Page 83 of Learn the Play
“I left.”
She gasps. “What? What do you mean you left?”
“I left at halftime. Corie told me what happened, and I left.” No way was I going to be able to concentrate on the game, knowing my family needed me.
“Reid!” she scolds. She tries to sit up, so I help her, propping pillows behind her back. “You’re going to get fined, or worse, benched.”
I shrug. “Don’t care. This is where I needed to be.” I drop another kiss to her forehead, before sitting my ass back in the chair. I feel as though I’ve run the length of the field a thousandtimes—my legs are weak, and my heart is still thundering from worry and fear for my girls.
“You can’t do that. You have to go back.”
“Not a chance in hell,” I tell her fiercely. “I’m not leaving this hospital until you do.”
Dr. Jones knocks and steps into the room. “How about we take a look at your baby?” he asks, stepping over to the ultrasound machine that’s been rolled in. I help Bellamy raise her gown and keep her bottom half covered with the blanket before Dr. Jones adds the gel to her belly. Within seconds, the sound of our baby girl’s heartbeat fills the room, and tears well in my eyes. Bellamy squeezes my hand, and I hold onto her tightly.
I was so damn scared of losing them. “H-How is she?” I ask as my voice wobbles, not hiding my fear.
“Everything looks great.” He turns the screen so that we can see her. “No distress. She’s doing just fine,” he assures us.
“Do you know why she passed out?” I ask him.
“We’re running some tests. The bloodwork should be back soon. I put a rush on the results. Right now, Mom and baby are both doing well. Vitals for both are excellent.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” I nod, and he hands me some towels to help wipe off Bellamy’s bump. When I’m done, I pull her gown back into place and tug the covers up over her.
“The best thing you can do right now is let the fluids do their thing and rest. I’ll be back as soon as the results are in,” he explains before leaving us alone.
“Go back to the game, Reid,” she tells me, her voice soft.
“Baby, I’m not leaving you. I don’t give a single fuck about the game. You and our daughter are what’s important. This is where I want to be. Where I need to be.” I hold her gaze, willing her to believe me. I lean in close, pressing her palm against my cheek. “When Corie told me you collapsed, I couldn’t get here fast enough.”
She’s quiet as she studies me, and I don’t look away. I need her to see how sincere I am. This is where I am meant to be. Her eyes well with tears. I know she’s scared. Hell, I was scared out of my mind. I open my mouth to ask what I can do. What she needs. What can I do to help her, but her softly spoken words stop me.
“I love you, Reid Montgomery.”
My heart feels too big for my chest. She loves me.
“I love you so fucking much, Bell. I was so damn mad at myself on the way here. I was afraid I’d never get to tell you what you mean to me. I’d never get to see those beautiful brown eyes sparkle when I told you that you own my heart and soul, and that I’m not me without you and our daughter. I’ll love you every day of forever,” I vow to her, as a single tear slides down her cheek. I wipe it away with my thumb, and she smiles.
“You’ve changed my life, Reid. You’ve never given up on me. Fighting for me, for us, and our baby. I’m sorry I projected my fears on you at the start of us. I was scared of what you made me feel. Then, when we found out about the baby, again, you were there, ready to jump in with me headfirst. You’ve shown me true love and what it means to put those you hold dear first. I’m so grateful for you, and I’ll love you every day of forever,” she repeats my earlier vow.
“Did we just recite our wedding vows?” I ask, giving her a cheeky smile. My heart feels lighter at our confession, and I know that’s where we’re headed—to our happily ever after, with lots of babies, and a lifetime of love.
I can tell she’s tired and needs to sleep. “Rest, baby, I’ll be right here,” I assure her.
“Okay.” She nods and closes her eyes.
I watch her closely, and when her breathing changes to deep and even, I finally exhale.
They’re going to be okay. I’m still worried about what caused her to faint, and hope the doctors can get to the bottom of it, but they’re okay. My girls are safe, and that’s what matters.
I keep her hand in mine as I watch her sleep. I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting here when a soft knock comes to the door. I lift my head to find Corie standing there.
“How is she?” she whispers.
“Better. They’re running tests, but they’re both perfect,” I whisper back.
“Oh, thank God.” Corie’s shoulders relax. “Her mom is on her way, and Amanda’s sick, so I told her to stay home, but I’d update her,” Corie explains, as she types a message out on her phone.
