He glances down at his shoes, smiling. “Yeah. We’re both pretty excited to start a family.”
I instantly think of Ellie and how we spent countless hours in my treehouse together as kids.
I glance over at the table and see her sitting next to Sophie, chatting and laughing.
My mind drifts back to last night and every filthy thing we got up to in bed and in the shower.
How addictive it was to make her come over and over with her toys and my mouth and my hands. How much I loved it. How much I loved seeing her lose herself to pleasure so completely.
How good she felt in my arms as she fell asleep.
How, when I woke up the next morning, I wanted to tell her that I’m crazy about her…and that the thought of divorcing her in nine months and going back to being just friends makes me sick to my stomach.
But I didn’t. I held it all in because I’m not sure if she feels the same way, and I’m terrified that if I confess all this to her, I’ll lose her.
Blomdahl looks at me. “How about you? Do you and Ellie want kids?”
I blink, surprised at his question.
He winces. “Ah damn, sorry. I probably shouldn’t pry. That’s personal.”
“It’s okay, it’s just…I’ve never really thought about having kids before.”
“I get it. You’re pretty young still.” He shrugs. “I’m pushing thirty, so I guess I’m just thinking more about these sorts of things.”
I nod and quietly think about what it would be like to have kids someday. With Ellie.
I brace myself for a panicked feeling to rush through me. That’s what would happen when a couple of the women I dated in the past talked about getting serious, like being exclusive or getting married. I’d feel nervous as fuck and change the subject.
But that panicked feeling never comes. Instead, I feel happy. Warm. Comfortable.
I wasn’t expecting that. But I like it.
“Hey there, husband.” Bella walks up to Blomdahl.
He grins. “Hey, pretty girl.”
They kiss, then Bella moves to hug me.
“Having a good time?” she asks.
“The best. You look lovely, by the way,” I say.
She beams. “You’re sweet, Camden. Thank you.”
She’s wearing this big, strapless gown with a slit up the side. The white fabric is super shiny.
She rests her hand on her hip and aims a teasing smile at her husband. “In the mood to dance with your wife?”
“Absolutely.”
The two of them head to the dance floor. A second later, Coach Porter walks up and orders a drink from the bartender.
He nods at me before taking a sip. “How’s your evening going, Connors?”
“Hanging out with friends and enjoying good booze. Can’t complain.”
He cracks a smile before his expression turns serious. “I don’t like to talk about work in the off-season, but earlier in the summer, you expressed interest in becoming an alternate captain for the team. Is that something you’d still like to pursue?”
