by Kristen Echo
“No more comments,” Caroline answered, ending the event.
His fingers grazed her chin, and she looked up at him. “So, you love me.”
She could no longer find her voice. She raised her shoulders and kept her mouth shut. He smiled which did nothing to calm her racing heart. Each breath took more effort as she searched his eyes for a hint at what he was feeling.
“You didn’t follow the script,” he said. Hailey shook her head as his thumb traced her lower lip. “I never figured you would. Everything you do is off-the-cuff, and I love how you roll. I love the passion in your heart. Hailey, I love you too.”
With the cameras still rolling, Joe kissed her, and she kissed him right back. She didn’t care their kiss was rated R. Nothing else mattered except being with him and grabbing her second chance at happiness with both hands.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
T he league hadn’t benched him, which was great because with Joe on the ice their chances of winning were better. His team was playing well, and they were one win away from advancing to the next round. They were one step closer to the Stanley Cup. A hockey game wasn’t won by one player, it took an entire team of exceptional athletes to make it happen.
“With any luck, we’ll have the Cup home by Father’s Day. Those will make for some epic Father’s Day pictures of me and April.” Cameron squeezed Meagan’s ass, making her yelp.
She swatted him away. “Let’s get through one holiday at a time. This is my first Mother’s Day in April’s life and I’m nervous. I don’t want her to feel awkward.”
Hailey watched Meagan freak out for nothing. She suspected her baby sister would waffle about everything which is why she’d dragged Joe to their house minutes after sunrise. First her sister couldn’t decide what to wear, then it was what to make for breakfast. Hailey took the reins, and Meagan wore a beautiful A-line dress that complimented her curves. As for breakfast it was a moot point since they were going to their parent’s house. Correction, her sister was. Hailey hadn’t been invited.
“That little girl adores you. Stop fussing,” she said, sitting back on the couch and leaning against Joe. In the days since they professed their love, their relationship had settled into something close to perfect. They bickered, and they made love. She was happy, but the little secret growing in her belly threatened to burst that bubble. Joe would either be thrilled or hate her. It was a toss of a coin and could go either way. She didn’t like those odds.
“Easy for you to say. You’re not a step-mommy. Or whatever I am,” Meagan adjusted her ponytail and glanced in the mirror for the tenth time.
The door squeaked down the hall. Everyone froze. The little girl was finally awake, and the pitter-patter of tiny feet raced down the hall towards them. April’s blonde curls bounced into the room and halted in front of Meagan.
Her sister was whiter than a ghost and looked ready to pass out. “Morning. Did you have a good sleep?”
Cameron ruffled his daughter’s hair and smiled at his girls. “No nightmares. Great job, princess.”
April glared at him and put her hands on her hips. “I’m not a princess. Tell him mommy. I’m a super hero.”
Meagan’s smile brightened the room. “You are the best super hero ever,” she said, crouching down.
April hugged Meagan. “Happy Mother’s Day. I love you.”
Hailey’s eyes filled with tears. It was so sweet to see the love all around her. Her hormones had shifted, even commercials made her teary eyed.
“I love you too, April.” Her sister lifted the little girl into her arms and spun her around. “Uncle Joe and Hailey are here to visit.”
A moment later, April was on Joe’s back and he ran around the room like a fool. Moments like that made her think it would go well. He’d be an amazing father. But there were other times when he’d tell her how happy he was to be free and how because of his childhood he wasn’t sure kids would ever be in his future. For those reasons, she kept her lips locked.
“We should get April dressed and kick it. Otherwise your mom will blow up your phone,” Cameron said to Meagan while removing his daughter from Joe’s back and placing her on the floor.
“Thanks, Uncle Joe. Help me pick a dress,” April said, flashing her dimples and looking like the spitting image of her dad.
Hailey wondered who the baby would resemble. Joe smoothed his hair off his forehead and took April’s hand. He shook his ass, making her laugh as he weaved the entire way down the hall towards her room.
