Page 78 of Learn the Play
In a few long strides, I’m standing next to them. I slide my arm around Bellamy’s waist, and Coach glares at me. “Thanks for coming,” I tell him, ignoring his glare.
“You too,” I tell Candice, leaning over to hug her with my free arm.
“Do you all need help getting all this carried out to your truck?” Cliff asks, joining us. He places his hand on the small of Candice’s back, and she peers up at him with adoration. A glance at Coach reveals him clenching his jaw.
“That would be great. Babe, we’re going to start loading all this up,” I say.
“Thank goodness the bed of your truck has a cover.” Bellamy smiles.
“Whatever won’t fit, we’ll put in mine,” Cliff assures her.
“Thank you.”
Bending, I press a quick kiss to Bellamy’s lips. “Get off your feet. I’ll be done in no time.”
“Bossy,” she says, chuckling.
“If being bossy means I’m taking care of my girls, then I’ll own that.” I kiss her again, smile at her parents, and leave the three of them to chat as Cliff and I load up all the gifts.
By the time we’re finished, Candice has her coat in her hands and is ready to go. She hugs us both, wishing us well, and we both shake hands with Cliff, and they’re out the door.
“I should go, too. Let you be with your friends,” Coach tells Bellamy.
She glances around the room, then over to me. She slides her arm around my waist and rests her hand on my chest. I return her embrace, my hand going to her bump. “They’re my family.” She says it with such conviction that it squeezes my heart inside my chest.
“I can see that.” He nods. “Congratulations, Bellamy.”
“Thanks.” She nods.
“Thanks for coming.” I offer him my hand. He stares at it before eventually taking it into his. He squeezes hard, which only makes me grin wider and return with my own force. We release hands, and with one final look at his daughter, he grabs his coat and walks out the door.
“What about your parents?” Bellamy asks.
“They couldn’t get away in time. My mom will have you for her own little shower, I’m sure of it. I told her we’d send lots of pictures.”
“All right, time for some Name that Tune!” Landry calls out as Bellamy yawns.
“You want to go?” I ask her.
“No. I’m tired, but today has been wonderful. I’m not ready for it to end just yet.”
So it doesn’t. I pull her down onto my lap, just as Knox and Landry do with their wives. Amanda has Camden, and he’s sleeping on her chest. Baker offers to take him, but she waves him away. Baker, Foster, and Sloane take up the couch, and westart to play. Corie kicks our ass, just as she always does, but it feels right. The moment, the day, the woman in my arms, and the baby in her belly. This is right. This is my future, and I can’t wait to live it.
Chapter Twenty
Bellamy
Being in my third trimester of this pregnancy is exhausting. The last couple of weeks, I’ve been dragging. It’s hard to get comfortable at night with my growing belly. I have a pregnancy pillow, and Reid has been incredible. He holds me, rubs my back and my feet, and waits on me hand and foot when he’s home. He’s even gone as far as having meals catered so I don’t have to cook, and when he’s home, he does the cooking. My man spoils me for sure.
It’s not just that I’m tired and struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position. I’ve been dizzy today, and I’m sure it’s my balance with this baby bump. Oh, and nothing fits. Nothing. Well, not nothing, but my Reid Montgomery jersey no longer fits. It won’t go over my belly, and today is the third round of the playoffs. I have to wear his name and number. Plopping down on the bed, I sigh because my only other option is one of his old jerseys hanging in the closet, and they’re way too big for me. I guess I’m going to look like a pregnant slob today because I refuse to show up at the stadium not supporting my man.
My phone rings, and I grab it off the nightstand to see Sloane’s name. “Hey,” I answer with a sigh. She’s on her way to pick me up, and I’m still not dressed.
“What’s going on?” she asks.
“I have nothing to wear,” I whine. I know I sound like a petulant teenager throwing a tantrum, but it’s important that I represent Reid today. I have to. He’s been so good to me, takes care of me, and this is the only way I know to return that favor.
Sloane laughs. “I’m pulling in now to pick you up. Come let me in. I’ll help you figure it out.”
