Page 103 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

“Where are you?” I ask.

“At a bar grabbing a bite to eat with some of the guys from the team,” he answers.

“Are there girls there?” I hate asking that question.

“What’s going on, Annie?” he asks sounding concerned.

“I don’t know. I think we need to take a break for you to really see if you want a different life. You know, the life of a single hockey player on the road.”

“Hell no. I don’t agree to that,” he refuses. I don’t like the idea either, but how will we know it’s what he really wants if he doesn’t have the opportunity to explore?

“You don’t have to agree. I think it’s for the best,” I tell him and I hiccup, holding back tears. Getting my period makes me feel hormonal, but this month I feel borderline crazy. Maybe I am missing Cade so much and I’m so lonely I’ve gone a little mad.

“I’m in this relationship too. I know what’s good for me. I also know what I want and I do not want some puck bunny on the road. You know me, baby. It’s not my thing. You’re the only girl I’ve ever loved and will ever love.”

“You can’t know that, Cade.”

“I can. I have a two-day break coming up next week. Don’t give up on us. I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay.” My voice cracks.

“I love you, Annie Caufield. If it were up to me, we would be married by now.”

“I love you too, Cade.”

For the next week Cade has flowers and chocolates sent to me every day. I have more flowers and chocolate than my apartment can hold. I also don’t get my period and so I head to the campus clinic and see a doctor.

ANOTHER EPILOGUE

Cade

We have a two-day break. Instead of waiting until the morning to fly out to Michigan, I take the red-eye and land on Annie’s doorstep at 4:00 a.m. Luckily, I have a key, so I let myself in. My girl looks lonely curled up on the bed, sleeping by herself.

I take off my clothes and get into bed beside her, and she curls into my side.

“Cade?”

“I’m here, baby, sleep.”

She sleeps in my arms, as I hold on as tight as I can. When morning comes and Annie opens her eyes, she begins to cry.

“What’s wrong?” I ask her. Crying is not what I expect from her first thing in the morning.

When her crying becomes stronger, and her body begins to shake, my fear spikes.

“Annie, baby, please stop. Please tell me what’s wrong.” It feels like hours pass, when it is probably only ten minutes.

She lifts her head. “Cade, I’m pregnant.”

Time stands still as I process her words. She is watching me through tear-stained eyes, and it breaks my heart.

“I’m going to be a dad?” are my first words and they are filled with so much joy. “This is a good thing, baby.” I lean in to kiss her, but she doesn’t kiss me back.

“This is an unplanned pregnancy that is going to change our lives,” she cries.

“Baby, I am here to support you with whatever you decide. But if you want this baby, then you know I’m in. I wanted us married before this baby was in the picture, and I still want you now.”

“You do?” she asks. “But. . .”

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