Page 48 of Rematch
“Like you,” he murmured.
“God. You really do remember everything. He came a week early. He was nine pounds, four ounces, and twenty-two inches long. I was glad he didn’t wait any longer to be born because…well, look at that head.”
Preston couldn’t take his eyes off the child, who was the most adorable baby he’d ever seen in his life. And yes, he was definitely prejudiced.
Chelsea hastily rambled on, shooting fact after fact at him. “He’s currently off all the charts for height and weight. A big boy, like you. He was born with dark hair, but most of that’s fallen out and what’s growing in now is closer to your shade. And his eyes…”
“They’re gray. Like mine.” Preston’s gaze locked with Lennon’s, whose hands were swinging around wildly. He reached out, thrilled when his tiny son grasped his finger and held tight.
“He’s the best baby ever,” she continued. “Hardly ever cries, always smiling, and so, so sweet. He’s not sleeping through the night yet, but that’s just because he’s always hungry.”
Preston soaked in every word. Part of him was grateful for the recap, but it didn’t feel like that was her intention. Instead, it was like Chelsea was trying to sell him on his son.
She bit her lower lip. “I know this is unexpected, and I know we used condoms… But I swear, he really is your?—”
Did she think he didn’t believe her?
“Chelsea. Stop. I know he’s mine. I know you wouldn’t lie about something like this. We might not have spent a great deal of time together, but I know that much for damn sure.”
“It’s just…I didn’t know you were a professional hockey player. That’s cool, but…I mean, maybe women… Shit. I’m saying everything so badly.” Her face was bloodred, and her eyes were downcast. Her stress was currently giving his shock a run for its money.
Preston thought back to that night. “The first condom slipped,” he said. “I didn’t think about it at the time, but I should have.”
She nodded. “So should I.”
“And we weren’t exactly careful in the shower,” he added.
She looked visibly relieved. “I was three months pregnant before I even realized. I kept blaming the missed periods and nausea on the stress of moving to Paris, because I was super homesick. When I found out…well, that was when I tried to find you.”
“Can I…” Preston couldn’t stand it anymore. He wanted—needed—to hold his son.
“Hold him? Oh my gosh. Of course.” She lifted Lennon, carefully passing him over, though Preston noticed her hands were trembling.
The second she put Lennon in his arms, something he didn’t even realize was askew clicked into place, and he was overwhelmed by a happiness he’d never experienced in his life. Not even when the Rays had won the Stanley Cup nearly a decade earlier.
His heart raced and his vision blurred as he held his son for the first time. Honestly, it was taking everything he had not to fall apart. Not because he was upset but because it felt as if he’d just been handed the most precious gift of his life. His heart was so full, he worried it might burst.
Lennon looked up at him as Preston ran the tip of one finger over his soft, pudgy cheeks. Chelsea wasn’t lying about him being off the charts. The chubby baby was an armful, surprisingly heavier than he expected. He recalled his mom telling him that he’d been her roly-poly little baby, joking that it took her ages to dig through the rolls to find his neck just so she could wash it during bath time.
Preston huffed out a breathy laugh when Lennon smiled at him.
“He’s perfect,” he whispered. “Chelsea, he’s perfect.”
She swallowed heavily, her voice still wobbly. “I know.”
“Hello, Lennon,” he said to the sweet boy. “I’m your daddy. You and I are going to have so much fun together. I’m going to teach you how to ice skate and how to play hockey and how to ride a bike and drive…”
Chelsea sniffled, reaching into the baby bag to pull out a tissue. Wiping her eyes and nose, she gave him the most sorrowful look he’d ever seen. “I’m so sorry, Preston.”
Preston’s brows creased. “Why?”
“Because you missed his birth, and the first three months of his life, and…” She paused, sucking in a trembling breath. “I never meant to keep him from you. I just didn’t know what else to do. I bought a ticket to the holiday party in Philadelphia for Allyson this year. It’s being held again in a couple of weeks. She was planning to drive there on the off chance you showed up. I was hoping she could get your name and number so I could call you. Of course, Ally, being Ally, she’s spent the last month inventing all these elaborate kidnapping schemes if you refused to give her the number. She’s probably going to be a little disappointed to know I’ve found you, now that I think about it.”
Her words fell out so quickly, Preston struggled to keep up.
“It was the only thing I could think of to do. I just…God, I’m so sorry,” she repeated.
“Chelsea, sweetheart. Breathe.” Preston reached out with one hand to grasp hers, giving it a squeeze. “You gave me a son. He’s healthy and happy and perfect, and that’s all because of you. I’m the one who’s sorry. Sorry that you had to go through the pregnancy, the delivery, and all the sleepless nights without my help.”
