A Different Christmas: Novella (University Park Series)

by CM Doporto

  “Don’t worry, I won’t.” Laughing, I wiped under my eyes. “I love you, guys.”

  “Aw…” Delaney hugged me again. “And we love you, too.”

  That’s all it took for the tears to release at full speed. Would these emotions ever get in-check? “If you do come, don’t forget your camera. I want you to take pictures of the babies.”

  “Of course.” She pulled my hair to the side. “But I’m still peeved you wouldn’t let me take some pictures this weekend.”

  I twisted my face. “I’m grossly huge, Laney.” I ran my hands over my beach-ball belly. “Besides, you took some great shots of me the weekend of my baby shower.”

  “Did Raven like them?”

  “He sure did.”

  “My favorite is the one with him on his knees, kissing your stomach.”

  “That’s mine, too,” I said with a sniffle.

  “Don’t mean to break-up your girly reminiscing, but we’ve gotta go.” Luke pointed to his watch.

  “Yep, it’s time to get you guys to the airport.” I gave Delaney one more hug.

  “Y’all stay put for a few more weeks, okay?” She rubbed my belly. “Can’t wait to meet you! Aunt Delaney is going to spoil you rotten,” she said in a singsong voice.

  I dried my eyes one more time, wishing my friend lived closer. If there were ever a time I needed her, it was now. “We better go before I start crying again.” I grabbed my purse and keys. “Otherwise, you’ll never make your flight.”

  ***

  Raven

  I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was a few minutes after nine a.m. and I had just finished working out on my day off. With the pressure compounding, from home and on the field, I got up early and did what I needed to do. I headed to the locker room to shower and take Lexi to her ten a.m. doctor’s appointment. Having missed the last one, I didn’t want to be late.

  “Hey, Raven.” Coach Rush stopped me as I passed his office.

  “Yes, sir?” I skidded to a stop.

  “Randy and I were discussing some different strategies after catching something on last night’s game between Carolina and Minnesota. Do you have a minute?”

  “Of course.” I stepped into his office, knowing I didn’t have a minute to spare. But what was I going to do? Turn down my coaches? It wasn’t every day they asked me to discuss strategy for next week’s game. I wiped the sweat from my face and took a seat next to the offensive coordinator.

  “Look at what this guy’s doing.” Coach Rush pointed to a large TV located behind me. He pushed the rewind button. I positioned my chair to see the screen while still being able to hold a conversation with them. I immediately recognized the video I’d been studying.

  “You know I’ve been watching this same footage, studying Carolina’s past few games. That linebacker consistently struggles with man-to-man coverage. He is not a shutdown player. His poor coverage leaves the middle of the field wide open,” I commented, hoping I was on the same track they were.

  “Bingo! You picked up on it, too.” Coach Rush had a big smile on his face.

  “We checked video from the past two games and sure enough, same thing. Knowing this,” Coach Randy’s strong Cajun accent filtered through, “will give us an advantage.”

  “Exactly. We can go after him when he bumps out and lines up on our running backs. Maybe we can run three more wide receiver sets or have Jes one on one with this guy. What do you think?”

  “I think you’re right, Raven.” Coach Randy nodded. “So, here’s what I think we should do.” He swiped his tablet and drew a play scheme on the screen. We talked through the plan, considering a few options that would take our opponent by surprise. It was freaking great to be included with strategy discussions. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed it. It took me back to my PHU days, placing me right where I loved to be. Forty minutes later, my phone sounded, pulling me out of my zone.

  “Oh, shit.” I pulled my phone from the pocket of my athletic pants. “It’s Lexi.”

  Lexi: Where are you? We need to leave now.

  “Is everything okay?” Coach Rush asked, peering at my phone.

  I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand. “She has a doctor’s appointment in twenty minutes and I’m supposed to pick her up.” I glanced at him.

  “I guess you’d better go.” His chair squeaked as he reclined. “Don’t want to keep her waiting. You know what I say, happy wife, happy life.” He chuckled and smiled.

