Page 92 of It's Always Us

I remember the text he sent me. “Uh yeah, but it was during dinner, and I haven’t opened it. What is it?”

He scratches his jaw. “It’s a new text-to-speech app. It’s supposed to be better than the current apps on the market. It’s more efficient and has new features. It can read documents and images, so if you take a picture of something, it will read it to you.”

I blink, staring at him. “You got that for me?”

“Yeah. I thought you could try it.” He suddenly sounds unsure. “It’s probably filled with bugs and isn’t foolproof just yet, but I thought it might help with the babies and . . . ”

My throat and eyes burn, and he must see it.

“Baby, you don’t have to use it if—”

“Thank you,” I swipe at my cheek and sniff, my chest aching with . . . how much it means to me that he would think of this. “I can’t wait to try it. That’s . . . Thank you for thinking of me. It’s amazing. How did you even find it?”

A gentle smile appears, and all I want is to wrap him up and never let go. “I’ve got connections.” His smile spreads a little wider. “But,” he leans out of the frame and then returns. “For now, I thought we could go through these together.” He holds up the stack of pamphlets from my doctor’s appointment that he apparently stuck in his bag when I wasn’t looking. “I want to know everything that’s happening.”

At one time, it was history books and classic literature. Now, the man is going to read prenatal pamphlets to me.

Another tear falls as he selects one and holds it up. “How about cord banking?” His eyebrows arch upward. “Sounds cool.”

I smile through my blurry visions. It doesn’t even matter how things turn out for us. I’m so damn lucky to be doing this with him.

Chapter 27

MARK

“You all right? You sure this is what you want?” Rob sits across from me, a cup of coffee halfway to his lips.

I roll my neck. “Yeah. I need a change.”

“Rumors are still circulating about the Kingsnakes being interested since Kenny is retiring. I’ve heard Packard isn’t working out in Seattle, so I’ll make some calls and see what I can find out. Houston’s a mess. They’re looking to make trades but have only a few draft picks to work with and flimsy management. I’m not recommending it, but it sounds like they’re being aggressive.”

I rub my forehead. “What do you think?”

Rob, my long-time agent, stares out the window at the pedestrians charging by. I know he isn’t happy I just pissed away a hell of a deal. Despite my healing shoulder, they offered a five-year contract, $200 million, with no franchise clause. It doesn’t get much better than that.

When Rob heard me say, thanks, but no thanks, I thought he was going to have a stroke right there at the full conference table, but he’s stuck with me so far. The management I’ve worked with over the past six years was speechless. They were even more stunned to find out I have a wife and twins on the way, but that information helped them understand my decision and wish me well in finding a new team.

Now, I have to find an organization willing to take me on with a half-healed shoulder and the reputation of walking away from an impressive offer.

Rob weighs his head from side to side. “We’ve got a hefty hill to climb. I’ll start knocking on doors and put some feelers out there. I need you to get fans invested and rooting for you. Next weekend, you need to be lighting up social media.”

“Lex will love that.”

“This is part of your life, man, and you’re good at it. She’ll get used to it. Nice tease, by the way. People are scouring the web, wanting to know anything and everything about your mystery woman. That post is creating a firestorm, and fans are going crazy.”

“I’ve seen. I need them in my corner, or I don’t have a chance.”

“Lay the charm on thick. Your fans only expect this kind of surprise from you, and they’re eating it up. Teams will pay attention. You add in some good content about how your arm is healing, showing you’re ready for next season. The calls will come. The question is, will the money be there?”

I hope he’s right. I’ve needed this game some days like I’ve needed air. I love it, and I’m not ready to walk away.

“I’ll do my part, but I need you to find me the best deal in a place where we can be a family.”

Rob nods. “I’ll do my best. You know I will.” He pushes his mug to the side. “Keep your head up. I may not have liked your decision, but I respect it. You’re going to be a fantastic father. That’s what makes a man. Not big deals.” He stands. “Congratulations again, buddy. Tell the same to your wife. I’m looking forward to meeting her and congratulating her myself.”

I stand and shake his hand. “Thanks. Sorry again for keeping you in the dark.”

He chuckles. “I expect nothing less.”

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