Page 74 of Second Goal

“So that’s a yes?”

“Yes,” I manage to say. There’s nothing I want more than to be his wife.

He kisses me. Hard. And people cheer.

And then I’m being pulled away from him by Brynne and a few of the other player’s wives, who lead me upstairs to one of the bedrooms and start primping and gushing over me. A simple white gown hangs in the corner, and I wonder how much Brynne was involved with all this.

“How?” I ask.

“Mostly Blake. But I helped a bit. Do you like it?”

I run my fingers over the silk. “It’s perfect.”

Brynne grins and then a whirlwind of activity surrounds me, and when they’re done, and I look in the mirror, I suck in a small breath.

“I look...”

“You look gorgeous,” Brynne says as the other ladies leave the room. She stands behind me, her hands on my shoulders and a smile pulling at her lips. “Are you nervous?”

“No,” I tell her honestly. “Of all the uncertainties in this life, Blake isn’t one of them.”

She nods, and I know she understands completely. She found the same kind of love with Kane. I’d been envious of them, never thinking I’d have something like that. Not believing I deserved it.

But I know the truth now. Love isn’t about deserving it. It’s about accepting it. There might still be days when my old insecurities creep up and try to steal my joy. But I know now that I have enough people in my life that will be there to remind me of the truth.

I’m loved.

There’s a knock on the door, then Kane opens it and walks in. He’s wearing a suit now, and there’s something that looks like pride in his eyes when he smiles at me. “They said you’re ready.”

“I am. But...” I chew on the bottom of my lip.

“What’s wrong?” Kane moves toward me. “If you’ve changed your mind—”

“No. It’s just... I have to tell you both something.”

“Okay,” Kane says cautiously.

“I just don’t want you to think I’m marrying Blake because of it,” I ramble, a bundle of nerves gathering in my stomach.

Kane’s brows furrow, but Brynne takes my hand and gives me a reassuring smile. “We support you, Kiley. No matter what.”

I swallow over the lump in my throat before telling them, “I’m pregnant.”

There’s a startled silence, but then Brynne gives a little shriek of excitement and her arms wrap around me.

I glance up at Kane when she pulls back. “I hope you’re not mad.”

“Why would I be mad? I’m going to be an uncle.” He grins down at me.

I should have trusted that Kane and Brynne would be happy for me. But I’m still learning. It’s not an easy journey for someone who’s never been loved to accept it when it’s finally given. But I accept it now, the gift my brother and sister-in-law have given me.

Family.

Love.

Hope.

“Thank you,” I tell them both. “For everything you’ve done for me.”

---