  “That’s right,” Coach Randy agreed.

  “True.” I wanted to point out he’d failed somewhere — not once, but twice — but it wasn’t my place to do that. I had my own problems to worry about. The obvious one being: make Lexi my wife. “I’m sorry.” I stood up, feeling the guilt pull me down. “I can come back after the appointment.”

  Why did it seem like I was abandoning my football obligations, and, at the same time, failing to be there for Lexi? She needed me and I wanted to go with her and talk to the doctor. My career and Lexi were equally important to me, but I felt like I had to choose between the two.

  Coach Rush shook his head. “No, it’s your day off. Take Lexi to the doctor and spend some time with her. You’ll be out of town this weekend, so give her what she needs.”

  “I know, and I hope she doesn’t go into labor while I’m away.”

  “Is it almost time?” Coach Randy gave me a double take.

  “Yes. She only has three weeks left and I don’t know if she’ll make it to forty weeks.”

  Both coaches cringed. “Too bad you guys didn’t plan this during the off season.”

  I shrugged. “It wasn’t planned at all. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have suggested it.”

  “I know how that goes.” Coach Randy slapped the desk. “Not one of my four kids was planned.”

  “Only one of mine was.” Coach Rush inclined his head. “Then again, I think my ex-wife had it all planned out, if you know what I mean.”

  I nodded, not knowing what to say.

  “You’ve got a lot going on and you’re doing great. We’re really proud of you, Raven. Not only are you showing dedication, you’re delivering the type of results we want to see. Keep up the good work.” He shot me a thumbs-up.

  “I will.” I walked toward the door. “Thank you both.”

  “See you tomorrow.” Coach Randy waved bye.

  “Bright and early,” I added.

  As I ran to my locker, I sent Lexi a text.

  Me: Leaving to pick you up.

  Not having time for a shower, I opened my locker and grabbed my bag. My phone chimed again.

  Lexi: Just meet me there.

  I cringed when I saw the text. She was pissed again. “Shit.” I slammed my locker door and sprinted to the parking lot. This freakin’ sucked. Being on top of the world wasn’t as easy as it seemed. I never had trouble managing stress in the past, but I’d never felt so taxed in my life either. Everything had changed, forcing me to change, too. But it was all for the best. At the end of the day, this was about results. Did I help my team win the game and was I there for Lexi? These were simple yes or no questions. The stakes were high and there were no second chances. Not anymore. Those days were long gone.

  I raced toward the hospital, where Lexi’s doctor’s office was located. It was only a few miles away from the training facility and what should’ve been a ten-minute drive, took nearly twenty minutes due to a stopped train. Repeatedly, I slammed my hand on the steering wheel, releasing a string of expletives.

  I finally made it to the hospital, leaving my SUV in the valet line. I ran inside the building, dodging people left and right until I made it to the doctor’s office. I flung the door open and all eyes landed on me. I searched the room for Lexi, but she wasn’t there.

  Winded and dripping with sweat once again, I went to the receptionist’s window. The lady looked at me with wide eyes, allowing her lips to curl up in the process. “Can I help you, young man?”

  “Yes, has Lexi Thompson checked in
?”

  “Um, let me check. I just got here.” She put on her glasses and then typed some information into the computer. Her nose scrunched as her eyes peered over her tortoise shell frames. “Has anyone checked in Lexi Thompson?”

  “Yes, I did. Sorry, haven’t had a chance to update the system.” An older lady with snow-white hair said, shuffling a stack of folders in her hand. “And Megan just took her back for a sonogram.”

  “Can you take me back there, please?” I leaned forward on my forearms, giving my biceps a little squeeze while putting on my most charming smile. “I’d like to see my twins.”

  The receptionist took off her glasses, and said, “Well, of course we can. Shelly, can you watch the front?” She got up and motioned for me to meet her at the entrance on the right.

  “Thanks.” She opened the door and led me down the hall to an exam room. I’d been there a few times with Lexi and hoped I wasn’t too late. Knocking on the door, she peeked her head in the room. “I have someone here for Lexi.”

