Page 95 of One Timer With A Wingman

I blow out a breath just as another contraction hits. “Shit, Aaron, speed up. This is so painful,” I groan.

The next several hours fly by in a blur of stress, anticipation, pain, and excitement. Atlas is finally here and he’s healthy and perfect.

“You did good, Buttercup,” Aaron says, kissing my lips.

“We did good,” I correct.

The nurse moves us to a maternity room. I’m dozing off when Aaron’s parents enter the room, his father is pushing his mom in a wheelchair.

“Congratulations, you two,” they say, and they both kiss us.

Aaron passes Atlas over to his dad and he grows teary. “Aren’t you a handsome fella?”

“Pass him over, Brody,” Catherine complains playfully.

“You got it, baby. We have a grandson,” he says, and he places Atlas in her arms. She holds him close to her heart and kisses his forehead.

“Dreams do come true,” she mutters, and it takes everything inside me not to break down and cry. When I look over at Aaron, I see that he’s holding on by a string, but he’s holding on and so will I because this is a happy moment for our family, and I don’t want it marred in sadness. I realize I just referred to these people as my family and it’s true. In the nine months I’ve been pregnant that is what they have become.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR

Briar

It’s been a month since I’ve given birth. Aaron has been by my side except for when he goes to class or practice. The official season hasn’t started yet so at least Aaron isn’t missing out on games. He has the NHL teams watching him this year since he is a senior. He’s hoping to be able to have more than one offer from a team close to Riverside, since I still need to finish my degree.

I’m at home during the day, taking care of Atlas. Most days the house is quiet since everyone is at school, practice, or out having fun. I’m breastfeeding Atlas on the couch in the family room when Hugh walks in. He’s one of the freshies living with us this year.

“Oh shit, sorry.” He turns away since my boob is fully out and Atlas is sucking on it.

I grab one of Atlas’s blankets and throw it over us.

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone to be home this time of day,” I say.

“Right, yeah,” he says. He heads upstairs to his room. I hear him call his friend. “Bruh, I just saw Murray’s girlfriend’s tit,” he says. Damn. This isn’t good. We need our own place. Mack and Ruby have been chill about having us around, but we are a family now. These living arrangements aren’t working.

My cell rings and I answer the call. It’s Annie.

“How are you doing?” she asks.

“Fine, just feeding Atlas,” I say, placing my cell on the pillow beside us.

“Aw, he’s such a cutie,” she says.

“How’s school going?” I ask.

“It’s been good. It’s full days but I love what I am learning, finally,” she says of veterinary school.

“That’s awesome. I think it’s great that you’re going after your passions. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision with wanting to go to law school,” I admit.

“Well, you have time to think on it,” she reminds.

“Yeah, I love being home with Atlas, but I think it would be best if I return to school for the spring semester instead of waiting until next year. I want to have a degree in my hand.”

“That sounds like a solid plan,” she says.

“How’s your new condo? Is it weird to be living alone?” I ask.

“It’s lonely when Cade’s out of town,” she notes, sounding like she really misses him.

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