Page 28 of Make Your Save

Hadley

Luckily for you, I’m still awake. The evening was uneventful, although Lucy had some bad gas, so she was a little fussier than normal.

Rowan

Oh no. Is everything okay now?

Hadley

Oh, yeah. I let her soak in the bath for a little bit and did a little massage on her stomach which seemed to help. Her schedule got a little messed up from it, so she only laid down like thirty minutes ago.

I feel a pang of guilt for leaving Hadley there alone with Lucy, not that I would be of much help if I were there. Hadley definitely knows a fuck of a lot more about babies and what to do with them than I do. I don’t know what the hell I would do without her right now, honestly.

I’d probably have to give up my entire hockey career or scramble around to try and navigate this all on my own.

Rowan

I’m glad she settled down. Thank you for being there and taking care of her for me.

Hadley

You don’t have to keep thanking me, Rowan. I want to help you. I was the one who offered.

Rowan

I know, but I just want you to know that I really appreciate it. I appreciate you.

Hadley

I appreciate your appreciation.

But seriously, you can stop thanking me now lol.

I smile as I read over her words, stifling a laugh. It’s clear that compliments and moments like this make Hadley a little uncomfortable, but I can’t help myself. She’s truly a godsend.

And she deserves all the fucking praise in the world.

Rowan

Okay, I’ll stop verbally expressing my gratitude.

Hadley

You don’t need to do anything else to express it. It’s noted.

Good game tonight. That save at the end of the game was wild.

Rowan

You watched the game? I didn’t know you like hockey.

Hadley

I don’t know if I do. I don’t know anything about the sport, but I figured Lucy could watch so she can see what her daddy’s up to while he’s not home.

Something in my chest feels lighter and I can’t help myself as I chuckle. The thought of her showing the game to an infant who clearly has no idea what is going on makes me smile. It’s the thought that counts more than anything.

She sends me a picture of Lucy propped on thechaise lounge of the couch in a rounded pillow, staring at the TV. My heart clenches as I smile at the photo. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’m a father. I have a little girl who now relies on me for everything.

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