When my phone rings on the side table by the bed, I wobble over to answer because the screen flashes Briggs’s name.
“I’m outside. Let me in.” His curt tone has me huff a sound because I know what is about to come.
I’ve been lucky that Hadley and Connor have kept my brother at bay, telling him that he should give me some space and time. That was only going to last so long. “Okay,” I answer and pull up the app that Vaughn sent to me for the front gate and the house door.
I manage to walk down the stairs, recognizing that I’m a tad slower than I was even a week ago.
Opening the door, I’m greeted by my brother who charges in and instantly searches the area, probably for Vaughn.
“He isn’t within earshot,” I inform him.
“Fine,” he grits out. “I came to talk to you anyhow.”
I lead him to the living room, and we each find a spot on opposite ends of the sofa.
“Get on with it.” I must sound unenthused.
“What the hell, Isla? He waltzes back into town, and you just go along with moving in with him?”
I hold my hand up as if it could be an attempt to calm him. “Trust me, this wasn’t part of the plan, but he makes a point. He is the dad, and when the baby comes, then he has a right to be involved, and logistically, this probably makes sense as I can’t just hand over this little girl on a schedule the first few weeks, especially if I breastfeed. It was never my intention to keep him from the baby, it was only I struggled totellhim.”
Briggs rubs his eyes as he takes in my explanation. “Not going to lie. This feels like a bit of a betrayal that of all the people you choose to hook up with… it had to be him. But this is the situation we’re in.”
“No, this is the situation thatI’min. I kind of put myself here too,” I clarify.
“Admittedly, I’m relieved to hear that he didn’t know and hadn’t abandoned you. That is the only little speck of compassion that I’m going to give him. What happens now?”
My shoulders slacken a bit. “Truthfully, I don’t know. It’s kind of hard to focus when all I can think about is the fact that she can come any day now, and I have nothing ready because I wanted to wait until I knew this would be a healthy pregnancy just in case.”
“That makes sense. I’m trying to wrap my head around how to handle being in the same room when that asshole is around,” he nearly snarls and looks around the room to take in the décor which is quite basic yet chic, with a few boxes of baby furniture in the corner that just arrived.
It causes me to smile because I’m entertained. “Briggs.” He doesn’t look at me. “Briggsy Chase,” I try again. “Look at me.” He obeys like a child who needs to be explained why they’re in timeout. “You have to find a way. He will be around. Maybe, just, I dunno, focus on your niece when you’re stuck in the same room for personal gatherings. For hockey, I don’t know what you’ll do.”
Guilt seems to hit him, and his silence plus my sibling intuition causes me to realize that there is more.
“I need to tell you something,” he starts, and it doesn’t feel great. “There is a rather large chance that I won’t be signing with the Spinners for next season. I’ll sign with another team, perhaps out in Seattle. The paperwork hasn’t been completed yet, but I’ve been thinking about this since before Vaughn entered the picture.”
“What?” I screech.
“I didn’t tell you yet because I didn’t want to upset you.”
My throat tightens as a cry builds. “You’re going to leave? You’re my only family here.”
He slides down the sofa to be closer to me and touches my shoulder in an attempt to comfort me. “First off, I’m keeping my house here, so every off-season, I’m here. And I’m not your only family here. Just look at everyone who is throwing you a baby shower this weekend. They love you as their own.”
Tears fall. “B-but you’re my brother,” I stutter.
He offers me a warm smile. “You always knew this was a chance, and I’m ready for a change. I wouldn’t be much use helping you with my niece in a few months since I’ll be on the road. But next summer? I’m all here. Isla, you’re growing your own family, whether that’s alone or with…” He groans. “I can’t even say his name.”
“Vaughn.” A firm voice causes our heads to shift to the opening between the step that leads to the living room and the open hall.
I roll my eyes, wondering what is about to transpire between my brother and the father of my baby.
“If you’re going to be in my house then you can say my name,” Vaughn adds.
Briggs stands. “Great, you’re here. Was hoping I could avoid you, but since you’re gracing us with your presence, then let’s have it out.”
“Geez, this isn’t some battle of honor, Briggs. Please, for the sake of the heavily pregnant lady here.” I hold up my hand. “Can we just calm it down a notch?”
