know?”

  “Me too,” Miikka said, “but I love having my family around.”

  “I also got married at twenty-one, so I kind of got sucked into her family, which I regret now, because she didn’t like my family that much.”

  “This won’t happen with Tara. Your family will love her, and she will love them.” He paused. “Are they nice? I think I’ve only met your dad on the Dad’s Trip.”

  Donovan nodded quickly. “No, they’re great. Just not quite as friendly as yours, but they’re good people. They’ll like her.”

  “Good. Because we’re all family now.”


  Donovan glanced at him, and the two men exchanged a long look. Miikka was subtly trying to tell him something, but before Donovan could figure it out, they were being summoned.

  “Come on and eat, you two!” Charli called out, her eyes meeting Miikka’s.

  “Coming, my love.” He ambled in her direction and Donovan followed, eyes glued on his beautiful wife.

  Damn, she was pretty. When she laughed it lit up the whole room, and when she turned to him with those stormy eyes of hers, he was drawn to her as if by magic. Her lightly kissed her lips, settling one hand on her waist as he drew her close and lightly kissed her.

  “What was that for?” she asked.

  “Because I love seeing you smile.”

  “I’m almost always smiling.”

  “I noticed. It’s one of many things I love about you.”

  They didn’t stay late since Tara’s family was exhausted after such a long trip and they were all going to see each other the following day for the game anyway.

  “My mother likes you,” Tara said on the drive home.

  “Leon, not so much,” he responded with a chuckle. “He wants to know why I’m not the starting goalie.”

  She laughed. “He has no filter, that child. And don’t worry, he’s completely in awe. He just doesn’t know how to show it, so he acts cocky to hide his nervousness. He thinks you’re amazing.”

  “Well, that’s good to know.”

  “Do you think you could autograph one of your sticks to give him for Christmas?”

  “Of course.” Donovan nodded. “I wasn’t sure he’d want one.”

  “Puck, stick, anything but the jersey because he’ll only wear Miikka’s.”

  “That’s totally understandable.”

  “And tomorrow we have your parents arriving. The cleaning service came today and cleaned the house top to bottom, plus put clean bedding in the guest room. I’ve done grocery shopping, but I wasn’t sure what your family will eat, or what I’m making for Christmas Eve. There will be nine of us, right?”

 

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