Page 22 of Interference
“Thank you,” I say softly.
He shakes his head. “You don’t have to thank me. Showing up for you and our baby is the least I can do.”
“I still need to find an OB-GYN. I got a few recommendations, but I still need to check to see if any of them have openings.”
“Do you need help?”
“I got it. I need to get to class, though.”
He leans in and kisses me before I can pull away.
“Have fun in class. I’ll see you later,” he says as he walks backward before turning forward.
I shake my head and smile.
I know I told Irina that I still wanted to go for gold in the Olympics after next, but I started to doubt if it would be possible. It’s going to be a lot of work. and with a child, I just don’t know. If Brett is with me, though…I have a feeling it’s going to be possible.
If Brett is the man I think he is, he’s going to make sure I get everything I want. The family and the gold.
Reluctantly, I walk away from Emery and head toward the rink. As I walk through campus, I can’t help but think about how much different this time next year will be.
I’ll be a dad. Responsible for a child. A whole-ass human, which is fucking crazy to think about.
Instead of hockey and school, my life will be all about car seats, strollers, baby wearing, and baby food.
Baby food.
When I was telling Emery about what I was looking into, I never mentioned that.
Will she want to breastfeed or use formula? Will she want to use pre-made baby food, or will we make all of our baby food from scratch?
Honestly, I kind of like the idea of us doing it ourselves. Plus, there won’t be any preservatives, and apparently that’s a massive fucking thing right now.
I’m getting ahead of myself, though.
So much needs to happen before that even becomes a topic of discussion.
First, I need to make sure the rest of her pregnancy goes smoothly. Then we can worry about the rest.
For a moment I pause outside of the rink and look up at it.
This place has played such a big part in my life. I won championships here. Built lifelong friendships. Had wins and losses. I got hurt and rehabbed here, and now, I get to tell someone for the first time about becoming a father.
Shaking my head, I head inside and make my way to his office. Coach’s door is open, so I knock on the doorframe.
He looks up from the papers on his desk. “Brett, how can I help you this morning?”
“I was wondering if you have a moment to talk.” My voice sounds a little unsteady.
I’m nervous. I don’t like being nervous.
A look of concern flashes across his face. “Of course, shut the door and sit.”
Stepping into his office, I do as he says.
He steeples his hands in front of his face.
“What’s going on, son?” He cuts right to it.
