Page 60 of Slap Shot Surprise
And since he didn’t like sharing a bed, he’d probably still come out here and sleep on the couch, and I’d feel even worse about myself.
Just say good night and go to your room.
I was just putting a bottle of water on the coffee table when he entered the room. “Thanks for all this,” he said, dropping his bag on the rug. “I hope it’s not too much trouble.”
“No trouble at all,” I said. “Can I get you anything else?”
“I think I’m good.” He met my eyes. “I’m not going to wake you when I leave. It will be crazy early.”
“Okay.”
“And I’m not sure when I can get back up here once training camp starts.”
I was already shaking my head. “Don’t worry about it. I’m really glad you were able to come to the appointment today.”
“Me too.” His crooked grin appeared. “I had no idea what to expect, and I was scared shitless.”
“I could tell.” I laughed. “But you got through it.”
“I did. And I really appreciate you coming to my parents’ house with me. I know they appreciated it too.”
“Of course. Your dad didn’t even seem too mad about it.”
“I’ll probably get an earful once he gets me alone, but I guess that’s his prerogative as my dad.”
“He just wants to make sure you’re doing right by me and the baby,” I said. “And you are.”
He dropped his chin to his chest, rubbing the back of his neck. “Mabel, I know we didn’t ask for this. But I just want to say that if I have to go through this with someone, I’m glad it’s with you—if that makes sense.”
“It does. I had the same thought earlier. A lot of guys in your position would not have handled this the way you are. We’ll make a good team.”
“I hope this baby has your memory and your intelligence and that dimple in your smile.”
I laughed as heat rushed my face. “And I hope it has your athletic ability and your discipline and those eyelashes.”
He grinned, dropping his hand. “Think it’s a boy or a girl?”
“No idea.”
“Do you hope it’s one or the other?”
“No,” I said honestly. “Do you?”
He paused. “I’ll definitely be more nervous if it’s a girl.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. With a boy, I just feel like I’ll know better what to do. A girl seems so much more—I don’t know. Fragile. Am I an asshole for saying that? Fuck. I don’t mean to be sexist.” He looked so worried I had to laugh.
“You’re not an asshole. I want us to be able to be honest with each other. And you’d be a great girl dad, Joe. You have nothing to worry about either way.”
“Thanks.” He took a step toward me and tugged my arm. “Come here.”
I went into his embrace, and he held me tightly against his chest, his chin resting on the top of my head. Against my ear, I could hear his heartbeat, and it reminded me of the baby’s.
Our baby’s.
Closing my eyes, I let myself be swept away by the warmth of his body, the scent of his skin, the belief that he would be there for me, even if he didn’t love me.
