Page 49 of The Golden Goalie

Bri stays for several hours, and it’s really good to spend quality time with her and my mom. Eventually, I get back to studying. That night, I find myself googling how to watch the hockey game. I've never really been into it before. Tonight, my eyes stray to the goalie more times than I can count. I find myself noticing just how physical his position is, and I sort of regret the comments I made about him not having to work out that much. I might have been a little wrong about that.

Chapter 20

Amber

I sit in between my mom and Bri, fighting my nerves. I don’t know why I’m nervous for the ultrasound. It’s not going to be painful. Maybe it’s just that it will feel so real after this. “Amber Campbell.” I’m startled from my thoughts by the nurse. I stand to my feet and take a step forward.

Bri puts her hand on my arm. “Don’t forget you can’t tell me. I want to be surprised at the reveal.” I nod and follow the nurse down the hallway. The next few minutes are a blur until suddenly, there’s an image projected. My breath catches in my throat.

“Oh, Amber,” my mom says softly.

“There’s your little peanut,” the tech says with a smile. “Did you want to find out today what you’re having?” I nod, unable to speak. “Okay, let’s check,” she says. “Are you ready?” she asks a moment later. I nod again. “It’s a girl.” I blink and stare at the image. She asks me a few more questions that I’m not sure I answer. I’m sent out with printed off images, and I can’t stop staring at them.

Bri takes in my shocked appearance and smiles. “I take it, it went well.” We head to the car, and I let mom and Bri carry the conversation. My mind is spinning. Bri drops me off at my car, so I can drive to my shift.

“Thank you. I love you both,” I say as I climb out.

“Love you too, Baby,” my emotional mom says.

“Don’t forget about the party tomorrow night?” Bri calls out before driving away.

“I won’t,” I assure her before heading to my car.

My shift passes quickly. Thankfully, I haven’t seen any sign of Cal since the guys came in. Hopefully, they scared him off for good. I head home that night, oddly excited about the party the next night. I used to be a party animal but haven’t been since my life turned upside down. I rub my belly. “I can’t wait to meet you, Little One,” I say softly. I freeze when I feel something. I don’t move for several long moments, and then I feel it again. It’s the slightest fluttering, just like the book said. I blink back tears and rub my belly because I’m pretty sure I just felt my little girl move for the first time.

The next night comes before I’m ready. I throw on the sweater Rico gave me, partly because it’s soft and partly because I’m officially out of clothes. I need to get some clothes now that actually fit over my growing belly. I pull on my stretchiest leggings and run my straightener through my hair before adding a little bit of makeup. I head out to the living room. “Aren’t you getting ready to go?” I ask my mom, who’s reading on the couch.

“No, Baby. You go ahead. I’m not really into the game scene with all you young people. You go have a good time.”

I frown. “Are you sure?”

“Yes! Go have fun.”

“All right but text me if you need me, and I’ll come right home.”

“I won’t but thank you.”

For some reason, I find myself sitting in my car when I get there, too nervous to go in. “What is wrong with me?” I mutter to myself. I never used to be afraid to do anything.

A tap on my window makes me jump. Rico puts a hand up and grins. “Sorry,” he calls out. I open the door, and he holds it open for me. “I just got here and saw you sitting here. Were you psyching yourself up to go inside?”

I shake my head and then cave. “All right. Yes.”

“Why?” he asks, cocking his head to the side. “It’s just me and the guys and your sister and Stephanie.”

“Exactly. I’ve seen you guys play hockey. I don’t think I want to play against you all, and have you ever played games with Stephanie? She’s a shark.”

He laughs. “Now, that I can see. Don’t worry; I'll protect you from all the aggressive players.” His eyes run the length of me, and his gaze snags on my belly.

I tug my sweater around me. “Yes, I’m aware I’ve officially popped. Everybody keeps telling me.”

He gives me a soft smile. “You look beautiful, Amber.”

“Thanks,” I manage.

“Do you have anything to grab?” he asks.

“I have some pumpkin bars in the backseat.”

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