“Are you coming?” Meagan sat down next to Hailey and grabbed her hand.
“I’m not welcome. Trust me, I’ve reached out. Over fifty times at least. They hate me.” She shrugged her shoulders.
Meagan picked up her phone and pressed a few buttons then smiled. “I told mom you’re coming with us. Don’t make a liar out me.”
“I hate you,” she said, sticking out her tongue.
“No one hates me. I’m too loveable.” Her sister stood and ventured down the hall to retrieve April while Hailey pounded the couch with her fists. Her mini tantrum solved nothing.
The group traveled separately but arrived at the same time. She refused to go into her parent’s house without Meagan and Joe by her side. She braced herself for the door slam in her face that was bound to follow. Her sister opened the door and announced their arrival. Hailey held Joe’s hand and hovered over the threshold.
“Oh good,” her mother said, stepping into the foyer with the Colonel on her six. “I’m glad you all could make it. The holidays are a time for family. Right, dear?”
Colonel Rylen looked at everyone but her. “It’s Mother’s Day which means we celebrate mother’s. Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. All mothers are welcome here.” He kissed his wife’s temple.
“Well if it’s mother’s only, I guess we should leave,” Joe joked and bumped shoulders with Hailey.
She closed her eyes and tried to reign her temper. Joe had hit the nail on the head. Mothers were welcome, and she wasn’t. Her father had no idea she was pregnant. He’d said those words to wound her. He’d succeeded. “Do you want us gone or are we welcome to stay?”
Her mother stepped closer, and she noticed the tears fluttering on the verge of spilling over. “Today, let’s bury the hatchet. No talk of work or the past. My children are here, and I choose to believe your brother’s here in spirit too. So, take off your coats and come in.”
“Can you do that dad? Can you stomach to be in the same room as me?” She wanted him to let go of his ideals and be proud of her even if she wasn’t serving her country for a living. She wanted him back in her life and in her child’s life. Her baby needed grandparents.
“I don’t know,” he answered honestly.
“Your stupid stubbornness is going to ruin everything! Dad, you’ve always been my rock and my pillar of strength. I need you for this next chapter in my life. Who the hell will teach my kids how to shoot? How to love this country with passion and pride.”
“Hailey we both know you’ll never have children so you’re talking nonsense.”
She dropped her head. “Never say never,” she mumbled.
Meagan gasped and dropped her purse. “Hailey! Get out,” she squealed.
Hailey’s head snapped towards her sister. “What?” Her grip on Joe’s hand tightened.
“I knew it. I told Cameron that you looked different.” Meagan slapped Cam’s arm and did a little happy dance. “This explains your abrupt change from wolfing down every meal in quick military fashion to grazing and hardly touching anything.” Her sister was the only person smiling.
Joe looked between the sisters and settled on Hailey. “I’m missing something and you’re hurting my hand, baby.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her palm.
“Oh!” Meagan dropped her hands and looked to the floor. “I’m sorry.”
Hailey took a big gulp of air. “You’re right, little sis,” she said and offered a weak smile. She turned and faced Joe, taking both
his hands. “There’s never going to be a great time to say this, or there just hasn’t been so far. I’m pregnant.”
He stood there and silently stared at her while the rest of the group inhaled in surprise. She overheard the murmurs, but her focus was on the father of her unborn child. This wasn’t at all how she’d planned to tell him. She’d envisioned getting him a few glasses of wine to loosen up and then springing it on him. Maybe do it while he was naked and satiated, so he wouldn’t run instantly.
Hailey shook his hands. “Joe, say something.”
“Um. Happy Mother’s Day.”
She burst out laughing. Joe pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. He didn’t hate her, but that didn’t mean he was happy about this news. Weeks had passed since she’d received the news. The shock had worn off, and she was elated. She couldn’t wait to hold her dark haired munchkin.
Joe kissed the top of her head then kissed his way down the side of her face, ending on her lips. “Wow. This is a surprise. You’ve been a constant surprise in my life, woman. Never a dull moment, baby.”
