Page 145 of I Got You

“I’m not surprised. They’d be idiots not to. What do you want?”

“I think I want to keep coaching and getting better. Find out if I want to be a head coach someday.”

“Shane Carter, Head Coach. It has a nice ring to it.” He rolls on his side and wraps his arm around my legs. I run my hand over his arm. “How about Shane Carter, Daddy? How do you think that sounds?”

I watch his eyes open very slowly and then drag his gaze to mine. “What did you say?”

“I want to know what you think about being called daddy?” I can’t prevent the corners of my mouth from pulling up.

He sits up a little. “Like ever?”

“Like right now?”

“Right now?” I can see him trying to process this as he moves to sit next to me.

“Yes. Grizz, there isn’t a single thing you do halfway. Apparently, that includes making babies.”

In one swift motion, he pulls me onto his lap. “Are you serious?” I nod. “Are you sure?” I nod again. “Like really, really sure?”

I laugh. “Well, those little pee stick things are like 99.9% accurate, so I’m going to say yes.”

The biggest smile I’ve ever seen crawls across his face, but I only see it for a second before he pulls me to his chest. “I can’t believe it. This is the best news of my life. Maggie, you’re…a baby.”

I bury my face in his neck, breathing him in with so much relief in sharing this with him. “I wanted to tell you so badly earlier. I took the test in the hotel yesterday morning and could hardly stand not telling you.”

“I love you so much,” he says in a whisper.

“I love you too.” I rest against him, enjoying the feel of his warmth and security. “Our house is going to be complete madness.”

“Firefly, it's you and me and the only way I ever want it.”

Epilogue

SHANE

Six Months Later

I look over at Maggie in her bright red bikini. Her eyes are closed, her hand resting on her protruding belly, and I have never seen a more beautiful sight. I can’t even believe there was ever a time when I didn’t think I wanted this.

I reach over and spread my hand over her bump, watching her lips curve into a smile. She pulls my hand a little lower, and I feel the bump, bump, bump of my kid's foot. The most incredible thing I will ever experience.

“This kid is definitely yours. I’m pretty sure he’s using my bladder to practice kicking field goals.” Maggie winces.

“He?”

“Yeah. Today, I’m pretty sure it’s a he. Any girl would have to be a little gentler in there.”

“Not if she’s anything like you,” I say, knowing it’ll get a rise out of her.

She rolls onto her side, and her belly bumps into my stomach. “Oh, really. What exactly are you trying to say, Grizz?”

I push her hair out of her face. “Firefly, you are nothing if not standing with a match poised to light up anyone’s ass who gets out of line. Our little girl in there just might be getting ready to set the world on fire.”

She laughs. “What do you want it to be? Boy or girl?”

I feel the baby kick again. “I don’t care. I’d be happy if there were two.”

She puts her hand over my mouth. “I think the kids and I have officially driven you insane. We just need one healthy one at a time. Do you know what this little beast is going to do to our life? Our sleep? Our sanity when she turns sixteen and wants to date the bad boy because all that broodiness is sexy?”

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