Earning a Ring (More Than a Game Series Book 4)

by Kristina Mathews

  “Yeah. I know. I just don’t know what to do about it.”

  “Try talking to her. Not at her, but to her.”

  “Talk to her? Not exactly my strong suit.” Bryce knew he was more of an action kind of guy. But when his actions had been limited to buying love, he hadn’t exactly hit it out of the park. Time for a new game plan.

  He crossed to the second room of the suite and knocked on Hailey’s door. “Can I come in?”

  A muffled, “whatever,” came from the other side.

  Pushing the door open, he stepped inside.

  “Hey.” Yeah, there was an invitation to some real communication.

  Hailey sat on the bed. She’d slipped a t-shirt on and had tucked her knees under the fabric. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.

  “I’m sorry. I guess I overreacted.” Approaching her carefully, he hesitated before sitting down next to her. “Do you mind?”

  She simply shrugged.

  He started to say the swimsuit was fine, but that wasn’t really the issue.

  “You miss your mom, don’t you?”

  Hailey nodded.

  “You probably went shopping together a lot.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “And I just drag you around to baseball games. Probably not as much fun for a girl your age as getting new clothes and pedicures.”

  She shrugged again.

  “Maybe tomorrow we can go down to the beach.”

  “What about my bathing suit?”

  “The girls here in California wear board shorts over their bathing suits. It’s kind of surfer style.” Bryce thought maybe if he made it sound cool to cover up, she’d be more willing. “We can pick up some really cool ones at a surf shop. They have several right there on the beach. Would you like that?”

  “I guess.”

  “So that’s settled then. We’ll get you some surfer shorts first thing in the morning, and we’ll spend a few hours at the beach before I have to go to work.” He stood, feeling a little better, but once again, he was offering money to solve the problem.

  “Dad?” Her voice sounded incredibly small and fragile.

  “What is it, sweetheart?” He returned to the side of the bed.

  “Is Mommy going to be okay?”

  “Of course she is. She just needs…” What did he know what his ex-wife needed? Time? Space? Months, if not years of therapy? “She just needs us to think positive, and know that she’s doing her best to get better.”

  “What if she doesn’t get better?”

  “She will.”

  “But what if she doesn’t?” Hailey was truly scared; he could hear it in her voice.

  “I’ll be here for you. No matter what. You got that?” He scooted closer and scooped her up in his arms. “I’m going to be here for you from now on.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise.” He wondered if now was the time to bring up his plans. “Now do you want to come to the game tonight or hang out here with Rachel?”

  “She’s pretty.” Hailey had breathless admiration in her voice. “And nice.”

  “Yes, she is.”

  “And she’s going to have a baby.”

  “She is.”

  “Is it a boy or a girl?”

  “We don’t know yet.” Bryce smiled; he would be happy with either. “The only thing I know is that you’ll be a terrific big sister.”

  “Will I get to see the baby much after it’s born?”

  “I hope so.” Maybe he should get her input on his plans. After all, she was the one who would be affected by the judge’s decision. “So, I was wondering, what would you think about living with me, more permanently?”

  “In San Francisco?”

  “Yes. That’s where I live and work.”

  “And where Rachel works, too. I’d have to go to a new school.” She didn’t sound too excited about the prospect. “And leave all my friends behind.”

  “Well, you’d make new friends.” The look on her face showed that wasn’t her favorite idea. “And we’d be able to visit Pittsburgh in the winter.”

  “I think I’d rather have winter in California.” She gave a small smile. Maybe she was warming to the idea.

  “Well, then we’ll bring your friends out here.”

  “What about my mom?”

  “Well, we’ll have to see.” He had a feeling that one month at a treatment facility wasn’t going to solve all her problems. And if he took Hailey away from her, she could relapse. But as much as her health was important, Hailey’s safety and well-being was even more important. “One thing I know is that I’m going to try a lot harder at working with your mother and together, we’ll do what’s best for you.”

  Hailey leaned toward him and threw her arms around him. “I love you, Daddy.”

  “I love you, too, sweetheart. I love you too.”

  Rachel knocked softly on the door. “Sorry to interrupt, but Annabelle just texted me. Her girls are waiting down by the pool.”

  “Did you still want to go swimming?” Bryce turned his attention back to his daughter.

  “What about my bathing suit?”

  “You could wear something over it. A t-shirt or shorts.”

  “Really?” She almost rolled her eyes.

  “Look, Hailey. You’re my little girl. You’re always going to be my little girl. Even when you’re married and have kids of your own.” The thought hit him hard, knowing those things would come sooner than he’d ever be ready for. “You’re already growing up too fast for me.”

  She just shook her head, bounded off the bed, and dove into her suitcase. She slipped a tiny pair of shorts on over her teeny-weeny bikini bottom. “Is this better?”

  Barely. But he held his tongue. Maybe she’d just grown so fast that the shorts had become too small for her. They couldn’t be designed as short-shorts for a nine-year-old girl. Could they?

