Page 131 of Through the Storm

The noise. The board. The game.

“I’m coming.” I’m already moving.

There’s a pause.

“You sure?” he asks.

“I’m already gone.” I hang up and head to the door.

Coach looks up. “Davis. Where you going?”

“My girlfriend’s in labor. I’ve got to go,” I say. My voice is steady even though my hands aren’t. “Right now.”

He studies me for half a second, then nods once. “Go.”

That’s it. No speech. No guilt trip. He didn’t even know I had a girlfriend.

My teammates all start clapping and yelling encouraging things.

I’m jogging down the tunnel when I hear someone yelling my name. “BEN!”

Rebecca.

She’s running towards me still in her Rose Bay U cheer uniform, phone in one hand, bag slung over her shoulder. “Ella called me! Katy’s in labor.”

“I know, they called me too. She asked for me.”

Her eyes go wide. “Oh my God.” Then she grins. “Okay. Let’s go, QB. I’m driving.”

We’re running now. By the time we hit the parking lot, she’s unlocking the car with one hand and pushing me into the passenger seat with the other.

“Seatbelt,” she snaps, then peels out like the world is ending.

I press my hands together, trying to breathe.

“You know she loves you, right?” Rebecca asks suddenly, eyes locked on the road.

I swallow hard. I know she does. She always has.

“She only broke up with you because she didn’t want to ruin you,” she continues. “So don’t you dare hesitate now.”

“I won’t.” My voice cracks. “I swear.”

Rebecca nods once. “Good. She needs you. The steady you. But also the funny you.”

The stadium lights fade behind us. And finally, after so many weeks, I don’t feel lost.

I’m heading exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Maybe Daddies Brigade

Ben

Game on, gentleman. She’s in labor. Declan will have my phone and keep you updated.

Ethan

Let’s go, Katy!