Page 84 of Learn the Play
“Rowan and I have been texting. She and the guys will be here as soon as the game’s over.”
“Sloane?”
“She’s out in the waiting room. Only two at a time are allowed back here, and she wanted to give me a turn.”
I nod. “Thank you… both of you, for everything.”
“I’m glad we were there. I’ll send her mom back when she gets here,” Corie tells me.
“Coach?” I ask.
“Knox handled him. I’m sure he’ll be here, as well.”
“Thanks,” I whisper, and turn my attention back to Bellamy.
Corie leaves quietly, and I rest my head on the edge of the bed, letting the adrenaline of my fear flow away. I’ve never been that scared before in my entire life. How am I going to leave her ever again without worrying about her?
“How is she?” I hear someone ask. Lifting my head, I see Candice standing at the foot of the bed.
“They’re both perfect. Vitals are strong for both. Doctors are running some bloodwork to see if they can figure out why she fainted.”
“Has she been awake?”
“She has. She was awake for the ultrasound, and baby girl is looking great,” I assure her.
“Thank goodness,” Candice says, placing her hand over her chest. “How about you? How are you holding up?”
“I’m perfect as long as they’re okay,” I tell her.
“You look like you came straight from the game?”
“Ran out of the locker room at halftime,” I tell her. Her eyes widen. “There’s nothing in my life that’s more important to me than my girls.” Even I can hear the conviction in my tone.
“Oh, Reid, I’m so happy she found you. Thank you for fighting for her, for never giving up.”
“She’s easy to love.”
Candice laughs. “I know my daughter, and I know the anger she carries around.”
“That makes her more lovable. I asked her to give me a chance to show her, and she did. That’s all I wanted, and now, I can’t imagine my life without her. Without them.”
“You’re a good man, Reid Montgomery.”
“She makes me better.”
We sit in silence, just watching as Bellamy sleeps, getting the rest she so desperately needs. I don’t know how much time has passed when Candice stands and stretches. “I’m going to go update Cliff. He insisted on coming with me.”
“Good man.” I nod. “I’ll be here.”
She smiles softly. “I know you will be, and so does she.” She nods toward the bed. “Do you need anything?”
“Everything I need is in this room.” Her hand again rests over her heart, and a smile tugs at her lips as she quietly steps out of the room.
The next knock is Rowan. She asks how my girls are doing and tells me there’s a waiting room full of people who want to come and say hi before she slips out of the room. Knox, Landry,Foster, and Baker all take turns coming back to see us, and through it all, Bellamy sleeps peacefully. Just as I promised her, I never leave her side. I meant what I said. I’ll leave this hospital when she does.
The door opens once more, and when I look up, I see Coach standing there. He’s wearing a scowl that only softens a little when he sees Bellamy sleeping. “How is she?” he asks, his voice raspy.
“She’s good. They’re both good. They’re running some tests. We should know something soon, but the doctor has assured me they’re both going to be okay.” I repeat the same message I’ve given each visitor who’s stopped in to see us.
