Toxic

by Kathy Coopmans

  The crowd goes wild. Maria and her mom wave to them and begin walking to the sidelines. I meet her halfway. Right before I go to wrap her sexy-ass body up in a hug, she grimaces and clutches her back. Her gaze falls as does mine.

  “Son of a bitch,” I growl, raking my hands through my hair.

  All rationale escapes me.

  “Ready to be a daddy?” Maria smiles wide.

  “Jesus, woman.” Panic sets in.

  Her smile vanishes as the pain of a contraction takes over. Seems I’m on a life-long journey with two very stubborn people. I wouldn’t want it any other way.