Page 57 of Wrapped Around My Heart
The reminder that Landon is still barely speaking to me is the only reason I didn’t blurt out my news the second I walked in. For the past few minutes, I’ve been trying to think of a way to help make this easier for him, only to come to one conclusion.
Why the hell should I bend over backward for someone who can’t even look me in the eye and talk shit through like an adult?
Clearing my throat, I get the attention of the guys around me. I turn to Grey first. While everyone on the team has noticedthe distance between Landon and me, Grey is the only one who understood what was happening. He hasn’t treated either of us any differently, hasn’t given any sign that he would know what’s going on. But his support comes from his actions, like when he takes the empty seat beside me as if it was always meant for him. Offering to refill my beer when we go out with the guys, even though it’s something Landon and I normally do for each other.
I never noticed just how much Landon and I were attached at the hip until he wasn’t there.
Right now, I’m grateful Grey’s able to pick up on what I’m about to say. His subtle nod is all the support I need.
“I’m, uh, gonna be a dad,” I say awkwardly, having not thought through any better way to break the news.
Anyone who’s closest to me falls silent, and I wince at the lack of noise. If it weren’t for Greyson’s rare smile, I’d probably panic.
“Dude, what? That’s amazing!” Dominik finally breaks the silence and I let out the breath I was holding. “Who’s the mom?”
Since I’m looking right at him, I watch Grey’s smile tighten as he glances over my shoulder. I turn my focus to Dom, needing to just say the rest.
“Arianna.”
If Dominik is shocked by the news, he hides it real fucking well. Without missing a beat, he’s pushing off the bench and pulling me up into a hug.
“Congratulations, man,” he says, patting me on the back before turning me to the next guy. Carter does the same, followed by Reid and Evan. The news spreads around the locker room, making more guys jump in to shout their congratulations for me. By the time I’ve been hugged by damn near half the team, I’m left standing in front of Landon and Greyson.
Grey stands to one side, ready to either give us space or jump between us. Dominik and the others are still close by, chattingloudly about how excited they are for me, but I tune them out and stare my best friend in the eye.
“We found out the gender today,” I tell him and the way his eyes widen in horror should probably bring me some small joy. Instead, I just feel…guilty.
Risking a step closer, I shake my head, over this ridiculous drama.
“Look, man, I?—”
“I’m sorry.” Landon interrupts, I reel back in surprise. He runs a hand through his hair and shakes his head. “I was being stupid. I know that. But every time I tried to think of something to say, none of it sounded right for how I behaved. Then the next thing I knew, it had been one week, then two, then a fucking month. Nothing I can think of seems good enough.”
I close my eyes, grateful that we’re one step closer to getting past this.
“Dude, saying sorry is good enoughfor me.” I pause, letting the meaning sink in. Grabbing his shoulder, I yank him into a hug, our pads bashing against each other awkwardly, but I ignore it. “You really hurt her. So it’s probably going to take more than those two words to make things better, but I do know that saying something, that showing up and just trying, will go a long way. She misses you. It’s killing her that you haven’t been around, but she refuses to make the first move.”
I let him go but keep a hand on his shoulder and hold his gaze. “Just get your head out of your ass, apologize, and stop being a dick to the woman I love.”
He pats my arm, nodding before stepping back. “I’ll talk to her.”
“Good.” I cross my arms and grin. “So you wanna know if you’re gonna have a niece or a nephew?”
His smile is sad, but he shakes his head. “Yeah, I do. But I think that’s something I should find out from my sister.”
“Damn, man. I’ve already cried once today. Don’t make me tear up again.”
Landon shoves me away, laughing as he passes to finish getting ready for the game. We easily fall back into old habits, taunting and teasing each other about how we look in full gear.
By the time we’re hitting the ice, there’s a lightness to me. Like everything is falling into place and that it’s all exactly as it should be.
We’ve got some ground to make up, but my best friend is talking to me again.
The woman I love is carrying my daughter.
When asked, I’ve always said I don’t have a family. But I was wrong. These people here, they’ve shown up for me when I needed a friend, celebrated my wins, and helped me work through my losses.
I’ve had a family for years now and didn’t realize it.
