“Appreciate that. I’ll sign the paperwork and I won’t stand in the way anymore.” He looks like he’s about to leave, but I put my hand on his shoulder, pushing him back in his seat.
“You put your hands on her.” My voice shakes with rage. I wasn’t going to bring this up, but he needs to know the error of his ways.
“I regret that, truly, I do. It’s like I blacked out and when I came to, my hands were gripping her arm and… I don’t know.”
“You need to get help. Deal with whatever anger you’ve got.”
“I am. Not because I want to, but my team basically told me the same thing or I’d be let go. There have been a few situations I’m not proud of. Gosh. Why can’t I hate you, Mills. You just got me to spill my guts and all I want to do is punch you for getting everything you wanted.”
Before I can respond, he shoves back from the table and walks out the door. I don’t know what I was expecting, but a civil conversation with him was not it. Honestly, I expected a brawl, especially with how helikes to take verbal jabs. Something in him has changed. Hopefully, it will be for the better.
I sit at the table processing for a few more minutes, a text vibrating in my pocket pulling me out of my thoughts.
Mack
Come home to me! I can’t wait to kiss you tomorrow night.
I respond quickly, answering the woman I love more than anything and slide my phone back in my pocket. A huge weight lifts from my shoulders and I feel like I can finally focus on our future without looking back.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-FIVE
MACKENZIE
Today is April 7th—my due date, as well as the NCAA Basketball National Championship. Carolina Tech made it to the title game for the second straight year and Jordan is vibrating with excitement.
They’re playing in New York City this year, so Jordan and I stayed behind with my parents. Jordan’s parents, Nora, and Reagan are up there to cheer the guys on. I feel awful that Jordan didn’t go too, but he wouldn’t leave me this close to having the baby. Secretly, I was relieved when he said that because I don’t want to do this without him.
We’re watching the game with my mom and dad at their house since it’s the closest to the hospital. Thankfully, Jordan doesn’t have a game today and he can be here. My mom has a huge spread prepared for us. She’s made buffalo chicken dip, sausage balls, ordered pizza, several bags of chips, and homemade chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
We all fill up our plates and sit down in front of the television just in time for tip-off. Williams easily tips it to Zee, the point guard, and he passes it quickly to Carter who nails a three-pointer. We all cheer and I have a feeling the Titans are headed for back-to-back championships.
At halftime, the score is a little closer than we all expected, but CTU is still winning by eight points. I’ve been having some Braxton Hicks contractions the last few days and they’ve started up again. Feeling like I need to stretch and use the bathroom, I stand up and immediately freeze.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” Jordan’s face is filled with worry as he meets my eyes, then starts to evaluate me.
“I think I just peed my pants.” I blush, a little embarrassed, but my mom jumps in immediately.
“Oh, sweetie, that’s not it. Your water just broke!”
“What?” Jordan and I say in unison.
She gives us the sweetest smile before answering. “Honey, you’re in labor. We need to get your bag and head over to the hospital. I’ll call and let them know we’re on the way. Jordan, did you install the extra car seat in your truck?”
He nods and she calmly continues, “Okay. Good man. You take Mackenzie and Conrad and I will follow behind in our car.”
Putting her hand on my cheek, my mom’s eyes water. “You’re going to be a momma today.”
That statement hits me deep and I hug her, realizing I’m a little wet and need to change. Jordan runs upstairs and grabs my packed bag, as well as a new outfit I can put on before we leave.
He and I walk out to the truck a few minutes later, having to stop when a contraction hits. He’s rubbing my back through it and then helps me into the passenger seat before climbing in himself.
Pulling my hand to his mouth, he kisses the inside of my palm in that way that I love. “I can’t wait to meet our baby today.”
Our. He’s been beyond anything I could’ve hoped for. I worried that a baby, Trey’s baby especially, would be too hard for him to get over. I shouldn’t have underestimated Jordan. He has stepped up and beenmy equal partner throughout this process. I didn’t know I could love someone as much as I love him.
“Thank you, Jordan. You love me so well and I know this little one is going to be the luckiest kid on the planet to have you as their dad.” He gives me a watery smile before starting the truck and speeding the entire way to the hospital.
