CHAPTER
THIRTY-NINE
MACKENZIE
SEPTEMBER
Iwake with a start, my body insisting it’s past time to feed London. I sit up, reach for my phone on the nightstand, and see it’s four in the morning. I haven’t been up with her once since she went down at nine last night. I feel like a new woman—and also terrified that something might be wrong. She’s not the best sleeper, but even at five months, I still can’t find it in me to sleep train her.
I glance at Jordan’s side of the bed and realize he isn’t there. A smile spreads instantly, knowing he got up with her. We may have gotten married quickly, but everything has pieced itself together seamlessly. Nothing is perfect, but our life is more than I ever dreamed of.
I pad quietly down the hallway and hear the sound machine as I approach the nursery. The door is cracked open and I peek inside to a sight that makes my heart swell and brings tears to my eyes. Jordan is shirtless, wearing only black sweats, and his hair is messy from sleep. London lies quietly on his chest, both of them fast asleep in the cozy rocking chair. I don’t think anything could be more attractive than the scene infront of me.
I take a few steps inside, and Jordan’s eyes slowly open, meeting mine with a deliciously handsome smile. “She woke up a little while ago and I wanted you to sleep longer.”
“I love you for that. Did she take a bottle?”
“Yes, so why don’t you go pump and get some more sleep. I’ve got her.” Since Jordan isn’t in season, he has been getting up more at night and finding ways to give me breaks and sleep. Have I mentioned this man is perfect for me?
Kissing him softly, I quietly shuffle back to our bedroom, where I take care of pumping, before letting sleep pull me under.
JORDAN
The sizzle of bacon, the smell of coffee brewing, and a babbling baby girl in her bouncy seat brings a sense of peace I never knew existed. It’s been five months since London was born and four and a half since I made Mackenzie my wife. I know, it was fast and unexpected, but for good reason. No one knows what it is yet—not even my wife. Soon, though, I’ll share it all with her.
London’s squeal makes me laugh, and I pad over to her, giving her a smile and the attention she’s demanding.
“You need Daddy’s attention, baby girl?” Her answering grin sends my heart soaring and I know without a doubt this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. Being able to give Mackenzie extra sleep and get more one-on-one moments with my daughter means the world to me. I may be a professional athlete and on the road a lot, but my dad showed me how you can have it all and I’m going to do the same. This girl will never know anything but love, stability, and unconditional support from me and her mother.
Speaking of which, I hear a yawn as I look over my shoulder and see Mack walking into the kitchen stretching her arms straight up in the air. She’s got on a pale pink pajama set, her blonde hair tied in a messy bun on top of her head and this is my favorite version of her. Sure,dressing up and going to events like the ESPYs was fun, but having her in our house, waking up together with our baby girl is what I cherish the most.
“Good morning, Momma.” I walk over, placing a kiss on her lips, tasting the mint of her favorite toothpaste. She wraps her arms around my neck, looking up at me and it’s like I fall a little deeper as I stare into those familiar blues.
“Good morning, Daddy. Thank you for letting me sleep. It’s amazing what a few extra hours does for a person.” Letting go of me, she beelines over to London and I grab my phone and snap a quick picture of the moment London sees her mom. If you want to know what pure joy looks like, you only have to see the adoring way London looks at Mackenzie. Her smile grows and her eyes light up with each step Mack takes toward her.
“And how is my baby girl this morning?” Mack unlocks the seat and pulls London up and into her arms. Bringing her close to her chest, London takes one hand, putting it on Mackenzie’s cheek in the most tender gesture. I snap a photo of that too. It’s going in a frame for sure.
I finish cooking and we sit down as a family of three at our breakfast table. Mack hands London a squeeze pouch of pureed vegetables and fruit that sounds disgusting, but the child downs it quickly. We sit in silence as we eat, not an awkward silence, but a comfortable one, where two parents who barely get time to sit down, let alone go on a date, bask in the minutes they have together.
“What time is the tuxedo fitting?” I almost forgot that I have to meet the guys later today in Durham to get fitted for Riggs and Reagan’s wedding next month.
“I’m supposed to be there around 2:00. What are y’all going to do while we’re there?”
“Reagan and I are going to shop with the moms and London, maybe grab some lunch as well.” Mack stands to grab a wipe and cleans London’s messy face and hands. I’m not sure if she got more food onher face or in her mouth. Then she and I tackle the dishes, tidying up the kitchen before getting ready to head out for the day.
It’s notlong before I’m dropping her and London at the mall with my mom, Reagan, and Sarah. They all gush over London, as they should. She’s the most beautiful girl and looks exactly like her momma. Thank heaven for that.
Mackenzie stands on her tip toes, kissing me on the lips. I have to remind myself we’re in public and with our family so I don’t deepen the kiss like I desperately want to.
“Have fun, Mack.” I kiss London on the top of her head. “Bye baby girl. Daddy will see you soon.” I hear the sighs of adoration of my sister and mom as they hear me refer to myself as her dad.
“Bye, J. Your girls will miss you.”
My girls. I don’t think it gets any better than this.
CHAPTER
FORTY
