“There’s something Luca didn’t tell you guys because he doesn’t know.” I clear my throat, standing up taller as Jensen’s fingers wrap around my waist, tugging me closer to him.
My mom’s eyes light up like she can tell exactly what I’m going to say.
I glance back up to Jensen for strength, and he smiles and nods as I push the words through my grin.
“I’m pregnant.”
Mom squeals and rushes us, throwing her arms around us both. “Ahh! I knew it! I knew it!” She jumps up and down, arms wrapped around our shoulders. “I’m so excited!”
My dad pulls her away with tears in his eyes. “Best news ever, kiddos.”
My heart officially explodes, overwhelmed with love as tears of my own stream down my cheeks.
The announcer’s voice booms through the arena as the ten-second warm-up light show begins. “Welcome yourNew York Nighthawksto the ice!”
The crowd roars, applause ringing out as Matt leads the team out, knocking the pyramid of pucks off of the bench.
All of our attention shifts to the ice as we walk over to the top of the divider, looking down at the rink. I find Luca almost instantly, without needing to see his name or number, but solely from the way he skates.
Jensen stands behind me, leaning his arms on the railing outside of mine. He presses his kiss to my hair, and my cheeks warm.
My parents stand beside us, beaming down at Luca with pride in their eyes, and a thought passes into my mind. One day, I’ll see that same look in Jensen’s eyes when we look at our kid, whether that’s on the ice or any path they choose.
I was so scared of the changes life thrust upon me, but sometimes, it really all does work out in the end. For the most part at least. We would give anything to have Carly here next to us. I would do anything to make Jensen’s mom and dad be better parents.
Life isn’t always hat tricks and victories. Sometimes, you have to learn how to lose to be grateful for the wins that comealong, and with my family at our side, Jensen at my back, and our baby growing inside me,thisis a win.
“You’re pregnant?!” Luca scoffs, staring at my belly like the baby is going to magically appear.
I nod, and Luca’s gaze shifts to Jensen.
“I ask you to keep an eye on her, and this is what happens?” He’s pretending to be mad as he walks over to him, his frown shifting to a smile as he daps Jensen up, pulling him in for a quick hug. “Congrats, guys!”
Luca shifts to me, pulling me tight and picking me up from the ground ever so slightly. “I’m going to be an uncle!”
I laugh as he lowers me back down. “Oh God. A horrifying thought.”
He scowls at me and steps back, crossing his arms. “Rude.” Looking around at everyone standing in the kitchen, he nervously clears his throat. “I have something I need to tell you guys too.”
“You’re pregnant?” Jensen gasps. “I knew you were showing.”
Luca glares at him. “Shut up. No.”
He taps his thumb on the table repeatedly. “I, uhh … I think I’m getting traded. I mean, I know I’m getting traded. I’m not supposed to say anything yet though.”
“It’s just us!” My dad scoffs. “We won’t tell anyone.”
He stretches his neck side to side. “It’d be a really big change for everyone here.”
My brows furrow, and I murmur, “How?”
I see the moment a smile starts forming on his lips, the twitch of his cheek giving it away. “Because I’m being traded to the Nighthawks.”
“No! Fucking! Way!” Jensen shouts, crutching over to him and slapping the back of his head. “You should’ve told me sooner!”
Luca rubs his head. “It’s not official just yet. But it’s probably going to be. You can’t tell anyone yet though because your guy doesn’t know about it.”
“Who is it?” I ask, hoping it’s not one of Jensen’s good friends.