“I’ve had time to process this. So, it’s okay if you need time. It’s a big change. We have a few more months before the baby comes,” she said.
“This is happy news. I mean, I’m going to be a dad.” He picked her up and twirled her in the air. “We’re going to be parents. Watch out world, our kid is going to be epic.”
His reaction was far better than she ever imagined. “I love you,” she said, kissing him again.
“I love you too.” Joe stepped back and put his hands on her belly. The same way Martin had lovingly caressed Sylvie’s bump. Hailey wasn’t far enough along to show, but the baby was growing.
Her father cleared his throat, and she looked at him. “Are you sure? I was with you when you mourned the possibility.”
“Yeah. I’m sure. I was shocked, but the doctors confirmed it. More than once,” she added.
Her father moved towards her and hugged her. “This child is lucky to have you. You will make one hell of a mother.”
The tears of happiness rolled down her cheeks. Most teenage girls cried on their mother’s shoulders when things went wrong, but Hailey had always been a daddy’s girl. The Colonel had held her and let her cry. They weren’t the type of family that hugged or kissed. Physical affection was usually provided with a handshake or tap on the back. This hug meant everything to her.
Hailey wrapped her arms around her father’s waist and smiled. “So, will you teach my kid everything you know?” She looked into his eyes and happiness reflected.
“I apologize for my reaction to the end of your career. Your mother’s been harping at me to say that. Now, it’s said, and we won’t discuss it again.” He gripped her arms and nodded. “You’ll always be my daughter. You and your family will always be welcome in my home.”
“Roger that,” she said with a salute.
Her mother squeezed her arm and began telling her about the labor process. The aches, the pains and the pushing. There was so much to learn. Joe held her hand through it all. By the time they left her parent’s her cheeks hurt from smiling.
“Are you ready to go home or would you like to make a detour?” Joe closed his door, smiled at her and pulled out of her parent’s driveway.
Life had dealt her a series of trials and heartache to endure, but she’d survived. From those endings she found her way towards acceptance. Some beautiful people, like Denis and Ryan, weren’t meant to be in her life forever. Their lights shined bright and helped her grow. Their memories would remain with her eternally. Joe taught her how to let go. He opened her eyes and healed her heart. He provided her a second chance at happiness. She planned to hold on to it and cherish every moment.
She leaned over and kissed him. It wasn’t disrespectful to her past. It felt good. Being with Joe felt right. “I love you.”
“I love you too. So, what will it be?” He gripped the wheel as they coasted down the road.
“Let’s take the long way.”
EPILOGUE
T hey lost the next game, but not the round. Tied at three a piece going into the final game was nerve-wracking. There was a lot riding on this one game. If they won, they’d advance with only two more teams to beat before winning it all. If they failed, Joe would have plenty of time to house hunt. There was no question which way she wanted things to go. The Stanley Cup was in their future.
After their statements, the papers had printed a retraction though it never made the front page. Scandals increased ratings, but they’d have to find their story elsewhere. Hailey had tried to find Frank to thank him, but his number was disconnected and his room at the boarding house occupied by someone else. He’d vanished. She had a sneaky suspicion if she ever became a detective for the city, she might see him around.
Joe scrolled and pointed at the laptop. “This one has a pool and a hot tub. Watching you prance around year-round in a bikini sounds awesome.”
She settled on his lap and slapped his shoulder. “For starters, I don’t prance. Secondly, naked hot tubbing is the only way to go.” Their lips met, and his tongue wiggled into her mouth. Every kiss turned into more. They didn’t have time to mess around, unfortunately. Hailey pulled his hair back until he released her mouth.
“It’s on top of the list, baby. This one and the one with six bedrooms.”
“We will need extra space, but six is overkill. You do realize this might be our one fluke baby.” She wrapped her arm around his neck. Her fertility issues hadn’t disappeared. The odds were not in their favor. Which made her feel extra lucky and blessed to have found Joe and be carrying his child.
