The Sweet Talker (Boston Hawks Hockey #1) - Gina Azzi Page 0,75

of the wheelhouse for a man, even one has tough as Noah. He clears his throat again, drawing a look from my dad, and takes a gulp of his beer.

“You sure you don’t want a drink, Indy?” Dad asks for the second time, curiosity strong in his tone.

“I’m sure. Thanks, Dad. Are we almost ready to eat?”

“I invited Aunt Mary and Uncle Joe. They should be here with the kids any minute,” Mom explains, popping a cracker topped with some fancy cranberry goat cheese on top into her mouth.

Noah chuckles under his breath. The “kids” are Austin and Claire. He relaxes slightly knowing they’re coming for our announcement. My cousins already know our news, and while Austin was concerned when he first heard, he’s since come around.

Mom helps herself to another cracker with cheese.

Damn, I want one. I can have one, right? I mean, it has to be pasteurized. I lean over the counter and reach for one, but when Noah’s eyes nearly bug out of his head, I change course and stick with a safe square of cheddar.

Jeez. Is he going to be this paranoid and protective for the next six months?

He rounds the island and his hand comes to the small of my back and rests there, comforting.

Oh, who am I kidding? I like that he’s protective of me. Just not so much when it comes to cheese…

The doorbell rings and I see the relief that floods Noah’s eyes. As Mom and Dad leave the kitchen to greet my family, I grin at Noah. “Holding up okay, Scotch?”

He yanks at the collar of his shirt. “Never been so nervous before in my life.”

I cackle. He smirks and wraps his arm more firmly around me. Looking down at me, his eyes twinkle. “I love you, Little Indy. You know that, right?”

I nod. “I do.”

“And I’m going to do everything I can to support you and your dreams and our baby.”

“I know. I love you too, Noah. Don’t worry, today is going to be fine.”

He relaxes some and gives me a quick kiss on the lips. “I’m really happy we’re having a baby, Indy.”

“What?” Dad’s voice booms behind us and Noah and I startle.

But Noah doesn’t drop his hold on me. In fact, the second my Dad’s voice rings out, Noah stiffens and straightens, turning to meet Dad head-on. “We were waiting until dinner but—”

“Oh my God, Indy! Is this true?” Mom beams, tears already collecting in the corners of her eyes, as she floats to me.

Tears swim in my eyes too as I laugh. “It’s true, Mom. We’re expecting!”

When I look back on this moment later, I think the thing that will stick with me the most is the lack of shock. I’m not saying there isn’t surprise, because there is, but it’s the best kind possible. It’s the surprise of genuine excitement and anticipation, of family members giving all of their love and support.

Mom’s arms come around me, pulling me from Noah’s hold.

Aunt Mary literally jumps up and down clapping as Uncle Joe whistles loudly. Claire offers us a knowing smile and pops a bottle of champagne she pulls out of my parents’ bar fridge. Austin shakes his head but he’s laughing at our parents and grinning at Noah and me.

“We wanted to tell you at dinner,” Noah says again, still looking at Dad. “We were waiting until Indy had the clear from her doctor before we shared our news.”

“Why? Did something happen?” Mom whispers, true fear in her voice.

I shake my head but don’t pull my eyes from Noah.

“I know this isn’t the way you probably saw this unfolding for Indy,” Noah says. Dad’s eyes narrow. “But I love her, Jeremiah. I wasn’t prepared for it, I didn’t expect it, but I’m not ever giving up on it. On her. So, Indy and I are having a baby. And”—he flashes me a smile—“we’re moving in together.”

“Oh who cares where you live as long as we can see that little baby whenever we want!” Aunt Mary flicks away Noah’s second announcement. “Tell us everything, Indy.” Her attention turns to me. “How do you feel? Any morning sickness? Savannah gave me hell with that…”

As Mom and Aunt Mary slip into a side conversation involving their pregnancies, I focus on Dad and Noah’s exchange.

“She never wanted to marry a hockey player,” Dad murmurs.

“I know,” Noah replies. He waits patiently for Dad to process the bomb he just dropped but he doesn’t back down, doesn’t drop his gaze. He just rocks