Page 110 of The Golden Goalie

I nod, even though we’ve been over this at least five times. “Yes, and it’s my first. My doctor said she will most likely come late; most first pregnancies go past their due date. I will call you if anything changes.”

He takes a breath. “Okay. I’m only gone a few days. I’ll be back on Friday.”

I smile. “I know. You told me...about six times.” He grimaces and runs a hand over his chest. I pick up his large hand and hold it in the two of mine. “I’ll be fine.”

“How’s the newlyweds?” Sebastian asks, joining us and draping an arm over Rico’s shoulder. Rico knocks it off.

“We’re good,” I tell him.

“Aiden,” Seb calls out. Aiden walks over to our group. “Okay, we have to know. How did Saturday night go?” Rico turns and gives him a murderous look, and Sebastian laughs. “Okay. That came out weird, even for me. We just have to know. Did you or did you not do it? Inquiring minds want to know.”

“Did we do it?” I repeat. “What are we? In junior high?”

Sebastian’s eyes widen comically. “You were doing it in junior high?”

Rico shoves him back with one hand. “Would you back off?”

Aiden just shakes his head. “You are such a mess.”

Sebastian grins, totally unfazed. “Aiden and I have a bet going that our boy would cave.”

I look at Aiden, and he just shrugs. “Nobody could have kept me away from my wife on the night of our wedding.”

I scrunch up my nose. “Okay, first, TMI. That’s my sister. Second, if you both bet the same thing, it’s not a bet.”

“Sure, it is,” Sebastian says. “Now back to the question?”

I turn to look at Rico, and he’s already looking at me. “Nothing happened,” he says absolutely straight-faced. When both Aiden and Sebastian turn to look at me, Rico winks. I do my best to keep a straight face.

“What he said.”

“Nuh uh. Really?” Sebastian looks between the two of us. “No way. I don’t buy it. Do you, Aiden?”

Aiden smirks and walks away. I’m pretty sure he knows. They leave us in peace for a minute. “I gotta go. I love you. I’ll be back soon.” He kisses me, and then he jogs over to join his teammates. With a last wave, he disappears inside the building. I make my way over to my new car and make the drive over to the college. After the incredible weekend I had with Rico, it feels weird to sit in class. But I need to see this through. I’m so close. I’ve already got it set up to be able to finish online once the baby comes. The day drags on and on. Rico texts me often, which gives me something to look forward to. Finally, my shift at the library ends and I get to head home. The house is so empty without Rico. Thankfully, I’m exhausted and can head straight to bed. I put my phone next to me, so I don’t miss Rico’s call.

My phone wakes me up, and I reach out for it. It takes me a minute to realize it’s Rico calling. I quickly swipe. “Hey, Love.”

He pauses. “Baby, I’m sorry. Go back to sleep; I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“No, I’m okay.” But a huge yawn belies my words.

“Sleep, Love, while you can. I love you.” I’m going to argue with him, but he’s gone before I can. I debate calling him back but have a feeling he’ll just argue with me. Besides, he’s right. I should probably sleep while I can. I’m up a thousand times a night right now.

The next two days drag. By Thursday, I’m dying. I don’t feel good. My stomach’s been cramping all day. Something I ate has been making me sick; I haven’t been able to stop going to the bathroom all day. And I miss Rico so much, I want to cry. I watched his game Tuesday night all by myself on the couch. Bri invited me to her house, but I had too much to do. I've been washing and folding all the baby clothes and blankets. By thetime I’m nearing the end of my shift Thursday night, I’m so ready for this day to be over.

“Are you still not feeling good?” Mrs. Randolph asks.

I shift uncomfortably in my chair. “Yeah. I must have eaten something that made me sick.”

“You sure you’re not in labor?” she asks.

“Yeah. I just ate something that’s not settling with me. I’m not due for a little bit yet.” I stand to my feet and feel an odd sensation. My eyes widen, and I stare down at myself. “Oh my word.”

“What?” she asks, eyes narrowing.

I take a breath, trying to stay calm. “Well, either I just peed my pants, or my water just broke.” A cramp takes over, and I suck in a breath and breathe through it.

“Good thing you’re not in labor,” she says, shaking her head. She helps me sit down. “Now call that husband of yours and tell him to come pick you up and take you to the hospital.”

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