Page 54 of Capturing the Captain

“Repeat that. I don't think I heard you correctly.” Matthews says after a few moments of silence.

“I am going to be a dad.” I slow it down for him. His jaw is on the floor, matching the expressions of Michaelson and Knight.

“And the mom is…” Daniel trails off.

I can hear Conor whispering under his breath, “Please say Olivia. Please say Olivia,” which earns him a kick in the shin under the table. “Ow.” He whines but we all ignore him.

“It’s Olivia.” I reassure him before he has an aneurysm. I don’t feel like cleaning brain matter off the dining table today.

“And are we happy about that?” Michaelson asks as Matthews does a happy dance opposite me.

“More than happy.” I smile at the men in front of me and they wear matching expressions. Well, all except Knight who looks like he’s constipated.

“Congrats, Cap!” Michaelson stands, embracing me in a warm, manly hug. “I’m happy for you.” We sit back down and start digging into our food.

I take a long swig of beer at the same time Knight finally finds his voice. “Who’s Olivia?” We all look at him at the same time, each of us confused.

“What do you mean ‘Who’s Olivia’?” Daniel asks while Conor says, “My Olliepop.”

“Wait, wait. The photographer, Olivia?” He glances around at each of us before his eyes land on me. “You and Olivia are hooking up?” I groan. This man has little to no brain cells in that head of his.

“Are you fucking dumb?” Conor flicks him over the side of the head. “Anyone with eyes and half a brain knows about Woods and Olivia.”

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” He whines like a child.

“No one told anyone. We all just know.” Matthews replies to him and then turns to me, “So, you two have been banging this whole time?”

“No.” I admit, “We haven't been together since she ended things, which is another story I need to tell you.” I focus on Conor again, “By the way, your friend, Ryan, is a massive dick. Anyway, Olivia is already sixteen weeks along with a baby girl. She only found out yesterday.”

“A girl, huh? She’ll change your life.” Michaelson says, clapping a hand over my shoulder. “You know what they say about Dads and their daughters and it’s true.”

“See that makes more sense.” Conor announces.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

His response earns him another kick in the shin. “I didn't think she was here since you two broke up. I couldn't hear her screaming.” Dick.

35

Olivia

“Okay, don’t be mad at me but I couldn't resist.” Sasha says, barging through the door to Josh's apartment. She comes into the living area where I’m watching Friends. I take my eyes off the screen and my jaw instantly hits the floor.

“Jesus, Sash.” I shake my head at her. She’s carrying four large shopping bags that are filled to the top. “How the hell did you carry all that here?”

“Babe, when it comes to shopping, I can do the impossible.” She throws all the bags on the floor before flopping on the couch beside me. “Check out how cute these are.” She begins pulling items out of the bags. Lots and lots of baby bits.

“Are these all for the baby?”

“Duh.” She exclaims. “I know you like your colors so I got every color of outfit I could find.” She pulls out pyjamas and tiny outfits, all different colors and shades. At this rate I won't have to buy anything for the baby. Sasha seems to have it all figured out. “There’s socks, onesies, blankets, bibs. I wasn’t sure what else to get but I’m sure I’ll pick up more as I go along.”

“Sasha, this is too much.” She gives me a pointed look. “Seriously, you’ve done enough for me. You don’t need to do any more.”

“Yes I do. You are growing my niece in your belly. If I want to do shit for you and for her, then I will.” She says, giving me a quick side hug. “Oh!” She shoots off the sofa, rushing to grab another bag, “Look at this one. I think it’s my favourite."

“And I think I just wet myself.” I tell her, my hand resting over my racing heartbeat.

Sash rolls her eyes.“Ever the drama queen.” she mutters under her breath but I can hear every word. She throws a onesie onto my lap before sinking down onto the couch again.