His lip lifted on the side as he placed his hand over her stomach. “My swimmers are strong. We knocked you up with a broken condom; I’m positive it will happen again when we actually try. I’m looking forward to all the sex that comes with that,” he said and moved his hand between her legs, pressing against her mound.
Her hips lifted towards him, seeking his touch. “You’ve taken to this daddy news really well. What happened to the guy who had the crappy childhood and never wanted kids?”
“You’re so hot, baby. I know if I dip my fingers inside your panties, you’ll be dripping wet for me,” he growled and nipped at her ear.
“You need to leave for the big game. No distractions.” She closed her legs, caging his hand between her thighs. “Take the six-bedroom house off the list.” She didn’t want to have the pressure of trying to fill them.
He removed his hand and licked behind her ear. “It’s staying on the list. Besides, if we can’t make them, we’ll adopt or foster. I really like the idea of helping kids whose lives started off rocky. You don’t have to say yes now, but I think it’d be cool.”
Hailey kissed him. This man was so selfless and had an abundance of love to give. “Yes. I think it would be cool too.”
“You’re in an agreeable mood. Who is this imposter, and where did you put my snarky, argumentative girlfriend?” He pretended to look behind her back. “You look like my sexy baby-mamma, but she says no to everything first.”
She rolled her eyes. “Funny. I don’t always say no. Well, I’m turning a new leaf. My new motto is to say yes,” she said, sliding off his lap and walking towards their bedroom.
Joe stood and followed behind her. He pulled his t-shirt over his head and tossed it in the hamper across the room. If he hadn’t become an NHL player, he could have tried out for the NBA. He dropped his sweats and sat on the bed naked. “Let me test this new motto of yours.”
“Joe don’t get any naughty ideas. We have to leave, or you’ll be late.” They’d spent the morning making love and looking at houses. He was obsessed with moving out of the condo and having a yard for their kid. Hailey walked into the closet, searching for her Larson jersey.
“Get naked and bring my suit out.”
She huffed, but she had told him yes was her new motto. Telling him to get it himself, lingered on the tip of her tong
ue, but she swallowed it. “Yes. I’ll be right out.” She removed her clothes and carried his freshly pressed, tailored suit out for him.
Joe leaned back with a surprised look on his face. “Impressive.”
She flipped her hair over her shoulder, granting him an unobstructed view of her breasts. Joe was a breast man, and that worked in her favor. “I know. Saying yes is a piece of cake.”
He stood and took the suit from her. “Let’s see how long you can keep this up. I can already see you itching to tell me off,” he chuckled. “Go put on my jersey and a black mini skirt. No bra and no panties.”
“It’s cold out and I… yes. I’d love to feel the wind against my pussy. Great choices. Whatever. Get dressed and then we’ll leave.” She turned and marched back into the closet. The jersey rubbed against her nipples and the bottom of her skirt. Without looking in a mirror, she was positive if anyone looked closely they’d see her nipples. This outfit was the worst, but she’d make the best of it.
“Turn around and let me see the full picture.” He whistled as she twirled for him. He’d put on his white button-down shirt, leaving the top three buttons open. His erection poked through the bottom, waving at her. He gripped his shaft. “Come here.”
“We don’t… yes.” She exhaled and stepped in front of him next to the bed.
He smiled and pinched her nipples. “Do you want me to fuck you?”
Her lips thinned. “Yes.”
“But we’ll be late,” he said, mocking her. She went to slap his arm, but he caught her hand and moved it over his cock. “Do you want all this inside you, baby?”
She did. “Yes.”
“I love it when you see things my way. This new motto looks good on you.” In a flash, she was bent over the bed with Joe pressing against her entrance. “Keep saying yes, baby.” He thrust in hard and deep, making her lift onto the tips of her toes.
“Fuck, yes. More,” she screamed as he slapped her ass and pushed in deeper. Her fingers squeezed the sheets as each thrust penetrated her soul. “I love you,” she wailed over and over.
