Page 162 of The Coach

Me: Me too.

I glance up at the screen. Jackson is on the sidelines, arms crossed, headset on, all intense and locked in on the game.

It’s so weird, knowing that the man everyone in this room is watching, the man leading an entire football team in front of millions of people…

That’shim.That’sours.

And next weekend?

He’s coming home to me.

On Tuesday morning, my stomach twists as I step into Principal Howard’s office.

I’ve been putting this conversation off, but there’s no more avoiding it. I have to tell her.

Principal Howard leans back in her chair, adjusting her glasses as she studies me. “So, what can I do for you?”

I swallow, forcing my voice to stay even. “I wanted to discuss my maternity leave.”

Her brows lift, and I don’t miss the way her gaze flickers down to my bare left hand. There’s a pause.

“Oh. Well…congratulations.”

I offer a small smile. “Thanks.”

She nods, steepling her fingers. “I assume you’ll be taking your full leave after the baby is born?”

“Yes. The due date is in February—so I’d like to take off starting in January. Then I’ll be back in August. I already looked into the policy, and I’ll submit all the paperwork this week.”

A beat of silence.

Then, the question I was hoping wouldn’t come.

“And—you don’t have to answer, Ivy—but I’m curious on a personal level.”

“About?”

“Who is the father?” Her voice is light, polite, but the way her gaze lingers on my hand makes it clear she’s wondering.

I don’t even hesitate. Keeping my expression neutral, I answer casually. “He’s a coach.”

Principal Howard blinks. “A coach?”

“Mmhmm.” I smile, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. “A very busy one.”

There’s a long moment where she studies me, like she’s trying to piece the puzzle together herself. But when I offer nothing more, she finally nods and moves on.

“Alright then. Make sure to send in your paperwork by Friday.”

“Will do. Thanks, Principal Howard.”

“Oh, and Ivy?”

“Yes.”

“I had a feeling something was up with you. Looks like my instinct is still right after all these years.”

“Guess so.”

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