  “Okay, so let’s head down to the pool.” Bryce followed Hailey into the adjoining room.

  “Do you want me to take her?” Rachel offered.

  “We can all go.” He was determined to spend as much time with Hailey, and Rachel, as possible when he wasn’t on the field.

  “Okay. Let me just grab my Kindle.” Rachel had softened over the last few days. She’d been great with Hailey. But then, he wasn’t surprised. She was going to make a great mother. He wanted to tell her that, but they hadn’t had much time alone. By the time they got home from the ballpark, they’d both been exhausted. And he didn’t dare push things by trying to make love. He knew he was on borrowed time. She’d been all set to leave him from the moment they’d said “I do.” He’d pushed her into this marriage before she’d been ready. Maybe she would never be ready and that was why she was prepared to bolt at the first opportunity.

  Yet, she hadn’t quite made it out the door. She kept finding reasons to stay. Their baby. Her job. And now Hailey.

  He needed to give her a reason to stay. For him. With him. Forever.

  * * * *

  The three of them met Annabelle and the twins at the hotel pool. Rachel was surprised by Bryce’s reaction to Hailey’s swimsuit. Yeah, it was a little skimpy, but she was just a little girl. She didn’t have anything to reveal. Still, it touched something inside Rachel to see him so fiercely protective. He’d put his foot down, but he’d also talked to his daughter and whatever he’d said must have worked, because they had both come out of the room smiling.

  Hailey was wearing shorts over her suit and she jumped into the pool with them on. Didn’t seem to slow her down one bit.

  “Do you know of a mall around here?” Bryce asked. “I need to take Hailey shopping.”

  “There’s an open-air mall not far from here,” Annabelle suggested as she pulled out her phone. “I’ll send Rachel the address.”

  “Thanks.” Bryce smiled at the supermodel. Rachel knew she had no business feeling jealous. Just because Bryce smiled at a beautiful woman didn’t mean he was interested. Besides, Annabelle was engage
d to Nathan Cooper. They were planning a wedding for some time around Christmas. “I need to take Hailey shopping for some new clothes.”

  “You know, you don’t have to buy her affection.” Rachel was only half-teasing.

  “True, but I do have to buy her new clothes. I think she’s outgrowing everything she owns. Look how short those shorts are. They must be from last summer.”

  Annabelle laughed so hard she almost fell out of her chaise.

  “What’s so funny?” Bryce asked.

  “You obviously haven’t been shopping for little girls’ clothes lately.” Annabelle gave Rachel a look that said she thought he was pretty clueless. “Good luck finding anything longer. Unless you shop in the school uniform section, but she won’t want to wear those.”

  Bryce looked stunned. And not very amused.

  “Let me make a few recommendations.” Annabelle removed her oversized sunglasses. “Leggings, skirts, and capri pants are your friends.”

  “Oh brother.” Bryce leaned against the back of his chaise. “When do we find out if we’re having a boy or a girl?”

  “Not until the middle of July.” Rachel smiled, knowing he was hoping for a boy, if only for the wardrobe.

  “July huh?” He turned toward her with warmth and pride in his eyes. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

  “Yeah.” Rachel’s throat suddenly felt dry and tight. She turned her attention to the pool, where Hailey was playing big sister to the younger girls. She was leading Sophie and Olivia in a game of Marco Polo, only they’d changed it to Marco Santiago.

  Rachel watched Bryce watch his daughter with pride and love on his face. He couldn’t take his eyes off the little girl.

  All those times he’d told her he’d been an inadequate father and a horrible husband—he could not have been more wrong.

  Chapter 30

  After a successful road trip, Bryce was glad to be back home. He’d had a good time with Rachel and Hailey and he was pretty sure his girls had had a good time, too. They’d spent the early part of their days on the beach in San Diego, their nights at the ballpark.

  In Los Angeles, they did touristy things, seeing the Hollywood stars on the Walk of Fame, driving through Beverly Hills and pointing out which mansions they’d want to live in. He’d taken them to Rodeo Drive, but Rachel had balked at actually doing more than window shopping. He’d practically had to drag her into the upscale maternity boutique where she’d headed straight for the sale racks. At least she’d found a few blouses she could wear on the air now that she was no longer worried about covering up her pregnancy. Now she could really flaunt it.

  Hailey had been happy with the clothes he’d bought her in San Diego. The only thing she wanted was a T-shirt with the Beverly Hills sign logo printed on the front.

  The team had done well, coming home with only one loss, an extra-inning heartbreaker to open the L.A. series. But they’d beaten their rivals five to nothing on the last game of the road trip so spirits were high on the flight home.

  The only thing missing had been making love to Rachel. Hailey’s presence had only been a part of it. He was scared. Afraid she’d reject him. And a part of him was afraid she wouldn’t. That she’d slip into his arms and they’d find themselves living a dream. A dream he’d never planned on.

  Maybe he could have it all. He was at the top of his game, and he had a beautiful wife to share his success with. Hailey and Rachel got along great. Hell, he was even thinking about getting a dog, although he knew better than to even consider such a thing without discussing it with Rachel.

