Page 316 of Vegas Heat

“Are you going to answer it?” he asks.

“Do I have to?”

He shakes his head. “You don’t have to do a damn thing you don’t want to do.”

“I have to face her eventually,” I murmur, and with that, I pick up the call. “Hey Mom.”

I don’t get a hello back. I get a heavy sigh. “It’s a sad, sad day when a mother discovers her daughter is engaged from a news story rather than from her daughter.”

Yeah, it is sad. It’s sad that she’s the kind of person I don’t bother sharing my news with anymore.

I don’t say that. Instead, I say, “I’m so sorry. It’s been a whirlwind and he did it in public so news broke fast.”

It’s not like I haven’t had time to call her…but I honestly didn’t think to. She was less than warm to him when she met him, and I’m not entirely sure I’m even inviting her to the wedding, whenever we decide to have it.

“Do you have any other news to share?” she asks.

“I got a job,” I say proudly.

“At the stadium?”

“Yep. I’m the new social media manager for the Vegas Heat.” My words are strong and proud as I sit up a little straighter.

“That’s great. Did your dad get you that?”

I hear Cooper mutter a curse word beside me, but she’s not the only person who will be wondering that same thing. “Nope. I got it all on my own, but thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“It’s not that. Don’t be so dramatic. I’m sure you’re perfectly capable. It’s just that since he’s the manager and part owner of the team, it would lead one to speculate—”

“Please don’t finish that sentence,” I say, interrupting her. “I worked hard to get where I am.” I keep my tone even but firm.

“Of course you did. You know, when I was your age, I had to give up my career because I was pregnant with you.” She sniffs a little, as if the damage of that still haunts her all these years later, and maybe it does. But you know what? It’s not my fault, and it’s not my problem.

“That’s so interesting because the organization I work for actually hired me an assistant who can fill in for me when I’m on maternity leave, and then I can slide right back into my position once I’m ready and able. And I have lots of daycare options, too.”

“Well, money will do that for anybody, I suppose,” she mutters, and I wait a beat for her to connect the dots. “Wait a minute. Are you saying you’re pregnant?”

And there it is.

“I am saying that,” I confirm.

She’s quiet on the other end of the line.

Imagine that.

My mother: speechless.

I never thought I’d see the day.

“Are you happy?” she asks softly.

“Happier than I ever imagined I could be,” I say.

“Congratulations, then. I guess you turned out better than I ever could have hoped you would.”

I’ll take that as a win.

I hang up with her, and Cooper leans over and kisses my cheek. “What’s that for?” I ask.

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