Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90290 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“I’m sure Elle wouldn’t feel that way.”
Quinn looks at me and I feel like I should cower or something. “Okay you’re right. Damn, you have the same look she does. Is that something Katelyn taught you?”
He laughs. “No, but I think I got it from Elle.”
“Poor Ben,” I mutter. “Have you heard from your boss while they’re honeymooning?” After their ceremony they headed to Fiji for their honeymoon. The last I knew they hadn’t decided when they would come back. Ben and Elle need this time away. They’ve been on the go since his cancer diagnosis and subsequent recovery. At this last scan, his body still showed no signs of cancer, which is a relief. I never want any of my friends or family to go through what he did. It was scary and really put a lot of things into perspective. Life’s short—live it.
“I’m thinking of retiring,” I say to Quinn out of the blue.
“Really?”
I nod and tell him how I’ve been feeling, how the draft went, and how the team has been incognito in offering me a new contract.
“Seriously? So, they’re not going to renew you?”
“Doesn’t look that way.”
“So, you what, train this new guy and they’re like sorry but not sorry, you gotta go?”
“Pretty much. They’ll either part ways or someone will come in with a new contract and I’ll go elsewhere.”
“Okay, but if you don’t play, then what?”
“I can retire. Maybe coach with Nick.”
“In Beaumont?”
I nod. “We’ve talked about moving back.”
Quinn groans and drops his head for a moment, then looks up. “If you move, my parents are moving, which means I’ll end up moving. Which means . . .” He trails off, but it’s clear what he’s insinuating.
“Does Nola like it there?”
He shakes his head slowly. “Not so much,” he says with a sigh. “I’m sure it’s because we stay at your parents’ house. It’s not like I own something there or my folks do.”
“I imagine it can be awkward.”
Quinn leans back and groans again. “Why is life so complicated?”
“There is no answer, my friend.”
“Ugh. Maybe Nola and I will just move to South Carolina or something. This way, she can see her family whenever she wants. I’ll just stay home like a hermit.”
“That’s not fair to you. The staying home part.”
“I know, but I love her and if being there will make her happy, I’ll do it.”
25
PEYTON
The summer is fading quickly and before I know it, Noah will have to pack and return to Portland. I’ll go with him, but not as a member of the Portland Pioneers. Giving them my resignation was easy and probably one of the best decisions, aside from marrying Noah, I’ve ever made. Our baby is due at the end of the year or early into next year and I’d miss the end of the season and potentially playoffs, where I would be needed the most. I did offer to freelance for them, since I’d be at most of the games, or they could send game film to me for the ones I don’t make. As soon as word spread, offers from other teams came pouring in. I’m weighing all of them, just as I’m weighing myself now.
The number on the scale continues to go higher, which is good. I’m gaining healthy weight to support my expanding belly. One night, I went to bed with a somewhat flat stomach and woke the next day looking like I had put a small balloon under my shirt. Only, I hadn’t. Our baby had grown or shifted or whatever it’s called. As soon as Noah saw my bump, he had the camera out, taking pictures from every angle.
It's weird, up until now I haven’t felt pregnant. The baby didn’t move around enough for me to feel the flutters other mom’s talk about experiencing and my little pouch was just that, little. I looked bloated most days, but now . . . now I get to stand in the mirror and cradle my belly.
We still haven’t really told people outside our family and a handful of friends that we’re expecting. Mostly because I want to get to the twenty-week mark or my first ultrasound. Technically, I still have another four weeks, but I managed to convince Dr. Ringman I need the ultrasound before we return to Portland for the football season.
Noah finds me standing in front of the mirror, rubbing my hand over my bump and then holding it. It’s the most magnificent thing I have ever seen in my life. Knowing a life we created is in there, thriving, makes me feel like I can do anything in this world. I have no worries. Not about Noah and whatever decision he makes about his career. Not about whether or not I decide to be a consultant with the Pioneers.
He stands behind me, fitting perfectly against me. His hands hold my stomach as he looks at me through the mirror. “Are you ready for today?”