Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Did you want something when you called me over here?” Candice asks her daughter.
“Oh, um—Reid asked if I wanted Dad to be here. I was going to ask you how you felt about that, but we don’t have to.”
“Bellamy, he’s your father. He gave me the greatest gift in this life: you. Of course, you should invite him.”
“Are you sure? I mean, it’s last-minute, so I’m sure he’s got work to do, or something.”
“You won’t know unless you try.” Candice gives her a pointed look.
“Like he did,” Bellamy whispers, and Candice nods. Taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders, she looks up at me. “Will you call him?”
“Sure, Dream Girl. Anything you want.” I kiss her temple and drop my arm from around her waist. “I’ll be right back.” Stepping into the hallway just off the living room, I hit Coach’s number and wait for him to answer.
“Montgomery.”
“Hey, Will,” I greet him, and he growls. I’m not talking to my coach right now. I’m talking to my girl’s dad. “What are you doing right now?”
“Going over plays.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Well, I know it’s short notice, but the girls are throwing Bellamy a surprise baby shower. We just got here, so the fun hasn’t started, but she said I could call you and pass on the invitation.”
He’s quiet for a very long time. “She said that?” he asks.
“She did. No gifts are necessary, but this is your chance. This is her olive branch. Are you going to take it?”
“Where are you?”
“Landry’s place. I’ll text you the address.”
“I have a gift,” he tells me, which shocks me.
“Not necessary,” I tell him again.
“I’ll be there. I’m leaving now.”
“Sounds good,” I say, ending the call and slipping my phone back into my pocket. When I step back into the living room, I find all the ladies gathered around Bellamy. Corie has her hand resting on her belly, and they’re all smiling.
A hand lands on my shoulder, and I look over to see Knox. “A lot has changed for us recently,” he says, nodding to the group of women.
“Yeah,” I agree.
“Gotta admit, I’m a little jealous,” he tells me.
I turn to look at him. “Of what?”
“I’m ready for us to start our family.”
“You trying?”
“We’re not not trying, if that makes sense.” He laughs.
“Give it time. Not everyone’s swimmers are as strong as mine,” I joke.
“Mine are,” Baker says, joining us.
He’s not wrong. We both had one-night stands that resulted in pregnancy. The only difference is that I’m in love with my baby momma, even though I haven’t told her that yet, and Baker, well, he’s miserable dealing with his, but he loves his son.
“I didn’t think you had Cam this week?” Knox asks him.
“Natasha had another shoot. This time in Australia.” Baker rolls his eyes. “Not that I’m complaining. I’ll take more time with my son whenever I can get it.”
“Fellas,” Landry says as he and Foster join us in our little corner of the living room. He pops the last bite of cookie into his mouth. “I can get behind this having babies thing,” he says. “The snacks are on point.”
“Maybe you and your wife should work on that,” Foster says.
“We’ll get there. See, I need all of you to do it first so that I can learn from your mistakes. Besides, I’m already the favorite uncle.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Foster jokes. “We all know, I’m the favorite.”
“I don’t know,” Baker muses. “My son looks mighty happy sitting on Amanda’s hip.”
“Of course, he’s happy,” Landry replies. “He’s surrounded by beautiful women who are giving him all of their attention.”
Before we can reply, there’s a knock at the door. “That’s Coach,” I say, moving to answer it. I hear the guys ask about why he’s here as I make my way to the door. Pulling it open, I don’t invite him in. Instead, I step forward, forcing him to take a step back, and close the door behind me.
“Glad you could make it,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Do I get to go in and see my daughter? I’m not here for you,” he says.
I know he’s angry, but he doesn’t need to be. I’m all in with his daughter. “You can go in, but remember, you’re not here today as the coach of the Rampage. Today, you’re just my girl's dad. She’s happy and smiling, and that’s how it's going to stay.”
“What are you saying, Montgomery?” he asks.
“I’m saying that no matter how you feel about Bellamy and me, you keep that shit to yourself today. You will not ruin this day for her.”
“I don’t want to ruin anything for her.”
“Candice is here,” I tell him. “She brought her boyfriend.” I watch as his face falls, and his shoulders drop. “Please be cordial. I don’t care if it’s fake. This is Bell’s day, and she’s extending you an olive branch. If you want more, you’ll keep yourself in line.”