Page 144 of Pucking Strong

“You’re taking Gracie tonight, right?”

“Yep! Sleepover.”

“Thanks, honey. Hey, be a dear and take my Bennett too, won’t you? Thanks so much!” She waves with her free hand, not giving Tess a chance to say no, as she tugs me into the hallway.

“Something wrong, Pop?”

She lets go of my arm. “Oh, nothing much. I’m just gonna go ahead and give you these.” She fishes something out of her pocket, holding it in her closed fist.

I reach out on instinct, and she places a set of car keys in my hand. “What are these?”

“Those are the keys to Lukas’s truck.”

“Why do I—whoa—” I glance down, eyes wide. “Uhh … Poppy, you’re—are you leaking?” I point to the water on the floor.

She lets out a breath, rubbing a hand over her pregnant belly. “Oh, that’s just my water breaking.”

“Your—oh god—” I step back. “Poppy!”

“It’s okay,” she says, breathing through the pain. “All totally okay. Totally normal. A little early, but okay. That’s why I’m gonna go ahead and head on over to the hospital now.”

I’m officially fritzing. “Jesus. Well, do you need any help?”

“Nope. Colton is bringing the car around as we speak. I just need you to tell Lukas where we’ve gone once the game is over. Drive him to the hospital for me. Okay, sweets?”

“Poppy—”

“We’re going to Jacksonville General. Labor and Delivery is on the third floor. After two babies, he knows the drill.”

“Oh my god.” I follow her as she waddles down the hall in her designer wrap dress and stiletto heels. “Poppy, just tell Novy now.”

“Are you kidding? He has a game to finish. Rays are up, and he’s playing so well tonight. Besides, who knows if this little kiwi is even coming out today? This could be fake labor.”

“Your water breaking seems like real fucking labor.”

She just laughs. “I know, right?”

I’m fucking reeling. Is this happening? This woman is crazy. “Poppy, I can’t be the one to tell Novy.”

Turning, she grabs me by the shoulder, one hand still bracing her heavy baby bump. “No, youhaveto. Teddy O’Connor, you look at me.”

I groan, trying to look anywhere else.

Her hand on my shoulder tightens. “Lookat me.”

With a huff, I stare into her Barbie blue eyes.

She smiles. “Good. Now, I love that man more than my own life, but he’s not great in a crisis. If he has things his way, he’ll storm into that hospital, parking his truck in the dang lobby. He is not to be given those keys, do you hear me? You’re the only one on staff I can trust not to give in to his demands.”

“This is bullshit.”

“You are the solid rock, Teddy. Lukas is the wave that will crash upon you. And yet, you will remain unmoved.”

“Unbelievable,” I mutter.

She groans, patting her stomach. “I know, but it really can’t be helped. Teddy, honey, do this for me, and I’ll send you a fruit basket. Don’t worry, it’ll be a big one. And if Lukas tries to knock your lights out, I’ll throw in three tickets to Disney on Ice.” Letting me go, she continues down the long hallway.

“Is that a likely possibility?” I call after her.

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