Page 152 of Before I Loved You

No pressure, but if you win, I’ll let you do whatever you want tonight…

I smirk, knowing the trap she just set for herself.

Paul

Anything?

Sarah

Whatever you want, big guy.

Paul

Looking forward to a Star Wars marathon.

I laugh, wiping the chalk dust from my phone, and then shut it off. Turning toward the door, I leave the locker room and head down the hallway into the arena. The place is packed with overzealous fans tonight, more so than usual, as we get closer and closer to the finals, aka March Madness. A buzzing energy in the air takes over me as I step onto the court, catching a basketball from my teammate nearby, and begin to dribble casually, glancing around the gym as I search for my favorite pair of eyes.

Relief fills me as I lock eyes with Sarah.

My green-eyed goddess is front and center, sitting beside my mom, waving at me as her eyes catch mine. Her whole goddamn beautiful face lights up in a smile so big that it produces one on my own. But it’s the sight of that stunning baby bump beneath my jersey that makes my chest tighten.

Damn, she looks good in my jersey.

Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to be sure I’m not dreaming. To be sure that this girl in front of me, having my baby, is the girl I will spend the rest of my life with.

And knowing that we’re having a beautiful baby girl, who I’m hoping is blessed with her mamma’s eyes, spreads a tender warmth through my chest.

I jog over to them, dribbling in between my legs. A giant smile tugs at my lips at the sight of the two of them together, and I make a mental note to ask the team photographer to try to get a picture of them at some point tonight.

“Show-off,” Sarah murmurs as I approach, watching me gracefully handle the ball like I was born with it in my hands.

“He gets that from his father,” Mom tosses out, laughing.

“Hey.” I hold my hand up, examining my fingers, looking right at Sarah when I say, “I thought you said you loved what my hands can do?”

The blush that spreads over Sarah’s face is priceless.

“Paul!” She covers her face in embarrassment, and I enjoy seeing that pretty pink shade that covers her cheeks.

“What?” I feign innocence. “It’s not like my mom doesn’t know we’ve had sex. I mean, you are preg—”

“I’m begging you to please stop talking!” Her hands fly down to the tops of her thighs as she stomps her foot.

She’s so adorable when she’s embarrassed.

I chuckle. “Anything you say, baby girl.”

My mom laughs, watching the two of us. “I’m so glad to have another girl in the family.” She places her arm over Sarah’s shoulder. “Not to mention, another one will be joining us soon enough.” She bends toward Sarah’s slightly protruding stomach. “We girls have to stick together,” my mom whisper-yells as though the baby can hear her.

“Paul!” I look over my shoulder, finding Glen calling me to the team huddled together.

“That’s my cue to get my ass over there. I’ll see you guys after the game.” Leaning down, I kiss Sarah.

“Good luck,” she whispers.

“I don’t need luck.” I shake my head. “I only need you.”

Jogging over to the team, I find every set of eyes on me, ready for tonight’s speech.

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