Page 56 of Learn the Play
By the time they make it to the locker room, I’m climbing out of the mandatory ice bath and rushing to take the world’s fastest shower. I’m zipping up my bag, anxious to meet Bellamy in the hallway. I showed her where to go, and Sloane, who knows the drill by now, is with her. I’m not worried about Bell. I just want to see her. Wrap my arms around her, kiss her, maybe even tell her that I’m in love with her. I can’t stop my grin from forming at the thought.
“Montgomery!” Coach Warner bellows.
I fight the urge not to roll my eyes. “Yes, Coach?” I ask, keeping things professional.
“Ice bath.”
“Already done.” He narrows his eyes at me, and I hold his stare. “Gotta go see my girl,” I tell him. He needs to know that I’m hers, and she’s mine, and no amount of riding my ass is going to change that. His face is red, and he knows he has nothing else to bitch at me about, because I give him all of me when I’m on that field, and at every practice. I wonder if that vein in his forehead will pop out when he finds out his daughter is living with me and having my baby.
I wave to the guys and push out the doors with my bag slung over my shoulder. I spot Bellamy and Sloane instantly. They’re standing against the wall, at the end of the hallway, almost as ifthey’re trying to stay hidden. I’m sure Bellamy didn’t want to run into her dad.
“There’s my dream girl,” I say, dropping my bag, snaking an arm around her waist, and pulling her into a hug. “How are you doing?” I ask, keeping my lips next to her ear. She nods as she pulls back. “Okay?”
“Yeah.” She smiles. “It was nice to see you play.”
“Say the word, baby, and I’ll get you a flight and tickets to every damn game.”
“You know that’s not feasible,” she says, her hands resting over her belly.
“No, but I want you there. As long as you know that, then we’re good. Now, I’m gonna need you to turn for me,” I tell her.
“What?” She furrows her brow.
“Oh, that’s an easy one,” Sloane tells her. “He’s going to go all caveman on you once he reads his name on your back.” She picks at the jersey she’s wearing, which just so happens to be Knox’s. “It’s a thing,” she says, as if she’s experienced it first-hand. “I’ve watched Knox and Landry both go through this stage. It’s fun.” Sloane grins. “More fun for you, I’m sure.” She winks, and Bellamy’s cheeks flame red.
“Turn for me, baby,” I tell her.
She shakes her head but does as I ask, and I groan when I see my name on her back. Fuck, I didn’t get it when Knox, Landry, and even Landon would talk about seeing their girl in their jersey, but I now understand the appeal.
Speaking of Landon, I need to call him and tell him I met my dream girl at his wedding. I haven’t mentioned Bellamy to him yet. He asked me where I had disappeared to, and I told him I’d gotten a drink, taken a walk on the beach, and gone to bed. It's not a complete lie. Those things happened, but a whole hell of a lot happened in between.
Stepping up behind Bellamy, I align my front to her back before placing my lips next to her ear. “You know what would make this better? Well, two things, actually,” I tell her.
“What’s that?” she asks, turning to look at me over her shoulder.
I peck a kiss on her lips. “If our little one were here, and if that name you’re wearing was yours.”
She sucks in a breath, her body sagging against mine. I hold her tighter as we chat with Sloane, waiting for the others. Corie joins us, and then Knox, Landry, Foster, and Baker come out. Finally, Rowan appears, having to stay back and work on any of my teammates who need it.
“Anyone left in there?” I ask Rowan.
“Just the staff,” she says.
I nod. “Ready?” I ask Bellamy.
“If I have to,” she says, stepping out of my hold.
I take her hand in mine and address my friends, our friends, “You guys don’t have to stay.”
“Oh, we’re staying,” Corie tells me. “Bellamy’s family now.” She crosses her arms over her chest as if I’m going to fight her. I won’t. My girl needs all the love she can get, especially where my team is concerned. They’re showing her that it’s not the game, but the choices of the person.
They’re choosing her, just as I did.
“Baker, go home to Cam,” I tell him.
“The nanny said he’s sound asleep. I’ll hang for a little while,” he says, leaning back against the wall.
There’s a lump in my throat. “Thanks,” I tell them. “Your support means everything.”
