Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 100661 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100661 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 503(@200wpm)___ 403(@250wpm)___ 336(@300wpm)
But what if those were the only instincts I’d been given?
I left the store and hurried home to get ready for tonight’s game. The unsettled feeling in my stomach stayed with me throughout the pre-game meal, and a few teammates asked me if I was okay.
“I’m fine,” I said. “Just a little tired.”
But when I stepped out on the ice, I felt the tension dissipate as the usual rush filled me. Fueled by adrenaline, confidence in my ability, and the knowledge that Mabel was wearing my number and watching me play, I let my instincts take over.
I was in control again, and I liked it that way.
The day after the ultrasound, Mabel left me a voicemail message asking if it would be cool to come down and see the Friday night game the day after Thanksgiving. When I got home from a therapy session later that afternoon, I called her back.
“That sounds great,” I told her.
“Are you sure? I wasn’t sure if you’d have family in town for the holiday or anything.”
“Nah, my parents do Thanksgiving at their place for everyone.”
“Will you be there?”
“I can’t. I’ve got a game Wednesday night in Columbus and Friday night here, and it’s too far for a day trip. But I don’t have a game Saturday. If you stayed, we could hang out or something.”
“That would be fun. I’ll book two nights at the hotel.”
“Mabel, that’s silly. Just stay here.”
“I don’t want to be a bother, I can just—”
“Hey, I owe you, remember? For letting me crash on your couch. I have a guest room, and no one ever uses it unless my mom comes to visit. She picked out the bedding and everything. It’s very nice, lots of unnecessary pillows and shit.”
She laughed. “I’m sure it’s nice.”
“And I promise I will stay at my end of the hallway. I can even put a lock on your door.”
Another laugh, harder this time. “I’m sure that will not be necessary, I just . . .” She was silent a moment. “Actually, you know what? It’s fine.”
“It really is.”
“I’ll plan on leaving around eight in the morning, which should put me there around two or so. Does that work?”
“That’s perfect. I don’t have to leave for the game until about four. I’ll get you a ticket to sit in the family section and introduce you to my buddy Dag’s wife. She comes to all the home games.”
“That sounds great.”
“Then I’ll see you a week from tomorrow. Just text me when you’re leaving Cherry Tree Harbor. I’ll let the parking guy here know you’re coming and when to expect you.”
“Okay.”
“Drive carefully.”
“I will.”
“And don’t forget the jersey.”
She laughed. “It’s a sweater. Get it right.”
We hung up, and it hit me how excited I was to see her. But that was normal with a friend, right? To look forward to spending time together in person? Of course it was.
But I hoped the week passed quickly.
FIFTEEN
joe
Mabel arrived close to three the following Friday afternoon. When I opened the door, she wore an apologetic expression. “Sorry I’m late,” she said. “I kept having to stop to go to the bathroom.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m glad you’re here.” I scooped her into a hug, and right away I felt the bump in her belly. When I released her, I looked at her stomach, but she wore a sweater that was baggy enough to hide the pregnancy.
“Can you see it?” She smoothed the sweater over the small mound.
“Not unless you do that.” I grinned. “You look great. It’s really good to see you.”
She smiled, her cheeks growing pink. Her skin was glowing, and her blue eyes were bright behind the lenses of her glasses. “Thanks. It’s good to see you too.”
As I looked at her, I wondered if pregnancy made a woman even more attractive to the baby’s dad. Had she always been so beautiful? Or was it some quirk of biology that had me wanting to pull Mabel against my chest and crush my mouth to hers?
Instead, I grabbed the handle of her roller bag and brought it inside. “How are you feeling?”
“Good.”
“How’s our little artichoke?”
“Kicked up a storm the whole way down,” she said, following me into the guest room.
“We don’t have to leave for a little bit, so if you’d like to take a nap or even just lie down and rest, you have time.”
“I’m too excited to sleep!” She bounced up and down, clapping her hands. “I can’t wait for the game.”
I laughed, dragging her bag over to the window. “Should be a good one. Montreal is tough.”
“Don’t worry,” she said, patting her stomach. “I brought your good luck charm. He’s ready to cheer for his dad.”
I smiled. “Have you thought about names yet?”
“Here and there. Have you?”
“Every time I try, it scares me. It seems like a lot of responsibility to name a human being. He’ll have that name forever, you know?”