I was still trying to find that balance between honoring the past, living in the present, and looking toward the future. But it was getting easier. I attended home games when I could, supporting Frasier and the team. And I continued working with the SADS Foundation to raise funds and awareness for the condition that had claimed Derek’s life.
Georgia said nothing, wrapping her arms around me for a hug. Allie joined us, handing me a plate of food.
“You’re just as bad as Frasier,” I teased, though I appreciated that everyone was looking out for me.
“That man is so far gone for you it isn’t even funny. And when he meets your baby girl…” She shook her head.
Sometimes I still couldn’t believe this was my life. I’d been so convinced that my love story was over, and yet I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’d never been happier to have been proven wrong.
Yes, there were still times that I worried about Frasier when we were apart. I still talked to my therapist. I still missed Derek. But everything I’d gone through only made me more grateful for the blessings in my life. My friends and family. Bacon and Biscuit. Frasier. And a baby on the way.
I satin the glider in the baby’s future nursery, writing thank-you notes while Frasier assembled the crib. Our friends and family had gone above and beyond, and this kid was so spoiled. Bacon was sniffing around, inspecting all the new items as if she couldn’t quite figure out what—or whom—they were for. Biscuit was napping at my feet, bored by the whole thing.
I was just happy to be relaxing at home, with Frasier and the dogs for once. The past few months had passed in a blur of games, doctor’s appointments, work, and so much more. Frasier had sold his condo and moved in with me, and I loved being with him all the time. At least, when he wasn’t out of town for a game. When he was home, he was working on his latest project—preparing a room for our baby girl, who still didn’t have a name.
Frasier and I had hired a local artist to paint one of the walls as a woodland scene, and it was like an “I Spy” straight out of a fairy tale. Foxes and other animals were hidden throughout the forest, including a family of bears to represent Frasier, me, and the baby. I adored all the details—the little birds and flowers, even a hawk for the team. But my favorite part was all the butterflies in varying shades, shapes, and colors. It was beautiful and meaningful, and I absolutely loved it.
I placed my pen down for a moment, watching Frasier as he attached one of the sides of the crib. He already loved this baby so much, and it only made me fall even harder for him.
Life was good. Better than good.
He glanced up at me, sunlight streaming through the window. We’d have to get some blackout shades, but for now, I was enjoying all the natural light.
“So, I was thinking,” he said, returning his attention to the crib. Which meant my attention returned to his forearms.So hot.
“Bryn?” he asked, brow raised.
“Mm.”
“I was thinking about names for the baby.”
We knew she would take Frasier’s last name, but we hadn’t decided on a first name yet. Nothing had felt right.
“What if…” He shifted. “I was thinking Morgan, in honor of Derek.”
“Morgan.” I nodded as a tear streaked down my cheek. “I love that.”
Frasier set aside his tools, coming over to me. And then he was kneeling before me, cupping my cheeks, wiping my tears.
“Morgan Holmes.” I smiled, loving that Frasier wanted to honor someone who was so dear to both of us. “It’s perfect.”
I thought back to the book Frasier had given me, and the inscription from Meghan Hart and Penelope Glass.
The best love stories have no end.
Because I’d never stopped loving Derek, but I’d also made room in my heart for Frasier and, now, our child.
The baby—Morgan—kicked as if to show her approval. I laughed, placing Frasier’s hand over my stomach. When he felt her movements, his expression softened even more. He was such a goner for our daughter. He hadn’t even met her yet, and he was already wrapped around her little finger.
“Hi, baby.” He spoke to my stomach. “It’s your daddy, and I can’t wait to meet you. But if you could please try to time it so that I’m not at an away game, I’d really appreciate it.”
I laughed, but it was no joke. The play-offs were starting soon, and depending on how the Hawks played, they’d last for months. I wanted success for Frasier—for everyone on the team. But selfishly, I wanted him home for the birth of our child.
For now, I was trying not to stress. I still had a few months until my due date. I might not be able to travel to the away games now that I was in my third trimester, but I would attend every home game possible. And the ones I couldn’t attend, I’d watch from the comfort of our couch.
Allie had already offered—insisted, really—on coming to stay for the last few weeks of my pregnancy. And I was looking forward to spending some time with her.
“So…” Frasier said, seeming nervous all of a sudden. “You know how we were talking about names?”
