“I get it.” She laughs, taking a bite of her own food. “I’ll let them know, but I’m sure they already have something lined up.” She hesitates for a moment. “I think I’m going to tell them about the baby tomorrow and about us too.”
“I don’t think we’d be able to hide our relationship if we tried. There’s no way that they’d catch me staring at you and have any doubt of our situation.”
Her cheeks flush. “Fair enough.”
“It’ll be good to see them though, for both of us. I miss them,” I admit truthfully, and Lainey swoons. “I’m serious. They were there for me so much when we were younger. I owe them a lot.”
“They expect nothing.”
“And that’s why they’re such great parents. Just like you’re going to be.” I have no doubt she’s going to make the most incredible and caring mother.
She pushes her chair out and walks around the table, sitting down in my lap and throwing her arm around my neck. “And you’re going to make the best dad to our baby.”
Our baby.
“That’s the first time you’ve said that,” I murmur.
Smiling, she kisses me, using my own words. “I meant what I said.”
CHAPTER 26
LAINEY
Walking backinto the arena for the pregame treatment for applicable players, I’m greeted by Caitlin and her warm smile. I’m so thankful that she’s been nothing but supportive of Jensen’s and my relationship. At first, I could tell she was definitely a little wary, and I can’t blame her.
Since Jensen and I will be telling my parents about the baby today, I might as well tell Caitlin too. It’ll be nice to not feel like I have this enormous secret.
“Hey,” Caitlin greets me and hands me a water bottle. “Ready for tonight? We have quite a few players who need pregame treatment.”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I say politely, even though I could use a shot of espresso in my veins right now.
She goes through the pregame plan as we head to the training room. I don’t typically help with that, but we have four players who need some muscles or joints worked through, special attention going to Matt MacArthur, who’s been having hip flexor pain lately.
We’ve been working together every week to strengthen it up and ease the strain. But these players’ bodies are a constant work in progress, not snapping back to perfection overnight.
After Caitlin and I work through the players and their areas of need, preparing them for the game, I pull her aside.
“Can I speak with you for a moment?” I murmur.
A glint of concern flashes in her eyes as she nods. “Of course.”
She walks over to the door that’s propped open and shuts it before walking back over to where I’m leaning against one of the tables. “Everything okay?”
Twiddling my thumbs together, I try not to avoid her stare, keeping my gaze on hers. “I wanted to tell you that Jensen and I have reported our relationship to HR.”
A smile lifts the corners of her lips. “I’m aware.”
“You are?” I gasp.
She chuckles. “Yes. I was notified about it shortly after. But I appreciate you telling me.”
My gaze falls to my hands and the baggy fabric covering my stomach. “That’s not all of it.”
She remains silent, and I look up at her, finding her eyes.
“I’m also pregnant.”
Her eyes immediately sparkle with excitement, her lips parting in awe. “Lainey, that’s incredible. Congratulations.”
