Page 77 of Learn the Play
“I wanted to warn him that your mom was here with Cliff,” I tell her. I don’t mention that I also told him to keep his ass in line, but it’s okay. It’s not a lie if it’s an omission, right?
“It’s been a long time,” William says. “I’m happy for her.”
“Me, too.”
He hands her a light pink gift bag. “This is for you and the baby.”
“You have a gift?” she asks, surprised.
“Yeah, I was gonna wait until the baby was born, but when Reid called, I grabbed it on my way out the door. I’ll just have to buy another one when she’s here.”
“That’s not necessary. Thank you for this,” she says, as a shiver races through her.
“Come on, babe, let’s get you inside.” She steps out of my hold and opens the door. I motion for William to follow her, and I trail them.
All eyes turn toward us. “So, uh, I know you all know who he is to you.” Bellamy giggles nervously. “But he’s also my dad.” She looks up at William, and he smiles at her reassuringly. We were all there for family day as Coach introduced us to his daughter. Today, and her words, is a big step for them, for healing, and I hope it only progresses from here.
“Well, now that everyone’s here, let’s eat!” Landry calls out. Everyone laughs as we move to the kitchen to fill our plates. He’s right, the food is incredible.
After everyone is stuffed, Rowan leads Bellamy and me to two chairs in the living room that are set up next to a table full of gifts.
“Have at it.” Rowan grins.
“I’ve got pictures handled,” Amanda calls out, showing us the camera in her hands. I wasn’t sure anyone still used cameras other than photographers these days.
“And I’m making a list,” Corie says, holding up the pen and notebook in her hands.
“All you two have to do is open all the new things for your baby girl.” Rowan smiles.
“Thank you all so much for this. It’s too much,” Bellamy says.
“Like you wouldn’t do the same for us,” Sloane tells her. “Open mine first.” She winks. “It’s the pink bag with bears on it.” She points out the bag. I grab it from the table and hand it to Bellamy.
“You open. I’ll handle the trash and passing gifts,” I tell her.
That’s what we do. We're opening gift after gift, receiving so many tiny clothes and things our little girl will need. I feel myself getting choked up at the love of my friends for doing this for us.
“Last one,” I tell Bellamy, as I hand her the gift bag from her dad.
She carefully removes the tissue paper and reaches inside. She pulls out a book. “Mommy and me,” she reads and shows us the two small bears on the front cover. Reaching into the bag, she pulls out a soft, light pink blanket.
Next, she pulls out a small onesie. She reads what it says and drops it to her lap with tears in her eyes. Her lip quivers, and I glare at her father, but he doesn’t see me. He only has eyes for Bellamy.
“What’s it say?” Candice asks.
Bellamy shakes her head and hands it to me. Lifting the onesie, I read. “If you think I’m cute, you should see my mommy.” I turn it so everyone can see, and the ladies coo. Reaching over, I lace her hand with mine, showing her my support.
Candice stands and moves to where William is sitting on the other side of the room. They said brief hellos in the kitchen as we all filled our plates, but that’s been their only interaction that I’m aware of.
“You did good, Grandpa,” she says, placing her hand on his shoulder. Coach smiles up at her, and that’s when I see it.
He still loves her. It’s written plain as day all over his face. He nods and pulls his gaze back to his daughter.
Slowly, Bellamy stands, as do I, in case she needs me. She walks until she’s in front of her dad, who rises from his chair. “Thanks, Dad,” she says, her voice cracking with emotion, and she shocks us all when she steps into him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Coach stands frozen for maybe two seconds before he wraps his arms around her, closing his eyes, and relishing the moment.
“Damn allergies,” Landry grumbles, wiping at his eyes, and everyone laughs—even Bellamy and Coach.
