Page 104 of Zone Protection

“I mean, I don’t hate it when you do.” I can’t help but smile.

“Okay, baby, I’ll wear them for you.”

He winks, and I can’t deny that he can still make my stomach flutter. And the sex, even though I’m getting bigger every day, I still want it all the time.

But right now, we need to go meet the Cowboys.

On the way up to Arlington, Alicia, my mom—on the phone—and I pretty much mapped out the whole baby shower, then wedding, including a small reception for after the ceremony onthe ranch. I gave my mom some ideas on what I wanted for the cake so she could place the order for that, and we talked about what I would wear, so we’ll probably shop while we’re in the city before we go back this evening.

The cake is ordered, and the food … I left to Alicia. The local pastor is a family friend, so she called him, and he can marry us. So, everything is pretty much set. The only thing left for us to do is call our friends and get them down here. Although I think Archie already texted Liam—since he’s the farthest and would need more time to make arrangements. The rest of his friends and mine can make the three-hour trip easily.

As for the tour, it’s been incredible. We saw the facility, and Archie got to see his locker. His nameplate was already on it, and his jersey, with his number sixty-nine, was hanging in it. We took a lot of pictures, and Archie took some video of what he was permitted to share.

Now his parents and I are waiting for him to finish up with a few meetings. They have us sitting in a lounge that overlooks the practice field. The whole operation of this place is impressive. My dad would love to see it.

“Emma?” A woman, perfectly manicured, walks into the room.

“Yes, ma’am?” I stand and rest my hand on the top of my belly.

Shane and Alicia stand, too, almost in a protective way. I nearly laugh, but hold it in.

“On behalf of the Dallas Cowboys, we want to welcome you to the Cowboys family. Congratulations to y’all!” She hands me a small box wrapped in silver paper, a big blue bow, and a star with the wordsBaby Griffithon it.

“Oh, okay. Thank you so much.”

Alicia comes to stand next to me when the woman walks out.

“Emma, sweetie, open it.” Her hands are folded and tucked under her chin.

I’m pretty sure she’s more excited than I am, but I tear intothe paper anyway. When I lift the top of the box, I see a Cowboys blue onesie with the number sixty-nine andGriffithon the back. It’s just like the Walker one I bought for Archie for Christmas, but this one probably cost a bit more. He’s gonna love it!

“Oh! That is just precious. My word. Shane, come look at this. Emma, pull it out so we can see it.”

I set the box on the chair I was sitting in and pull it out of the box and hold it up. It’s adorable, I have to admit.

“It looks like there might be something else in the box.” Shane lifts it and pulls out white pants with a blue stripe running down the sides. The whole ensemble looks like a tiny uniform.

“Well, if it’s a girl, we’ll add a big bow for her hair.” Alicia giggles. “I just remembered the cutest thing I saw on the Pin network.”

“Pinterest?” I question.

“Whatever, yes. The place you can find recipes and whatnot? That one. Anyway, I saw the cutest idea, and since the cat’s out of the bag about the baby, with you being on national TV and all, we should do it!”

“Okay, what is it?” I ask, but we’re interrupted by Archie coming into the room.

“I think we’re done for the day, but I’ll need to be back up here by Monday. Which means, Em, we will need to start looking for a temporary place to stay until we can come up and look for a house.”

“Wow, this moves fast. Okay, well, let’s make a stop at one of the stores I found for a dress. Arch, you and Dad can just wait in the car or something. I don’t think it will take long. I just want to show Emma a dress, which looks exactly how she described the one she wants for the wedding.”

“All right, let’s get a move on it then. We have a lot to do, and I’m beat. I want to get Emma off her feet and rested too. The next few days will be a little hectic.”

Once we leave the complex and make our stop at the storeAlicia found, which did indeed have the perfect dress, we make our way back to the ranch.

We eat with the family before heading back to the shack, where we once again practically fall into bed.

The next morning, I hear Archie talking in the other room.

“So, your flight leaves in an hour, which will put you in Dallas around two p.m. Central. We’ll be here. I’ll order a car for you so you don’t have to get a rental.” He pauses. “No, dumbass, I’m calling an Uber for you.” I hear a loud cackle from the other end of the call. “Later, man. Thanks for coming.”

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