“Love you too.”
“Just want to point out that I won today without boning you last night.”
I laugh and lean up to kiss him. “I caught that. For the record, I never doubted you’d win. And now your phone is blowing up with calls from A-list agents. Do you know who you’re going to choose?”
“I have a phone call with a few former players—Billy Babcock, Michael Oliver, and Ryder Kingston—tomorrow morning. They’re gonna give me some pointers. Coach said he’d be happy to be on that conference call.”
Wow. Of course I know Billy because he’s engaged to Roxy, and he’s killing it as a rookie. Michael and Ryder are also superstars on their respective NFL teams.
“I’m so happy for you.” My eyes prickle, and I sniffle.
“Us. Be happy for us, baby, because you’re a big reason I’m here.” He shifts and cups my belly. “You brought me back to life, Abby. I know that’s probably a cheesy thing to say, but it’s true. I feel like I’m finally living again. Part of living is taking risks. I understand that now. I’m still not crazy about taking risks, but it helps that you and our littles make me so happy.”
Our littles?! “I’m so excited I’m having your baby.” Tears spill over my cheeks.
He runs his hand up and down my back until I get over my emotional outburst. He gets that I just need to cry sometimes.
“Did you still want to tell your parents and Hazel tomorrow?” His gruff, post-sex voice is so sexy.
My parents love Nick. I’m sure they’ll have the usual apprehension about us being young, but I think they’ll be over the moon about being grandparents. “Is that okay? Or do you think it’s too soon? I brought that t-shirt for Hazel in case we decided to do this.”
He kisses my forehead. “I’m ready when you are.”
“How do you think Hazel will take the news?”
“She’ll be ecstatic. She loves you, and I think she’ll love the idea of being a big sister.”
“What about your dad?” Nick’s father couldn’t come to the game—the cost of the travel and hotel was just too much—but he’s been texting Nick all week and telling him how proud he is.
Nick smiles. “He likes being a grandpa. I don’t think he’ll have a problem. And once he retires, he’ll have more time to spend with our kids.”
Our kids. I love the sound of that.
Life is good, I think drowsily. I fall asleep with a smile on my face.
* * *
The next morning, Nick has to get up early to do that conference call. After I get dressed, I pop down to Paige’s room. She’s packing and getting ready for her flight home this afternoon. It’s been such a crazy few days. Even though we’ve both been in Miami for the game, I’ve barely seen her.
“You looked awesome yesterday. I love that routine y’all do during halftime,” I tell her as I sit on her bed. “I took some video for you.”
“Thank you. That was thoughtful.” She folds her jeans and tosses them in her luggage.
“Do you think you can make brunch with me and my parents in a little while? Nick and I have some news, and I want you to be there if you can make it.”
Her eyes widen. “What kind of news? Girl, are you pregnant? Because Baylee told me she thought you had a bun in the oven like two weeks ago.”
“Damn it. I wanted to surprise you.” Baylee has some kind of third eye because she always gets these weird feelings.
Paige squeals and practically tackles me in a hug. “I’m so happy for you! Oh my God, you and Nick are going to have gorgeous babies!”
I smile like a lovesick fool. “I’m so happy.”
“Just think. You didn’t want to work for him, and now you’re having his babies and hearts across campus will break.” She gasps. “I almost forgot to tell you. Guess who got in a cat fight the night before last.”
“Who?”
“Tiffany. She was blowing some guy in his hotel room when his wife tracked down his weaselly little ass. Wifey was so pissed, she grabbed Tiffany by her hair and slammed her to the ground.”
