Page 77 of Press Your Luck

Both his brows rose to his hairline. He was quiet for a moment and then he said, "Pierce Jackson?"

I gaped. "How'd you know?"

He shrugged. "For one, all the other pictures of you with Max and Big Ed were at hockey events. They're easily justified by your celebrating with the team or talking to them as a coach. But you at the zoo with Pierce and his kid, you looked like a little family unit."

Tears welled in my eyes at the wordsfamily unit. I could've had that had I done things differently. "And two?"

"And two, whenever the two of you do interviews together, there's a snap, crackle, pop. It's probably why photographers followed you. It was on high display at the tournament."

Under any other circumstances, I might've taken a moment to think about that, but there were more pressing issues. "The thing is—"

Todd waved his hand. "Despite what you might think, I'm not a misogynist pig. I believe women, including pregnant ones and mothers, can do a job. And even if I didn't, in general, I would know thatyoucould, Naomi. Despite all the media stuff, the only reason you're here is because I believe you can take my team all the way to the top. And I expect you to do that whether or not you're carrying Pierce Jackson's baby."

His words lifted my soul, which seemed impossible. I didn't think I would ever have a moment of happiness again. "The thing is, Todd, it's not just one baby. It's three. So I'm going to be getting really big, really fast. I should be able to make it to the end of the season before they come, but there will be times that I’ll have to take it easy. I know you're counting pennies, but maybe now would be the time to get an assistant coach. I mean, the trainers are all well and good, but maybe another coach just in case."

"I'm not against hiring an assistant coach, but I hired you to lead this team, and I don't want a situation in which somebody else is doing it."

All those good feelings I had before tanked. "I understand. And everything that the team will do will be my plan. And like I said, I intend to be there all the way. There just might be some times where I need to take a little rest, in which case—"

"How about Max? He's the team captain."

I nodded. "Max is good and can be really inspiring, but he skates too and sometimes needs coaching."

He nodded. "Well, I'm committed to making this work, Naomi. I just need you to keep me up to date on what you're going to need over the next few months. I don't need to remind you that you need to do all that you can. I know you will."

"I will. Thank you. I was thinking I would tell the team today as well. I'm not going to be able to hide it much longer.”

He nodded. "You need me there when you do?"

I shook my head. It was long past the time when I needed help to talk with my team. "No, it'll be fine."

I made my way down to the ice where the team was warming up. I called them all into the box.

"I've got something I need to tell you guys."

"Are you moving up to the National League?" one of the players called out. I smiled because it told me they believed in me as a coach. "Not yet. You guys are stuck with me for a while longer." A few made groaning noises, but as I looked at them, I saw that they were in jest.

"The thing is, guys, I'm pregnant."

All eyes turned to Max.

Max’s eyes rounded and he stepped back. "It wasn't me. I've never touched her."

"It's not Max’s. And it couldn't be Max’s. I would think all of you would know that by now. The media often gets its facts wrong."

The men seemed to accept that.

"So, who is the daddy?"

"That's not important." I felt confident I could keep the team with me with this news, but if they knew a rival team’s coach was the father, I might lose them. "The point is that I might be a little tired sometimes, and I'm going to start getting big soon because as it turns out, there isn't just one baby. There's three."

"Jesus fuck,” Big Ed said. "Baby daddy's got some serious swimmers."

I arched a brow at him but didn't respond. "Despite any limitations I might start to have, you are going to be expected to work your asses off. We are going to take this championship even if I have to waddle out and whack you with a hockey stick."

"Sure thing, Coach,” Max said.

As I scanned all their faces, they all seemed to be on board except maybe Big Ed, whose unreadable eyes were on mine.

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