“Baby shower,” Ruby throws out a topic.
“Right. I mean, it’s early, so all of that is for later. I know my mom wants one.”
She pulls her dark hair to the side. “Of course.”
“Probably at Olive Owl. My brother and his wife’s family, as you know, are there. They are all a little angry that one of the nieces didn’t have her baby shower there, so I’m being used to compensate for that.” It is a great place for a party.
“Love it. It will be so cute when the baby comes and you have those little headphones for when she or he comes to a game when you’re sitting with the other WAGs.” She winks at Asher.
“Oh hell,” he utters to himself.
My lips roll into my mouth as I bite my lip to keep myself in check. She’s eager for a label but all in lighthearted spirit.
“I really am loving this morning. Pure entertainment. And Gracie, if you can handle this, then you will be fine. So, welcome to the family,” Shaw compliments before grabbing another donut.
The squeeze of my arm brings my attention to Asher whose eyes are warm and reassuring.
The next two hours, we eat quiche and bagels, talk about my work and Ruby’s photography. There isn’t much discussion about the baby or the status of our relationship, and everything flows. When they leave, we hug goodbye, and Shaw gives me an honest grin.
Asher closes the door behind him, and his entire body eases with relief.
“Well, we’ve survived your familyand mine.”
“We did. It seems all is well.” I plant my hands on my belly and look down with only affection. “You will be very loved, little one.”
“She or he will.” His voice is soft, and when I draw my gaze up, I see that his stare is locked on my belly.
“Family, huh?”
“Yep. Family.”
Because we are creating our own.
CHAPTER 14
ASHER
Asmile twists on Gracie’s lips as I sit at her kitchen island and observe her and the joy that seems to be flooding her face. It was my first day back with the team since the short break, and I have a time gap after our morning practice. So I came home and presented Gracie with a small gift.
“Well played, well played.” She holds up her fluffy pair of mint-green wool socks that will keep her feet and calves warm throughout winter. The snowflake design is a nice touch, if I do say so myself.
“I just figured it’s important that you are cozy. Plus, Hanukkah tradition and all.”
“Socks,” we both say in unison.
She tucks the socks back into the gift bag and sets it on the counter. A beaming smile spreads on her beautiful face. “Tradition seems to be us… well, half of the time.” She drops her eyes to her stomach with a brief cartoonish expression before returning to her smile.
“Whoa, according to our parents, he or she is a Hanukkahmiracle. Having one of those every holiday season is tradition.”
She chuffs a laugh as she circles the island. “Yeah, as much as my dad is happy about a new grandchild, he willalwayslet you know that we skipped the marriage-first part.”
Blowing out a breath, I’m well aware she is right. I notice that she grabs a little gift bag that was hidden behind the fruit bowl.
“What’s that?” I wonder.
“Well, great minds think alike.” She approaches me, grinning like a Cheshire cat, then extends her arm to offer me the bag. “Cheesy Hanukkah gifts. Except, I think yours has more class.”
I’m already grinning as I tuck my hand into the bag only to feel soft fabric, and I pull out the pair of dark socks. “Should I be concerned that we never even talked about gifts, yet here we are surprising one another?”