  “Raven?” Lexi called.

  “Yeah, it’s me, baby,” I replied from behind the receptionist.

  “Go ahead.” She pushed the door open, allowing me to enter. Her eyes stayed glued on me, but I was sure once she got a whiff of my sweat body, she’d break away.

  “You made it just in time,” Lexi said without a hello or a smile.

  “Sorry. Coach called me into the office just as I was headed to the shower. He wanted to talk strategy.”

  “I guess you didn’t make it to the shower?” She gave the air a quick sniff.

  “Didn’t have time.” Using my shoulder, I wiped my temple one more time. “I wanted to make it here in time to see the babies.”

  The medical assistant slightly frowned and then squirted some clear jelly on Lexi’s tummy.

  “I’m a professional football player,” I blurted, feeling the need to defend why I was late and stunk.

  “Oh, really?” The medical assistant changed her tune. “What team?”

  “New Orleans.”

  She glanced up. “Oh. My. God. You’re Raven Davenport.”

  I smiled. “Yes, that’s me.”

  “Sunday’s game was unbelievable.” Her eyes lit up as she rambled on and on. “When it was second quarter and Pittsburgh was ahead by a touchdown, I wasn’t sure we’d recover. But you proved me wrong. With a minute and twenty seconds left, you threw a long pass and bam! Jes Baxter made a touchdown!” She rolled a wand over Lexi’s stomach, not paying any attention. “And during the third quarter, when Terrance Jones intercepted that pass…”

  This lady wasn’t stopping. It was great to hear from a die-hard fan, but I was a little anxious to see how my babies were doing, not get a play-by-play of Sunday’s game. “Thanks. I appreciate the support.” I politely interrupted. “It’s been a crazy two weeks, but I love it.”

  “Just keep doing what you’re doing and I guarantee Coach Rush will keep you in the game.”

  “I hope so,” I replied with a solemn gratitude for the fan and staff support. As quick as the stardom had formed, it could vanish in an instant. Each week was crucial and every play counted.

  “Sorry. I get so caught up when someone says New Orleans football.” She laughed. Turning toward the monitor, she said, “Let’s see how the babies are doing and get some measurements.”

  It was breathtaking to see our little babies on the screen. How they moved their small hands and feet. How perfect they looked inside Lexi’s womb. How the boy had my profile and the girl had Lexi’s. It amazed me every time, knowing Lexi and I had created these two lives.

  It really was a miracle.

  A miracle of life.

  And a miracle I was going to be a father.

  I didn’t deserve to be rewarded with a baby, much less two, but somehow, I’d found God’s favor and had received his blessing. And it hadn’t stopped there. I was a professional football player — something I’d dreamed about and thought was over until I tried out and made the team. To get the opportunity as starting quarterback was another dream come true. I swallowed the huge lump in my throat and sniffed.

  The greatest gift of all was the woman lying on the examination table. Without her, I’d be nothing. I owed everything to her. Through glazed eyes, I glanced at Lexi. A soft glow radiated from her face, telling me she was happy. I wanted nothing more than to make her the queen of my world and hope she’d do me the honor of marrying me.

  “I love you.” I leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

  She glanced at me and smiled. “I love you, too.” Using the edge of her thumb, she wiped under my eye just as a tear released. “Thanks for being here with me today.”

  Guilt struck the center of my chest and I caved forward. “Please don’t think I didn’t want to. I’m trying my best to be here for you and do my job to support us.”

  “I know you are, and I’m sorry I’ve been so demanding.” Her voice rose and fell as she warded off her own tears. “Please be patient with me, okay?”

  “Of course, baby.” I stroked her hair. “Anything for you and our precious twins.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Okay, guys.” The medical assistant handed us a long piece of paper. “Here are a few pictures of your babies. Lexi, I’ll step out so you can get dressed and then I’ll take you to see Dr. Castillo.”

  “Wait a minute.” I stopped her. “How big are the babies? Does everything look okay?”

  “Relax. Everything is fine. The doctor will go over that with you.”

