Page 120 of How to Score Off Field

“Why are you asking me? You’re the one who’s pregnant and going through it. All I have to deal with is trolls and my family. You have…the physical side of it.”

“So is that like, a four?” She laughs.

“More like a five, but sure. Or a six. What about you?”

“Twelve.” She laughs again, her head resting on the pillow and her hand resting on her stomach.

"Tess," I start, my voice a whisper, "I know this is going to sound weird, but can I...touch your, you know—bump?"

Tess looks up, surprise and uncertainty flickering in her eyes before a warm smile graces her lips.

"Yes, of course. I mean, it’s your baby too."

Maybe, but it’s not my body, and I’m terrified to touch her.

But her permission is all I need as I settle myself, and my eyes locked onto her stomach. Whoa—a tiny life growing within her, and I reach out, my fingers hovering over her belly for a moment before making contact with her tee shirt.

Awe and wonder course through me.

I feel the warmth of her body beneath my fingertips, the soft curve of her belly beneath my touch. This is wild; a connection unlike anything I've ever experienced, a tangible reminder of the life blossoming inside her.

Her and me.

Crazy.

Unbelievable.

Unexpected.

Scary as fuck.

Tess's breath catches when my hand makes contact, and I glance up to meet her gaze. Her eyes shine with a mix of emotions—vulnerability, gratitude, and something more I can't quite define. It's as if this simple touch has opened a door, allowing us to share in this intimate moment together.

Here I go overthinking things.

One step at a time, bro.

"It's amazing," I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. "I can’t wrap my brain around it, honestly. Can you feel it kick?"

“Uh, no, it’s way too soon for that. And I don’t know if I’m out of the woods yet. It’s pretty early, you know?”

“Not out of the woods? What does that mean?”

She shifts awkwardly.

My hand is still on her stomach.

“You know we’re not in the safe zone yet.”

“What’s the safe zone?”

She giggles. “I thought if I used a football reference, you’d get it.”

“I don’t get it.” I laugh, moving my hand in small circles over her belly, if not for the sake of simply touching her.

“Safe zone is usually twelve weeks.”

“What happens at twelve weeks?”

---