“That cat is a demon.” I part her legs and start wiping my cum away. She lets out a soft sigh that makes my dick twitch.
I can’t believe I was almost stupid enough to let her go. Yeah, I was angry with her and that stupid article about me — thank goodness she didn’t actually write it — but looking back on everything that has happened now, it seems so insignificant in the face of the happiness we have with each other and the future we’re building.
Fuck, we have a baby on the way now.
“I love you,” I murmur.
Rylee blinks up at me and smiles softly. “I love you, too. You okay?”
“Yeah.” I toss the washcloth aside and climb into bed next to her, pulling her into my arms to cuddle. “I was just thinking how grateful I am that we’re here right now.”
She snuggles into me, making my heart swell.
“I’m grateful too.” She lets out a sigh of contentment. “It’s just a bummer we couldn’t spend Christmas together. I know we needed that time apart so we could realize how much we love each other, and the time I spent with my family out there was truly so important andsoneeded, but it’s my favorite holiday, and it just felt a little… empty, without you there.”
I frown, my chest aching at her words. She’s right that we needed the time apart, but I hate that it ruined her favorite time of year.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur, pressing my lips into her hair. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
“It’s okay.” Her voice is soft, and I can tell she’s on the verge of falling asleep. “There’s always next year.”
“And every year after that,” I say, kissing her neck.
Her breathing grows deep and even, and I know she’s out. Her pregnancy makes her so sleepy, she can’t seem to stay awake long enough to even get dressed before she konks out. Gizmocurls up at the end of the bed, resting his head between his front paws. I should be exhausted, too — I was, just a few minutes ago — but after that brief talk, I can’t seem to fall asleep. Rylee’s words keep playing in my mind, and I can’t help but feel the twist of guilt deep in my gut.
Even though I promised to make it up to her, I’m not sure how I can do that.
I’ll figure something out, though. For Rylee, I’ll do whatever I can to make her happy.
The next day, the guys and I hit the weight room at the stadium for a “light” workout since we’re on a bit of a break for the holidays and won’t have another game for another few weeks. We can’t afford to lose our competitive edge when we’re aiming for the Cup again.
“Come on, Zander,” Wilder says. He’s standing over me, spotting me as I work the bench press. “You’re acting like this is actually heavy. This is normally like a warm-up weight, man.”
Sighing, I push the bar back up to the rack with Wilder’s help, and I sit up on the bench.
“Yeah, I know,” I grumble. “I’m distracted, sorry.”
“What’s up?” Wilder asks, leaning against the bar to gaze down at me.
I rub the back of my neck and consider my words carefully. I know Rylee’s telling the girls today, so there’s no reason for me not to let the guys know too. “So, uh, Rylee’s pregnant.”
Everyone freezes for a moment and looks at me with wide eyes and dropped jaws. Then, the locker room seems to explode.
“Congratulations!” Jensen exclaims, slapping me on the shoulder. He pushes back his dark brown hair, which is plastered to his forehead with sweat. “That’s so awesome, man!”
“Oh, my God!” Carson feigns tears, scrunching up his face so much, his eyes squish together and it’s hard to see their vibrant blue color. “Papa Zandy!”
“Welcome to the club, bro.” Owen shakes my hand with a grin.
“Happy for you,” Wilder nods.
“You guys are gonna be great parents.” Jenson gives my shoulder a friendly punch. “Have to get the baby some skates. Start 'em’ early.”
I grin, my chest warming with their genuine happiness for me.
“Yeah, we’re pretty excited,” I admit. “It’d really be a perfect situation, if…”
I trail off, suddenly feeling a little silly about my disappointment regarding Christmas in light of the baby.
