Page 54 of Fumbled Love

He rubbed my back in a few comforting strokes. “I’m glad I didn’t miss that.”

He seemed lost in his own head. This was a lot to take in for both of us. As much as I wanted to offer him comforting words and ease his worry, I was struggling with my own emotions.

“It’s going to be okay.” I put on a brave face and tried to reassure him. “We’ll find a way to make it work.”

His lips flattened into a thin line, and he leaned in. “I can tell you’re freaking out,” he whispered, so only I could hear him. “So, stop trying to make me feel better. I’m a big boy. I’m more worried about you.”

“I still feel bad because this will be a huge change, and you…”

“Do not finish that sentence. I was there. I participated, and I have no regrets.” He entwined our fingers, brought my hand to his mouth, and kissed my knuckles. “You’ve given me a priceless gift, so thank you.”

My heart melted into a puddle at the softness in his eyes.

As much as I kept trying to stop myself from falling in love with him, it was becoming quite the undertaking. My head was trying to stay on track, but my heart was proceeding at full speed. The crash was inevitable, so the only thing I could do was prepare for the landing.

“Would you like a picture?” the nurse asked, looking between us. I forgot she was even in the room.

“Yes,” Maverick rushed out. She smiled and printed out two images. Maverick stared at his for a long minute before clearing his throat and stuffing it in his wallet.

The nurse handed me a card. “I’ll give you two a minute alone. Here is your next follow-up. I sent a prescription to your pharmacy for some anti-nausea medicine in case you need it. It would be best if you also started taking prenatal vitamins ASAP. The receptionist will have a packet for you to take home and read over.”

She gave us a polite smile and walked out of the room.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked as he handed me my clothes to get dressed.

He ran a hand over the top of his head. “Yeah, this all just seems real now.”

“It does,” I said softly and rubbed a hand over my stomach. “It was a beautiful sound. How are you feeling about all this?”

He stepped between my legs and rested his chin on my head. “Nervous. Excited.” He swallowed as I gave him a minute to process his feelings. “I always thought there was no greater feeling than carrying a football down the field, but nothing beats watching you carry my child.”

I reached up, placed both hands on his arms, and stared into his eyes. “I feel just as emotional as you do. The morning sickness and fatigue, is all worth it. I could listen to that heartbeat all day long.”

He was quiet for a moment. “How can I love someone I’ve never even met yet?”

“I think it’s normal to feel that way. I feel connected to this baby, too.” I spread my hands along the space where our baby was growing.

He leaned down and kissed my stomach. “Thank you.” His head lifted, and I knew I’d never forget the look of love and gratitude in his eyes at that moment.

He stood and drew my body into his. His strong hands framed my face, and he leaned in and kissed me. Everything else faded away, except us and the life growing between us.

CHAPTER20

KINLEY

“Other than Times Square,did you have fun today?” I asked, taking a sip of my hot chocolate as we walked down Forty-Second Street. We spent most of the day wandering in the souvenir shops and stopped to watch the ice skaters in Rockefeller Plaza.

Maverick claimed he had been to New York many times, but all those times were spent in meetings and hotels. So, we spent the day touring different parts of the city; all the while, I tried to ignore the twinge of sadness in my belly about him leaving later today.

“I don’t hate Times Square,” he said as we reached a crosswalk. “I’m just not a fan of crowds.”

“What about the crowds that fill up the stadiums you play in?”

“That’s different.” We stepped off the curb and headed toward the entrance of Central Park. “I’m running on a wide-open turf. They’re up in the stands.”

“That makes no sense, but whatever.”

“Look around you. There are people taking up every inch of sidewalk.”

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