Cocky Striker - Evan Grace Page 0,70
devoted to each other.
Five months ago we started the paperwork and a month after that, Chance officially became Ava’s father. We also bought our first home. It’s a three bedroom ranch that is a fixer upper, but we got it for a good price, and are doing a lot of the renovations ourselves.
We’ve definitely started to make it our home, and I can’t wait until we’re bringing our new baby home.
Aubrey, places her hand on my arm, and I look at my mother-in-law. “How’s your back?”
“Hurts. They’re estimating the baby is about nine pounds. I can tough it out though. I didn’t want to miss this.”
Ava has taken a liking to soccer and is playing on a pee wee indoor league. Chance Sr. was excited to watch his granddaughter play her first game. He and Chance stand off to the side with the same identical stance.
Of course the moms here are all checking them out, which is super irritating. Aubrey seems to just ignore it; she’s gotten used to it, I’m sure.
“CJ was just shy of ten pounds when he was born, and Bree was around eight. I’m so excited we were able to be here. Thank you for inviting us.” She grabs my hand, squeezing it.
“Of course, I love you. I wanted you guys to be able to meet your new grandbaby.”
Aubrey pulls me into a sideways hug. “You’re a good woman, Laken Bateman. Thank you for being a good woman for my son.”
Tears fill my eyes, and she pulls me into a full-on hug. “I’m sorry my hormones have turned me into a crybaby.”
She kisses my forehead and then gives me her own watery smile.
“Come on, Ava! Go, baby, go.” We turn to the field and watch my little girl, who is now four, kick the soccer ball toward the goal. “Kick it again baby girl.” Chance and his dad are cheering her on as her little legs pump as she runs up to the ball, kicking it again.
In slow motion it rolls into the goal, and my crazy husband runs out to the field, picks our daughter up, and yells like she just won the World Cup. Her pop pop, which is what she calls Chance’s dad, takes her from his son and tosses her in the air.
I swear everyone is staring at them. I lean into Aubrey. “They realize this is just pee wee soccer, right?”
“Oh trust me, they know. You might as well get used to it.”
When the game resumes, the guys cheer at an appropriate volume. I feel a little twinge in my belly and then wet between my legs. Oh shit, I stand, and fluid runs down the inside of my leg.
Aubrey looks up at me. “Are you okay?”
I smile. “I think my water just broke.”
She jumps up and hustles over to Chance and Chance Sr. My husband listens to what she says, and then he’s striding over to me. “It’s time?”
I nod. “What do we do about, Ava?”
“Mom and dad will take her. Your bag’s in the car, right?” How is he so calm? I was preparing for him to freak out.
We say goodbye to Ava and she doesn’t seem too fazed that we’re leaving, but Pop Pop and Mimi are staying. I’m sure when my parents get here they will all take care of our girl.
Chance Sr. gives me a hug goodbye, and we promise to keep them updated. We’re both quiet on the way to the hospital, but he holds his hand tightly in mine.
After we get checked in, I get changed into my hospital gown. I open the bathroom door, and Chance looks up from where he’s sitting. I strike a pose, causing him to laugh.
I’m so lucky and have pretty much been all belly and boobs, but that doesn’t stop me from being a little self-conscious. I mean, my husband is super-hot, and his body is sick. I feel like a big whale.
“Baby, you are fucking gorgeous. You’re a goddess.” Chance kisses me deeply before helping me up on the bed.
The nurse comes in and starts my IV, hooks me up to the monitor, and then checks me. “You’re almost five centimeters dilated. How are you contractions?”
“Umm … not too bad yet.”
She types something into her computer and then smiles at me. “I’m going to call your doctor. Let us know if you need anything.”
***
Chance
My wife sleeps peacefully as I hold our son in my arms. The moment she pushed him out and held him to her bare