Page 121 of How to Score Off Field

“You have less of a chance for, a. Uh. You know. Miscarriage.”

Oh.

“Shit.” I don’t love the sound of that. “That sounds horrible. So what are you supposed to do? Stay in bed for the next few weeks?”

Tess laughs again. “No. The rest is up to fate.”

I don’t love the sound of that, but she seems fine with it.

“I’m not worried,” she tells me confidently.

Tess's smile grows, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Just don’t start plannin’ playdates."

Playdates.

Dear god. What the fuck is a playdate? I don’t think I had those unless you count peewee football as a playdate.

"Well, who knows what the future holds, right?"

My fingers trace gentle circles on her belly, and I'm filled with a sense of protectiveness and affection, especially after she brought up all the “safety in the end zone” stuff.

This isn't just about Tess and me anymore. It's about the life taking shape, the tiny heartbeat that echoes within her.

It's a responsibility and a gift and a connection that goes beyond anything I've ever known.

As I continue to touch her baby bump, Tess's hand covers mine, her touch warm and reassuring. Our eyes meet, and at that moment, it's as if all the complications and uncertainties fade away. There's a sense of unity between us, a shared understanding that we're in this together, no matter what lies ahead.

"Drew…" Tess's voice is soft, her gaze locking onto mine. "Thank you for coming. I needed you here."

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”

We lie in comfortable silence for a while, the weight of the moment hanging in the air. There's so much we still need to figure out, so many challenges to overcome, but for now, in this small, intimate space, none of that matters. All that exists is the life growing that’s ours and the hope that we can find a way to figure this out.

Together.

Eventually, I pull my hand away from her belly.

I immediately feel the loss of our connection but don’t want to make it weird or put the moves on her even though I’d rather stay.

I give her a smile in the near dark. "I should probably let you get some rest."

Tess nods, her smile softening.

"It's been a long day."

“Long week,” I amend.

“Long month!”

I take a step back, my heart heavy with a sense of longing.

“Drew?”

“Hmm.”

“Would you stay? You can sleep here. I mean, what’s the worst thing that can happen? We have sex and I get pregnant?”

I stare. “Oh, we’re making jokes now?”

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