  “Okay.” My shoulders dropped, feeling a bit relieved.

  Lexi latched on to my hand. “Just like last time. Nothing new.”

  I nodded, recalling the last appointment I’d attended with her. “I guess I’m a little excited.” If I was feeling this apprehensive, I could only imagine what Lexi was feeling. Knowing I hadn’t been here for her like she needed me to made me sick to my stomach.

  The medical assistant laughed. “You better save all that nervous energy for the field and home. With two, you’re going to need it.”

  Lexi and I laughed. “You’re right about that.”

  Chapter 7

  Lexi

  “What’s wrong, baby? Everything is going to be okay.” Raven wrapped his arm around me as we walked out of the doctor’s office.

  “I know.” I leaned in closer to him. “I’ve never had surgery before. For anything.”

  “Relax. I’ll be there with you the entire time. And you heard what the doctor said, you’ll be awake throughout the procedure. They just numb you from the waist down.”

  I cringed thinking about being cut open while I was awake. “I hope I don’t feel the knife going into me.”

  “Lexi,” Raven let out a slight laugh, “they’ll make sure you’re numb before they start cutting.”

  “They’d better,” I hit the unlock button on the remote, “or I’ll be screaming my head off.” Raven opened the car door for me and I got in. “I still want to see if I can have the babies vaginally, with an epidural of course.”

  He leaned inside of the driver’s side, staring at me like I was some kind of crazy woman. “I’m not going to discourage you or not support your decision to have the babies naturally. My concern is your health, and the babies’, of course. Again, you heard what the doctor said. It’s riskier with twins and she doesn’t want you going past thirty-nine weeks. Right now, both babies are breach and they may not turn in time.”

  “I know. I just didn’t want to be cut into.” I slumped against the steering wheel, feeling like I had no control over the birth of my children. “They say you heal quicker with a vaginal delivery than with a C-section.”

  “Probably so, but at what risk? The doctor is also concerned about the size of the babies.”

  I nodded. “I know, but I’m certain I can do it.”

  “I don’t doubt your ability or willpower, but you can’t handle things out of your control. No one can, except God.”

  “True. I gu
ess I just have to put it in his hands and stopping worrying about it.”

  “Exactly.” Raven rubbed my back. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we go buy a tree and put it up?”

  I pushed myself off the steering wheel. With Thanksgiving over, we could decorate for Christmas. “Sounds like a good idea, but don’t you need to get back to the training facility?”

  “No.” Raven shook his head. “I’m done for the day.” He tucked the strands of my hair behind my ear. “Besides, I want to spend some time with you.”

  “I’d like that.” I smiled, feeling excited about spending some much needed quality time with Raven. It would be fun decorating our house for the holidays. I couldn’t believe we’d been together for almost a year now. Time had flown by. “And I bought all the decorations last time I went shopping with your mom.”

  “Good. Then all we need is a tree.” Raven pulled the valet ticket from his pant pocket. “I know the perfect place, so just follow me.”

  “Okay.” I started my car and he shut the door. Once the valet retrieved our SUV, I followed him out of the parking lot of the hospital. Raven stopped at a local hardware store with a live tree lot not too far from our house. I parked next to him and we got out of our cars. It didn’t take us long to find the perfect tree. A nine-foot soft-needle Fraser Fir, unflocked. We agreed it sucked to get stuck with sharp pine needles and a fresh green tree was better than one covered with fake snow. Raven even bought two small spiral ones for the front porch.

  “It’s going to look so beautiful,” I commented as the store attendant pulled it out to the front. “Ow.” I bowed, feeling a sharp pain hit my stomach.

  “Are you okay?” Raven asked, reaching for me.

  I grabbed his hand and placed it on my stomach. “These Braxton-Hicks are becoming more frequent and starting to hurt.”

  “Damn, why does your stomach get so hard?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know, but it sucks.”

  “Let me walk you to the car and then I’ll go pay.”

  “Okay.” I didn’t protest. Raven informed the clerk and then helped me to the car.