"Hello to you too." I scratch my cheek.
"Spit it out." His tone is stern.
"Your sister is pissed because I mentioned when I found out about the pregnancy that for a split second, I wasn't sure if fatherhood was for me, but a thousand thoughts were in my head, as I was in shock." Honesty is the only way that he will give me the insight I need.
He snickers his disapproval. "Why the hell would you admit that?"
"Does nobody appreciate that I'm being open?" I sigh, slightly irritated.
He looks at me with strong discontent. "Not with Isla. You have no idea, do you?"
"Did I not immediately stay with her when I found out?"
Briggs shakes his head. "Do you know how much Isla wanted everything? The second she told me she was pregnant, she was already more than in. From moment one, she never had a single doubt. So, for her to hear that the father of her child might not have felt the same, then it only adds a hole into the fear she's always carried. She may have been petrified to tell you during her pregnancy about the baby, but she always had hope. As soon as she saw you, she realized her error and wanted only one thing. Then you hopped on the train and now it feels like false hope to her.”
I stare at him, waiting for him to explain further, my eyes intent on taking in his knowledge.
"Vaughn, she holds onto the wound of our dad never playing a role. He was around the first two years of my life then completely bailed on our mom when she was pregnant and left before Isla was born. Her biggest fear is that history will repeat with her own child. So yeah, the tiniest bit of doubt will send her over the rails."
My eyes close as realization hits me. How could I not see it? Dots connect of why she may have felt panic as her first instinct.
"Why are you being this open with me?"
Briggs shakes his head. "You may have been the guy I hated on the ice, but you won't be the guy who leaves her. I fucking hate to admit that I see that. But it's also what Isla deserves."
"I'm not sure what to do to ensure she shakes that fear that seems to chase her."
"That's relationship 101. You have to prove to her that you are committed for life. Why the hell am I even pointing out the obvious to you?" He looks at me as though I'm an idiot, and maybe I am.
I roll my eyes to the side and let out a deep breath. "Because your sister isn't anyone. I haven't been in this situation before, and I want to get it right."
"Damn well you will." We stare at one another blankly, then Briggs sighs. "Look, maybe she overreacted. Hell, if I found out when a baby is about to pop that I'm going to be a dad, then yeah, a hell of a lot of thoughts would be in my head too. But just let her win this one and ease her."
Briggs stands and gives me a glare. "Do you love her?"
I think for a second with a realization sinking in. I nod. "Yeah, I do."
"Then tell her, that's a start."
"Thanks, Briggs." I mean it sincerely.
For once, he gives me a sympathetic yet agreeing look. "Fix this." He walks away but not before he stops and turns back to me. "By the way, I have every intention to crush your team tomorrow, even if it's the one I used to play on."
"Figured," I confirm.
"Oh, and our general manager is better, he at least smiles when under pressure. You look like hell."
I tighten my wry smile and hold my two fingers up in the air to wave him off. "A pleasure, as always," I call out.
It only takes a few seconds before I hear a slow clap and turn my head to find my brother casually sitting in the corner on a burgundyleather couch with drink in hand.
I shake my head, not amused. "Of course, you witnessed all of that."
Stone stands and strolls my way before sliding onto a seat at the bar. "Hell yeah, event of the year."
"Great. Add it to the memory pool for future Christmas dinners."
"He made some solid points. We also have some abandonment issues. You completely understand where Isla's mind is, and you know it."
