“Ohmygod, let’s just go get this over with.” I adjust my hair and attempt to suck in whatever oxygen will fit in the space that our boy is not currently taking up behind my ribs. Once the nausea finally stopped, the little man’s growth rate picked up speed, and I’ve been reminded on a daily basis I’m carrying a Murphy.
I wonder if he’s going to be a ginger giant just like his daddy was as a kid...
“Ashton, you know more about the game than you let on, right?” Aiden asks me as he takes the seat next to mine and pushes a ginger ale my way. “I mean,you grew up with it. You’ve been at every home game for two months.” He looks almost devastated that I don’t get down on my knees and worship football the way everyone else in this box suite does. “You’re not going to keep the baby from football, are you?”
I look over at Kyrie, sitting happily in Uncle Finn’s lap, her tiny version of Jamie’s black and gold Kings jersey tucked into a sparkly black tutu, and a matching bow tied around the little bit of hair I was able to pull together in a rubber band.
I’d never keep either of our kids from the sport their father loves so much. But my God, it’s fun to torture all these football-loving fanatics. So I don’t correct him. I don’t tell Aiden I know every stat for Jamie, for Ryker, and for Lexie’s husband, Lucky. I don’t tell him I still remember that one time he recovered that fumble when we were all still living in Maryland and ran the ball back eighty-two yards. Or that I know that’s called ascoop and score. I don’t tell him I watch every minute of every away game and love every single second.
This way is better.
This way makes my husband smile.
The one who looks like a gladiator on the field below.
The one two minutes and thirty-four seconds away from winning his game.
“Leave her alone, Dad,” Finn teases and passes Kyrie off to her Pop Pop, and oh boy, does my girl just love this man. “How are you feeling,Murphy?”
I shake my head, still not used to him calling me Murphy.
Not quite sure I’ll ever get used to being a Murphy.
Even if I love it.
I knew I would.
Finding yourself is a beautiful thing. Finding yourself and finding your soulmate at the same time... that’s serendipity.
When I told Jamie I didn’t want to wait to get married...
That I didn’t want anything big. Just us and his family.Our family... He made it happen the very next weekend. We were married in our backyard in front of the lake, and I swear to God I’ve smiled every day since.
“Earth to Ash... You know I’m talking to you when I say Murphy now, right?” Such an ass. “Ashton?”
Shit. I have to pee . . .again.
I really wish this kid would stop pressing on my— I stand and look down at my black leggings, now soaked, and back up at Finn. “Oh no...”
“What’s wrong, Ash?”
“I think my water just broke,” I utter, not sure how it happened. I haven’t even had a— Oh shit. Now I have.
The first contraction rips through me, and I grab Finn’s hand and squeeze as I double over in pain. “I’m in labor.”
“Iwant Jamie,” I scream as Finn holds one hand and Dillan holds the other. “Get. Him. Now.”
It hurts. Burns. My body hates me, and I curse my husband’s gigantic fucking head as I push with everything I’ve got.
Typical fucking Murphy.
This boy decided two weeks early sounded great to him, and he’s in a rush.
“He’s on his way, Ash. Dad just texted he’s in the hospital. He’ll be right here.”
“I can see the head,” Kenzie calls out from between my legs, and I fall back against the bed. “Come on, Ashton. You’re almost there.”
“Not. Without. Jamie,” I pant and turn my face to Finn, already exhausted. “Get him. Now.”
