Page 223 of The Coach

Through the pain, the exhaustion, the absolute insanity of today—she’s fierce. Determined. Perfect.

And when I see that tiny, pink, screaming bundle enter the world?—

Everything in my chest collapses.

The doctor places our baby on Ivy’s chest, and she lets out a soft, choked laugh.

“Oh my god,” she whispers, tears spilling down her cheeks.

I kiss her forehead, my own vision blurring.

"You did it, baby. I love you. I love you so much.”

She smiles back and mouths the words softly.

And then?

Then I meet my daughter.

My world.

Her tiny fingers wrap around mine, and I swear to god—I’m gone.

Absolutely fucking wrecked.

I press a gentle kiss to her little head.

And just like that?

The biggest, most important victory of my life isn’t a trophy.

It’s this.

Them.

My family.

I don’t even know if we won the game tonight.

But this?

This is the real brass ring if you ask me.

“Welcome to the world, Ellie,” Ivy says, as we both hold her, and press our foreheads together.

One Year Later

Our baby just turned one, but more importantly?

It’s also officially the off-season. Which means I finally get to relax.

It also means that I get to take Ivy on a trip.

The second the villa door clicks shut, I turn to my wife.

She barely has time to set her bag down before I have her pressed against the wall, my hands roaming, gripping, needing.

“Jesus, Jackson,” Ivy laughs breathlessly, her hands sliding up my chest. “We just got here.”

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