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“Yes, Maddox. It was stupid. You’re a goddamn captain, and not only are you making stupid, childish bets, but you’re missing practice and compromising our entire season because of your ridiculous shenanigans. No more bets, do you hear me? And expect a fine for every goddamn hour of practice you miss.”

“Yes, sir.”

He ends the call before I can apologize, and I have a feeling West is going to get reamed out next.

I pull open his text so I can let him know, and I read his response.

West: Why?

Me: I’m going to Chicago to try to tell Ivy that I’m sorry. I just told Coach what happened, and my ass hurts from the beating I just took. You’re probably next.

West: You fucker.

West: I’m sort of kidding. I know I was partly responsible, and I’m sorry for what happened. I’ll take whatever punishment he gives me.

Me: Coach wasn’t too thrilled with our bets.

West: That’s just because he’s not in on them.

I chuckle at that. Maybe he’s right and Coach could stand to lighten up a little, or maybe Coach is right.

On the one hand, a bet is what brought me closer to Ivy, and to Dex, who surprised the fuck out of me by being an actual friend—an actual brother, even.

But on the other, a bet is also what hurt the person I care about most in the entire world, and I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t find some way to win her back.

CHAPTER 46: Ivy Maddox

The Doorbell

What are you supposed to wear to your dad's sentencing?

I didn't pack a ton of options, but I did bring a couple of dresses that once belonged to my mother.

When she died, Everleigh got everything red in her closet, and I got everything blue. Our two favorite colors.

Baby blue has been my favorite color for as far back as I can remember, and I choose one in that shade for good luck.

I meet Everleigh down in the kitchen for breakfast.

We stopped at the store last night on our walk home and grabbed some things to make an easy meal this morning. She already has a cup of coffee waiting for me.

I nod to it as I pick it up. “Thank you.” I take a sip.

“Of course. Your food's in the fridge if you want to heat it up.”

I shake my hands out. “I don’t know if I can eat right now. I'm too nervous.”

“I know what you mean. I am too. And with the baby, like, I'm hardly ever hungry anyway.” Her eyes widen as she slaps a hand over her mouth. If she hadn't reacted that way, I might not have even realized what she just let slip to me.

“Wait, what? Oh my God, Ev. Are you pregnant?”

She lowers her hands and slowly nods, and I rush toward her and throw my arms around her.

“Holy shit! Congratulations! You are going to be the best mom,” I squeal.

“We weren't going to tell anyone until the end of the first trimester. I'm only nine weeks along, and we're still in that delicate stage.”

“Nine weeks is good!” I squeal. “This is so exciting. When are you due?”