Page 42 of Pucking Christmas Triplets Surprise

The doctor leans back, raising an eyebrow. “Let me guess… coach and papa?”

I shrug, trying to stay calm, but the weight of everything is crashing down. The doctor gives a small smile and continues.

“The recovery time varies, especially with multiple births. Physically, it will likely take a few weeks to heal, but that depends on how things go during the delivery. Skating again will take time—possibly several months, depending on how Josie’s body handles the birth and the stress of it. Emotionally, it could take longer. The demands of motherhood, combined with recovery, will be a lot for anyone to adjust to.”

My body buzzes because this is good news, but when I look down, tears spill down her cheeks, and she shakes her head, her entire body trembling. “Chris, three babies? Your life is over... my life is over,” she sobs. “How am I supposed to... How can I do this?”

Over? How could she ever think that it’s over? That this is not the beginning. That this, her, is not the best thing to ever fucking happen to me.

“Could you please give us a moment?” I say to the doctor, and he nods, exiting the room without another word.

I kneel beside her, taking her face in my hands, my own tears threatening to spill. “Josie,” I say firmly, my voice thick with emotion. “Look at me.”

Her eyes, wide and terrified, lock onto mine.

“My life didn’t begin until I met you. This…you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.” I place my hand over her stomach, leaning in closer to her. “You are the strongest person I know.”

She shakes her head, her fear spilling out in fresh sobs. “But... my dreams, the Olympics, everything I’ve worked for?—”

“You think just because you are pregnant I will let you give up on your dreams?” I scoff, rubbing my thumb lazily along her stomach.

“People don’t win gold medals pregnant, Chris.” Josie sniffs, playing with the skin around her fingernails.

“2012, beach volleyball Kerri Walsh Jennings.”

“What?” She coughs, and I run my hand up her side.

“2004, Equestrian, Anky van Grunsven while five months pregnant.” I pinch her chin, pulling her gaze to me, as I continue. “1996, Softball, Michele Granger. These women didn’t only compete, they won. You will win.”

Her lips tremble, her hands clenching the sheets on either side of her. “But... how? How can I do that? How can I be a mom to three babies and still chase the Olympics? Chris, I’m 22.”

I move my hand to cover hers, squeezing gently. “You’re not alone. I’ll be right there with you every step of the way, holding you up, making sure you have everything you need. We’re a team, Josie, and this team is getting a gold medal.”

“I just-”

“If you want it, I will make sure you will be an Olympian. You will be a mom. I will make sure nothing stops you.” I pull her closer to my lips.

“But the doctor said-”

“The doctor said we have to watch your body, and allow recovery. Josie, do you want it? Because if you do I will get you back on that ice come the Olympics.”

Lip quivering, she looks me in the eye. “I want it.”

I kiss her, a gentle press of lips. “Then let's go get it.”

CHAPTER 18

JOSIE

The cold of the rink seeps through my skates, chilling me to the bone, but I barely notice. Everything around me feels unreal, like I’m skating through a dream I’m not sure I’ll wake up from. December 22nd. Three days until Christmas, and here I am, standing on the rink I know like the back of my hand, waiting for a decision that could change the course of my life forever.

The Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors stands at the edge of the ice, their expressions unreadable, even after watching my latest routine. I know it’s perfect. Every jump, every spin, every graceful movement flows with the kind of precision I drill into my body day after day. Still, anxiety gnaws at me. My hands feel cold and clammy, and I struggle to breathe evenly.

Christopher stands beside me, his presence grounding and solid, his hand resting gently on the small of my back. Just feeling him there makes my heart lighter, steadier, even as my thoughts race.

Pregnant. With three babies. The words haven’t stopped echoing in my head since the night at the hospital. How am I going to do this? How will I juggle the most important audition of my life with the growing lives inside me? But every time fear creeps in, Christopher is there to remind me: I can do this.

Now, I need that belief more than ever.

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