Page 16 of Champion

The crowd claps as Champ finishes his speech. My heart swells with so much love for him as he formally opens the doors to the new gym to let people come in and have a look. He has put so much effort into making sure that the new location of the gym will serve the community and not just boxers.

“You were wonderful, Champ,” I say, giving him a kiss and a big hug.

He hugs me back and smiles. “I'll be spending a lot of time at this location, I'll have you know.”

He winks at me and I grin back at him. I lace my fingers through his and hold his hand as we watch the crowd.

I know he's going to be here to get the new gym up and running. He’s already been spending so much time at my place that I've already given him a few drawers of my dresser for all of his things.

“As much as I'd love to stay here with you, my dear Opal, I need to go talk to the crowd first.”

“Go and do your thing,” I tell him, squeezing his hand. “I totally understand. I'll be here for you when you're back.”

I look at the crowd, pleased that so many people have shown up for the opening today. I even saw my brothers, which makes me happy. Doyle still isn't quite on board with me being involved with Champ. But I've told him that Champ is my boyfriend and he better get used to it. We all had an awkward dinner a couple of weeks ago, but we made it through without any fistfights or yelling. I consider that a win.

I pull my jacket around me and walk over to where Beth and Dirk are standing under a tree.

“Hey, you two,” I say, pulling Beth into a hug. “How are you guys doing?”

“We're doing great, thanks,” Dirk says. “But Beth here has some news.”

“Are you sure, Dirk?” she asks, looking at him, uncertainty and excitement in her eyes.

“Maybe we should get your brother over here too.”

When Beth nods, Dirk makes his way to where Champ is standing and talking with a few people.

I raise my eyebrow at Beth. “What's the secret?”

“I'll tell you now, but you have to act surprised when Dirk comes back and we tell my brother. Champ will be mad if he thinks that he wasn't the first to know.” She giggles and threads her arm through mine.

“Okay,” I say. “What's going on?”

Beth smiles, and her whole face glows with happiness. She puts her hand to her stomach and looks down.

“Oh, my god! Do you mean…?” I ask, my voice raising a couple of octaves.

“I do,” she exclaims. “We’re having a baby!”

“I'm so happy for you, Beth. You and Dirk are going to be amazing parents.”I wrap my arms around Beth and hug her tightly, bursting with happiness for her.

“I'm really excited but also terrified. Everything is so perfect with our life that this almost seems like too much perfection.”

“Enjoy it,” I tell her. “You deserve all the happiness and I am so thrilled that everything is going so well for you two.”

“Oh, here they come. Prepare to act surprised.” She giggles.

“What's going on, sis? Dirk came over and grabbed me and said it was urgent that I come over and talk with you.”

“Well,” she says, “we have some news. I'm pregnant!”

As instructed, I squeal with happiness all over again while Champ shakes Dirk's hand and pulls him into a hug. I hear him muttering something to Dirk that sounds a lot like, “You better take good care of her or you'll answer to me.”

“I heard that, Champ,” Beth admonishes. “He’ll answer to me and you know it.”

“If you say so,” Champ says, but he laughs. He pulls Beth into his arms and I can see his eyes glisten with tears that I know he won't let fall.

“I'm really happy for you, Beth. Anything you need, anything at all. And it's yours. The same for you, Dirk. You’re family. And whatever you need, I'll make sure you have it.”

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