Page 95 of Lucky Baller
“Congratulations, you two.” Mom comes to us and wraps her arms around us in a giant hug. “I’m so happy for you both,” she says, wiping tears.
“Landon,” Joseph says from beside us. It’s going to take some time for me to call him Dad. I’m sure I’ll get to that point eventually, but right now, first names are the best that I can do. “Take care of her.”
“Always,” Landon replies.
“You know, you’re one lucky baller, right?” Joseph asks him.
“I could say the same for you.”
“Yeah.” Joseph pulls my mom into his side and kisses the top of her head. “Lucky indeed.”
Epilogue Landon
Landon
This is my first baby shower, but certainly not my last. Luna and Trent were showered with gifts from family and friends today. Now, Luna, Autumn, and Tessa are sitting on the couch, eating cake, talking, and laughing. The three-carat diamond ring that Tessa and I picked out together sparkles and shines every time she moves her hand. It’s not what I would have picked. I was looking at a six-carat, but she shut me down. I get it. It’s not practical when she’s working, but I want nothing but the best for her. It also helps that it’s a beacon of light, so all the single guys who think they’re going to make a move get the hint quickly. At least, I hope they do.
“This going to be you next?” Trent asks, handing me a bottle of water. We try to limit our alcohol during the season.
“I hope so.”
“Really? That’s not the answer I expected to get.”
“No?”
“Not at all, but I can tell you, it’s a fucking rush, man, to know that my baby is growing inside her. What’s even better iswatching her body grow and change and feeling the baby kick. I’m telling you, it’s next level.” He takes a swig of his own water. “I can still remember the day she told me. I was scared to death. But the minute I heard the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, I knew we were going to be fine. How do you love someone you’ve never met? It’s wild as hell, but it’s a ride I can’t wait to take again.”
“Think we’re going to go somewhere tropical when the season’s over and get married. I hope by then, I’ve talked her into trying.”
He nods toward the living room. I follow his gaze, and Tessa has her hand on Luna’s belly, a grin that lights up my life on her face. “Don’t think it’s going to take much convincing.” He walks away, and I watch as he bends to kiss Luna’s belly and then places a tender kiss on her lips.
Life is finally starting to settle back down after the media frenzy. As soon as Joseph’s divorce went public, it didn’t take the vultures long to dig up that Tessa, my fiancée, was his daughter. Bridgett didn’t have a leg to stand on in the divorce. The terms of the prenup were clear. Should Joseph decide to end their marriage, she walks away with way more cash than she deserves. She played the victim to the media, but they passed over her play for attention. Surprisingly, the majority of them decided to report on the long-lost love of the Los Angeles Cougars’ team owner. Everyone loves a good love story. It helps that Bridgett is not a nice person. She’s shown her bitchiness to too many people over the years, and even the media doesn’t want anything to do with her. I think they call that karma.
There is one good thing that came out of all of the media attention. Well, two things, actually. One, Caroline moved to Los Angeles. Joseph insisted he get her a place in my building, so we’re neighbors for now. I don’t see that lasting long. In fact, if he had his way, she would have just moved straight into his place—his new place. However, my future mother-in-law is adamant she won’t live with a married man. She’s keeping him at arm’s length in that aspect of their relationship. Other than a slight peck on the lips and some hand holding, he’s in the dark until the ink is on the papers. He has connections and called in some favors. The divorce should be finalized next week.
And the second thing? Tessa moved in with me. It was an easy decision when she came home from work to reporters camped out on her lawn. My building is secure, and she’s safer there. Besides, she stays with me most of the time anyway. We have an appointment next week with a realtor to start looking for a home of our own. We need a bigger place for our growing family. The one that I hope we start sooner rather than later. In the meantime, until I convince her, we’ll have to settle for bringing home one of the dogs from the shelter. Nothing says committed and domesticated more than buying a house and getting a dog together. Well, you know, unless you count the rock on her finger.
If you’d told me that day at training camp when I first met Tessa that this is where we would be, I would have laughed my ass off. I never could have imagined we’d be engaged and planning our lives together. I never dreamed I’d be standing at a baby shower, wondering how long it’s going to take to convince my future wife that this is our next step. Starting a family.
Tessa catches me watching and waves me over. I smile at her and head her way. She’s been through a lot these past few weeks, but she’s handled it with grace. My girl’s heart is huge, and she’s already warming up to her dad. It’s still going to take some time, but I have no doubt he’s going to make damn sure he’s a part of her life. I see it when he looks at her or her mom. He loves them both. They say you don’t know love until that of your child. Whether or not that’s true, I’m not sure, but I know the love of agood woman, and that’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Epilogue Tessa
Tessa
Landon never takes his eyes off me. It doesn’t matter where he is in the room, I can look up and find him watching me. I smile at him, and that’s all the invitation he needs to join us. I stand to greet him, telling Trent to take my spot next to Luna.
“Hey,” I say when he’s close to me.
He bends to give me a kiss. “Hey, Freckles.” He nods toward Luna. “You ready for one of those?”
“Are you?” I counter. I’m ready. I want nothing more than to start our life together. That includes having kids.
“Yes.”
“Really?” I’m surprised by his answer.
“We can start tonight.”
