Page 33 of The Forever Game

A thrill whistles through me. It’s tender and sweet and protective. The idea of holding that little girl in my arms… shit, I’m gonna look after her with everything I’ve got. My little angel. I can’t wait to meet her.

It makes me want to ditch these guys and get home to my woman. I need to hold her, kiss her, celebrate my season with her. It’s so wrong that she couldn’t be here tonight.

Her day turned into such a shit show.

Pulling my phone out of my bag, I notice I missed a call from her and lift the phone to my ear. There’s a voice message waiting for me.

“Hey, babe.” She sniffs, her voice wobbling. “I just wanted to wish you well for the game. You’re probably already set, maybe even on the ice right now.” She squeaks and my eyebrows pucker, because fuck, she’s crying. “I really wanted to be there to support you, but my day has just gone from bad to worse. I don’t want to burden you with it, but I’d like to resign from parenting, please. I’m handing in my notice.” I snicker and shake my head. “And if you could please whisk me away to some tropical island where all I have to think about is what cocktail to order while I lounge on a chair and not have to answer questions or clean up poop or get yelled at…” She sucks in a breath, her voice going squeaky again. “That’d be great.”

And her tears start in earnest. She blubbers a goodbye, and then I hear Billy shouting something before the line goes dead.

My heart squeezes into a painful ball as I immediately call her back… although she would have left this message a few hours ago. Hopefully by now the boys are in bed, asleep, and she’s feeling a little better, but still… I wasn’t there for her when she needed me.

Fuck.

I’m so glad the season’s over.

She doesn’t answer the call, and as much as I want to hang with my friends, I need to get home to my wife.

“Guys, I gotta bail,” I tell them before we even reach the restaurant we planned on hanging in.

They all spin to face me.

“Everything okay?” Baxter asks, while Kai’s little face drops with disappointment. I feel kind of bad about that, but…

“Yeah.” I hold up my phone with a frown. “Sounds like Caroline’s had a shitty day, so I’m gonna… go.” My words slow as I notice Rachel’s expression pinch, her skin paling as she glances to the ground.

Liam pulls her close, murmuring something against her ear before kissing her, then flashing me a closed-mouth smile, which I don’t believe.

What the fuck is going on?

I nearly ask him, but I want to get home, so I do a quick round of goodbyes and run for my truck. Shit, it’s going to be a fucking morose “party” for those guys tonight. With Ethan’s foul mood and whatever the hell is bothering Rachel and Liam… all I can say is poor Baxter and Kai.

My insides skitter as I wonder what awaits me.

I call again, but Caroline’s still not answering. It makes me drive a little faster, and I’m soon turning onto our street. The lights are off downstairs, which means everyone is settled for the night. Maybe she’s not answering my calls because she’s asleep. If it’s been a crap-fest of a day, Caroline might have hit the pillow as soon as the boys were down. As much as she wants to resign her position as mother, I know she never would. She only says shit like that to me in jest and on the really tough days.

Shit. It’s been a long season for her this year. Pregnancy is hard enough on the body without having to look after two energetic toddlers. I’m glad I’m going to be around more to support her.

Closing the front door as quietly as I can, I dump my stuff, then flick off the porch light she always leaves on for me and make my way upstairs. Fezzik meets me at the top of the stairs, his tail wagging.

“Hey, buddy.” I pet his head, then lead him back into the boys’ room.

He jumps onto the end of Billy’s bed—his favorite spot—curling into a little ball at his feet. I creep in, the night-light casting a soft glow across my kids’ faces. They’re both out for the count, Billy starfishing it while Troy is curled on his side, hugging his blanket and looking damn adorable.

I lightly brush my fingers over his strawberry blond curls, then give Billy a little peck on the forehead before sneaking out to find my wife.

Steam is billowing out from our en suite bathroom, and I now know why she wasn’t answering my calls. It was shower time, and she must have had a nice, long one. Good. I hope it’s relaxed her a bit.

Padding across the room, I gently push the door open and find her wrapped in a towel that’s barely covering her perfect ass. I can see the round curve of her cheek as she bends over. Her leg is perched on the edge of the bathtub while she awkwardly tries to shave her legs. Her big belly keeps getting in the way, and she tuts, adjusting herself and trying to reach a spot by her ankle.

“Hey, sexy.” My voice is a husky rumble, and she glances over her shoulder. Her red hair is up in a messy top knot, curls splashing down around her face, and I swear she’s never looked more beautiful.

“Hey, you.”

“Need a hand?”

She grunts, and I’m sure she’s about to refuse me, but then she holds out the razor. “Can you just check if I’ve missed any spots?”

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