Page 121 of Pieces

I try to focus on my breathing as another contraction builds. “Thank you,” I whisper, clutching my belly. “I was supposed to have my baby shower today.”

She leans beside me, her hand resting gently on my shoulder. “You’re going to be fine, Daphne. You’ve got this.”

I really hope she’s right because, ready or not, I’m about to meet my baby.

Chapter fifty-two

Hudson

Theapartmentisperfect.That’s my first thought as I step through the door and into the open-plan living room. The walls are a neutral, the floors polished hardwood, and there’s a small but functional kitchen off to the side. Big windows let in a ton of natural light, and the space is cozy without feeling cramped.

I walk inside, turning in a slow circle as I take it all in. “This is… Wow,” I say, running a hand over the windowsill. “It’s perfect. Daphne’s gonna love this.”

Coach stands by the door, his arms folded across his chest and an uncharacteristically soft expression on his face. He’s dressed casually for once, wearing jeans and a jacket instead of his usual CLU Wildcats gear, but he still has that air of authority that makes me stand up straighter whenever I’m around him.

“I thought so too,” he says. “Close to campus, enough space for the baby, and not far from that coffee shop you like. Figured it’d be a good fit for you two.”

I glance at him, something twisting in my chest. He’s trying. After everything, he’s here, helping me pick out an apartment for his daughter and our kid.

I step into the second bedroom. “This could be the baby’s room. I mean, it’s big enough for a crib, maybe a rocking chair.” I picture Daphne in here, holding our baby, and the image is so vivid it knocks the wind out of me.

Coach walks in, leaning against the doorframe. “You really care about her, don’t you?”

I look at him, surprised by the question. “Of course I do. Daphne and the baby…they’re everything to me. I’m in love with your daughter, Coach. I think I’ve been in love with her since the moment we met.”

I rub the back of my neck, feeling the weight of it all. “My dad wasn’t exactly a role model, you know? And every time I think about being a dad, I wonder if I’ll end up screwing it up the way he did.”

Coach’s expression softens, and he steps farther into the room. “You’re not your father, Hudson.”

I look at him, my throat tightening.

“You know how I know that?” he continues. “Because you’re here. Because you’re worried about being good enough, which means you already care more than a man like your father ever could. And because you love Daphne. That’s what matters.”

Slowly, I nod. “I’m going to try like hell to be the dad this baby deserves.”

Coach claps me on the shoulder, the rare gesture carrying more weight than words. “That’s all anyone can ask for, son.”

The word catches me off guard, and I blink at him, feeling an unfamiliar sting behind my eyes. It’s not just the word—it’s the way he says it. Like he actually means it.

Coach clears his throat, his gaze sweeping over the room. “Look, about this place. Daphne and the baby deserve a home they can count on. And you’ve got enough on your plate already—school, football, getting ready for the draft. You shouldn’t have to worry about paying for this too.”

I blink, caught off guard. “Wait, what?”

“Serena and I want to help,” he says simply. “We’ll cover the rent for the first year. Gives you time to focus on what matters—making the draft and building a future for your family. You have some money saved?”

I nod.

“Good. Then we’ll cover rent.”

I stare at him, a lump forming in my throat. “Coach, I can’t let you do that.”

“We want to. Besides, taking care of Daphne, stepping up for that baby, chasing your dreams, that’s more than enough. Let us help, Hudson. It’s what family does.”

Family. The word lodges in my chest, warm and heavy all at once. My voice is rough when I finally manage to speak. “Thank you. For this. For…everything.”

Coach smiles, his grip firm on my shoulder. “You’ve earned it.”

We step out into the crisp afternoon air, the apartment behind us. I can already see Daphne’s face when I show her. She’s going to love it. She has her baby shower this afternoon, then we’re doing dinner with her friends. Today is going to be a great day.

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