Page 312 of Vegas Heat

“He knows…” she trails off again.

“Wait, Kaylee knew?” Cooper asks. “And you didn’t tell me?”

“I just found out like two days ago!” she protests.

I giggle. “We work out together a few times a week and it was kind of obvious when I didn’t want to do kickboxing or rowing.”

“I’m a smart cookie. I put two and two together,” Kaylee says. “So how did this happen?”

“It’s a long story, one Gabby can share with you later since I need to get home to do brunch with my family before heading to the stadium. But yes, we’re back together, we’re having a baby, and Gabby is moving in with me.”

“And I’m keeping my room at my dad’s place so I have somewhere to go when Coop’s out of town and I’ve got the baby,” I add. “Do you think Kate could help us add a nursery section to my bedroom?”

“I’m sure Kate wouldloveto help,” Kaylee says. “Wow! I am so, so happy for the two of you.”

“We’re pretty damn happy, too,” Cooper says, reaching over to grab my hand.

“I love you guys. I just called to tell Coopster good luck on opening day. These football fans will be cheering loudly for you from home.”

“Thanks, Kay,” Cooper says. “And we love you, too.”

He ends the call, kisses me like he needs my mouth to survive, and we head toward the car to join his family for brunch.

CHAPTER 26: COOPER

The game doesn’t start until seven tonight, but the entire team has gathered in the clubhouse by one-thirty. Some guys got here earlier, but most of us showed up for the group stretches planned for two.

Getting here too much earlier than required usually means killing time or allowing nerves to kick in, though my poker buddies and I have a table set up in the clubhouse should the need arise for a quick card battle before game time since video games and poker are fairly traditional ways to pass the time before warm-ups.

We have batting practice where we each take turns hitting the ball or shagging in the outfield, but after spring training and the last several months, I’m ready for this. My body is ready for this. And, thanks to Gabby, my body and my mind are both relaxed.

We’re all ready for this.

After batting practice, we have some time to kill. I play a few hands with Danny and Rush. Nick is busy making sure everybody is healthy and ready to play, so AJ takes his spot.

Since it’s opening day and we’re in Vegas, the marketing team decided to book some surprise guests for our fans. Even we don’t know who they are—and I’m pretty sure Gabby doesn’t know, either, or she would’ve spilled it to me. Troy let us know they’d be coming through the clubhouse on their arrival to hang out and chill before they take the stage for their performances.

A little after four as I’m deep into another hand of poker, the door to the clubhouse opens and a woman walks in. Behind her are the four members of the band Vail, all easily recognizable because they’re international superstars. I’m fairly sure theyhave a residency here in Vegas now, but I’ve been a little busy since I moved here and haven’t had the chance to check out the local entertainment. Maybe in eight months when the season is over, Gabby and I can check it out. Or maybe we’ll just want to stay home, sit in front of the fireplace with a movie playing in the background, and stare at the little life we created.

Perhaps we’ll find time for both, though I tend to think I’m going to want the latter above pretty much anything else. I set my cards down without finishing my hand and lift to a stand to introduce myself to the band.

“Cooper Noah,” I say, and I walk up to the lead singer, Mark Ashton. I stick my hand out and he shakes mine.

“Cooper Noah,” he echoes. “Man, I know who you are.” He shakes his head. “Always beating up on my poor Cubbies back when you were a Dodger. You’re here now?”

I nod. “First game in three years after an elbow injury.”

“I remember that,” he says. “Glad to see you’re playing again. I’m Mark, by the way.” He nods toward his bandmates. “Ethan, James, Steve, and that feisty lady is our manager, Vic. Everyone, this is Cooper and he’s a beast on third.”

I hold up a modest hand. “I don’t know about that, but it’s nice to meet you all.” I nod at James. “And great to see you again.” We played golf together not so long ago, and it makes sense that they’re here given that James and Troy are colleagues.

“Haven’t seen you by the club,” James says quietly to me.

I chuckle. “Yeah, that’s not likely.” He looks offended for a beat before I follow it up with, “I’m with Troy’s daughter.”

He makes an exaggeratedOwith his mouth before he laughs. “Probably best to stay away.”

I laugh, too, and then I get back to my poker game while the band members walk around the clubhouse as they introduce themselves to the players and wish us luck on our opening day. I wonder who else might show up to perform.

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