Page 76 of Learn the Play
“We’re notnottrying, if that makes sense.” He laughs.
“Give it time. Not everyone’s swimmers are as strong as mine,” I joke.
“Mine are,” Baker says, joining us.
He’s not wrong. We both had one-night stands that resulted in pregnancy. The only difference is that I’m in love with my baby momma, even though I haven’t told her that yet, and Baker, well, he’s miserable dealing with his, but he loves his son.
“I didn’t think you had Cam this week?” Knox asks him.
“Natasha had another shoot. This time in Australia.” Baker rolls his eyes. “Not that I’m complaining. I’ll take more time with my son whenever I can get it.”
“Fellas,” Landry says as he and Foster join us in our little corner of the living room. He pops the last bite of cookie into his mouth. “I can get behind this having babies thing,” he says. “The snacks are on point.”
“Maybe you and your wife should work on that,” Foster says.
“We’ll get there. See, I need all of you to do it first so that I can learn from your mistakes. Besides, I’m already the favorite uncle.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Foster jokes. “We all know, I’m the favorite.”
“I don’t know,” Baker muses. “My son looks mighty happy sitting on Amanda’s hip.”
“Of course, he’s happy,” Landry replies. “He’s surrounded by beautiful women who are giving him all of their attention.”
Before we can reply, there’s a knock at the door. “That’s Coach,” I say, moving to answer it. I hear the guys ask about why he’s here as I make my way to the door. Pulling it open, I don’t invite him in. Instead, I step forward, forcing him to take a step back, and close the door behind me.
“Glad you could make it,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Do I get to go in and see my daughter? I’m not here for you,” he says.
I know he’s angry, but he doesn’t need to be. I’m all in with his daughter. “You can go in, but remember, you’re not heretoday as the coach of the Rampage. Today, you’re just my girl's dad. She’s happy and smiling, and that’s how it's going to stay.”
“What are you saying, Montgomery?” he asks.
“I’m saying that no matter how you feel about Bellamy and me, you keep that shit to yourself today. You will not ruin this day for her.”
“I don’t want to ruin anything for her.”
“Candice is here,” I tell him. “She brought her boyfriend.” I watch as his face falls, and his shoulders drop. “Please be cordial. I don’t care if it’s fake. This is Bell’s day, and she’s extending you an olive branch. If you want more, you’ll keep yourself in line.”
“You’re not my keeper.”
“No, but she’s mine, and that means I defend her and stand beside her always. That means that she’s my entire fucking world, her and our baby. I don’t give a fuck who you are. You won’t upset her.”
The door opens behind us, and Bellamy steps out. She wraps her arms around her waist to ward off the chill, and I immediately pull her close to keep her warm.
“Hi,” she says, as I place my lips against the crown of her head.
“You’re glowing,” William says with a sad smile. “How are you feeling? The baby?” he asks.
She moves the hand that was resting against my chest to her belly. “Good. Really good. She’s healthy, and so am I.”
“That’s great,” he says, with a crack in his voice.
“Yeah, she’s healthy.”
“A granddaughter,” he breathes, as if he’s in awe of the fact that he’s going to be a grandpa.
“Are you coming inside? What are the two of you doing out here?”
