Page 91 of Three Pucks and a Baby

“You hurt me, Theo,” she replied softly.

I exhaled a ragged breath. “I know I did. And I’m so sorry. I wish I could take it back.” Shaking my head, I said, “I seriously don’t know why I reacted like I did.”

“I think you do.”

“Excuse me?”

“Isn’t there a part of you that thought I might’ve gotten pregnant on purpose? Or that I tried to get pregnant byyousince you might be getting drafted?”

Grimacing, I replied, “Fuck. Did I say something like that?”

Vivian nodded. “Among other hurtful things.”

“Maybe there was some truth to what you said before. Maybe there was a part of me that felt like you had gotten pregnant on purpose.” Shaking my head, I said, “Considering your reaction to the news, I realize there’s no way you could’ve possibly been trying to get pregnant by me or the others.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, really.”

“I’m glad you can see that. I can assure you that regardless of my age, I certainly wasn’t looking to become a mom. Not with one of you guys or anyone else for that matter.”

“I see that now.”

“I hope so.”

After a painful jerk of my hair, I sighed. “I don’t know what to say except I’m sorry. Really and truly fucking sorry.”

Vivian leaned back against the shelves. “While the words are nice, it’s going to take some time and some actions on your part for me to truly forgive and trust you again.”

Although my chest clenched, I nodded. “I understand. Considering I was afraid you might not even speak to me ever again, I appreciate you giving me the time. And whatever you feel you need from me, just let me know, and I’ll do it.”

After swallowing hard, I said, “In the end, I know this isn’t just about you and me. There’s a baby in the mix as well. Not to mention my two best friends. To ensure that I make this right, I’m going to see a therapist.”

Vivian’s expression was truly shocked. “You are?”

“Yes, I am.” With a small smile, I said, “With true transparency, the therapy thing was Bennett’s suggestion.”

“So, they did have a part in this?”

“Sort of. I mean, I had to make things right with them as well.”

Cocking her brows, Vivian asked, “You seem truly repentant. Can I ask what brought on this change?”

“You mean besides being utterly miserable the past two days?”

She gave me a shy smile. “Yes.”

“Bennett cornered me in the weight room.”

Her emerald eyes popped wide in horror. “He didn’t hit you again, did he?”

I laughed. “Not with his hands but with the truth.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Both on and off the ice, I’m nothing without him and Grayson. Like Grayson said the other night, we’re all in this together.”

“Until the paternity test comes back?”

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