Page 39 of Baller's Surprise Baby

He lowers his face until his nose touches mine in an Eskimo kiss.

“What were you right about?”

“There was no getting away from you.”

He snorts a laugh, and I’m fairly certain his cheeks turn a light shade of pink as he grins at me.

“You’re one to talk,” he teases right back. “You’ve been haunting all my dreams for months. If anything, there’s no getting away from you.”

“Hmmm...” I bring my hands up to his face and hold him close. “Then I suppose I may as well tell you that I’m in love with you, and I’m all yours.” The joy that spreads across his face is unlike anything I’ve seen before. For a moment we stare at each other with grins creasing our cheeks, and then suddenly he grabs me under the arms and swings me up in the air with a whoop.

I gasp with laughter as he saunters around the yard, holding me aloft for several steps before lowering me into strong arms and kissing me like a man given a new lease on life. When he asks if he can touch my tummy, I place his hand to my baby bump and revel in the awe he emits as he sinks down to his knees and raises eyes full of wonder up to me.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be a father.” I stare at him in my own state of wonder as I realize that for the very first time, I feel excited about being a mother, and it’s all because of him.

Epilogue

Ryder

The elevator dings and I step softly into the penthouse, grateful for a little warmth. Outside, December winds sweep the streets, and after tonight’s game I count myself lucky I still have the energy to make my way home safely, much less generate extra body heat.

Slipping off my coat and shoes, I pad past the dining area into a room looking something akin to a holiday magazine. Christmas jazz is playing while the gas fireplace illuminates a mantel decorated with stockings, candles, and an evergreen garland. Everywhere I look there are touches of Christmas—twinkly lights, holiday pillows, and a massive tree.

As much as I love the holiday upgrade to my penthouse, my attention is caught on the pack-and-play sitting squarely in the middle of the plush carpet in the center of the room. Peeking my head over the little walls, I find a swaddled bundle with eyes scrunched shut, emitting soft little baby breaths. I stare for several seconds, torn between wanting to pick her up and not wanting to wake her.

“Hey, I didn’t hear you come in.” Everly’s soft exclamation captures my attention as she steps out from behind the massive tree just a few feet away. I can see boxes of ribbons and lights spread around the base where she has clearly been at work. I straighten up to kiss her and then loop an arm around her waist so I can drag her with me as I plop down onto the couch.

“I saw the game on TV. How are you and the guys?” Everly asks. We chat for a few minutes as I fill her in before asking about her day.

“How are my girls doing?” I ask. She smiles at me as she rubs a hand up and down my pec.

“We’re doing great! I got more follow up on job offers today.”

“Yeah? Something interesting in there?”

“Well…,” she drags out the word with a smile. “ABC has been treating me well, but the documentary on the Mavs and the accompanying journal articles aired last month, and you know I’ve had a few offers come out of that. But today was the offer, Ryder. This is the one.”

Her voice is full of excitement and I push myself up from my half-reclining position so I can see her better. I can tell she’s ready to burst with news.

“What is it?”

“It’s ESPN. ESPN!!!! They want me to do photography for their online articles!” Everly’s squeal startles the baby and for a half second, and we freeze while we watch little Alaina make a sound somewhere between a coo and a squeak. A second later she seems to go right back to sleep, and I grab Everly’s hands while we both spring up to jump up and down in our own version of a victory dance.

I lean in close when I whisper to her, “Everly, this is incredible! You’re so amazing, baby! You deserve this!“ She launches herself at me with a huge kiss and then pulls away to tell me more about the job until her eyes grow serious.

“So, what do you think?”

I know exactly what she’s asking. These jobs require travel. Babygirl is only four months old, and Curves has been able to stay with her most of this time.

“Ev, you love your job. You’re very talented, and you’ve always given me one hundred percent support, even though my schedule is insane. So, I’m going to do whatever you and little Alaina need, okay?”

She smiles softly at me, and I pull her in for another kiss before adding, “I’ll pay for any nanny you want, any daycare… hell, we can have your Aunt Sharon move in with us if that’s what works, or we can buy a place next to my parents. You just tell me what you need, and we’ll work it out.”

Everly’s eyes tear up for a second, and she wraps her arms around my neck with a grateful whisper.

“Thank you!”

I hold her to me for a few seconds just savoring the feel of her, loving her touch, and when we inch back again, I plant my lips on her and show her everything I feel before adding, “You know I just said that to get you into bed, right?”

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