  There were other things he wanted to discuss with Rachel. Such as how he could make her scream without making any noise. Yeah. The apartment was too small. But maybe it would be a fun challenge, to see how hot he could get his wife without waking up his daughter in the next room.

  Rachel had let him drive home after they’d landed. Progress. He just hoped she wasn’t too tired once they got home. After pulling into the garage and unloading the suitcases, Bryce checked the mailbox before heading toward the elevator.

  There was a larger stack than usual, but he’d wait until they got upstairs before tossing the junk mail. Some of it might be for Rachel, too. And he supposed Hailey could get a postcard from a friend, if any of them were traveling and wanted to let her know they were thinking of her.

  Hailey went straight to bed, but made sure to give him a goodnight hug and kiss before falling asleep, her arms wrapped tight around her favorite pillow.

  “Why don’t you take a nice warm bath while I go through the mail?” Bryce wished he could offer her a glass of wine, but that would have to wait until after she stopped nursing. “Relax a bit.”

  “Mmmm. That sounds nice.” She rubbed her lower back. “Maybe after I unpack.”

  She headed toward the bedroom, but not before giving him an encouraging glance. Desire shone in her eyes, just like he’d remembered.

  Bryce reached for the mail. Junk. Junk. And more junk. He made a pile of envelopes and flyers headed for the shredder. In the middle of the stack was a letter. From Jillian.

  He slid the flap open, trepidation filling him as he unfolded the single sheet of paper.

  Dear Bryce,

  This isn’t an easy letter for me to write, but as part of my treatment, I need to clear up a few things. And try to make amends, although I wouldn’t blame you if you never forgive me for tricking you into marrying me.

  I realize how much I hurt you when I told you Hailey is not your daughter. But I was in a pretty dark place and lashed out, wanting someone else to feel as bad as I did. But instead of making me feel better, I only added to my guilt and shame.

  Guilt at letting you marry me knowing I carried a child who wasn’t yours. And shame at the way she was conceived. But I’ll never be able to move forward if I don’t confront the past. And since you are Hailey’s father in her heart, if not in her genes, you need to know how it happened.

  About ten days after we spent the night together, I went back to the bar where we’d met. My girlfriend was supposed to meet me, but she never showed. Instead I started talking to some guys who were in town for a few days. They were ballplayers, just called up from the minors and enjoying their first road trip as major leaguers. There were three of them, although one of them really seemed to like me. He bought me drinks and tried to impress me. Then he invited me to a party with several of his teammates. He even promised to introduce me to their All-Star shortstop who was hosting the party.

  Like a fool, I went. The guy was pretty good-looking and I knew you wouldn’t be calling me. Although you’d been sweet and generous and eager to please, I knew you weren’t looking for a girl like me—at least not for more than one night.

  The party was crowded and loud and this guy kept shoving drinks at me. We kissed a little, and I figured we’d end up going back to his room at some point. But after a while I realized I’d had a little too much to drink. I asked my new “friend” to call me a cab. But instead of fulfilling my request, he got angry.

  “You came here to party,” he said. “So we’re going to party.” He grabbed my arm and led me toward the bathroom. His two friends followed.

  I told him I didn’t feel so well. My head was starting to spin and my feet felt a little unsteady.

  “I’ll make you feel good. I’ll make you feel so fucking good.” He pressed me against the door and kissed me hard. Possessive. But it wasn’t sexy. It was scary. But he had me pinned beneath his weight. And then he shoved me into the bathroom. I tried to get away, but his friends had followed us into the bathroom. One blocked the door and the other held me down while he yanked my jeans off.

  Bryce couldn’t read any more. He let out a growl of rage and pushed away from the table.

  Rachel came running from the bedroom.

  “Is everything okay?” Concern laced her voice.

  “No. I can’t even…” He didn’t want to take his anger and feeling of helplessness out on her. “I have to get out
of here.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Jillian…” He pointed toward the letter. “I have to get out of here.”

  His jaw locked tight. His fists clenched with a fury he’d never felt before. He understood the desire to murder someone, only the person—or persons—wasn’t around. He didn’t have a name, and it was probably for the best. Sure, he could go through the record books to see which players had been called up around the same time he had made it to the big leagues. Found the names of three or four guys who would have been in Pittsburgh that September. But having a name or a face wouldn’t do him any good right now.

  The only thing that he could do was to get outside, hit the streets, and run. Just like when he was a kid and his dad would tell him to take a lap. He would run around the block, or the track, or if the weather was terrible, around the living room, and eventually he would calm down.

  The way he felt right now, he could run to Pittsburgh and back and it wouldn’t do any good.

  By the time he hit the bottom of the stairs, his rage ebbed, just enough for him to realize he hadn’t brought his phone. He stopped by the front desk to let Sergio know he was going for a run, if anyone wanted to know.

  Oh, he knew he probably should go back and tell Rachel what was going on, but he didn’t trust himself at the moment.

  He’d never felt like a bigger failure in all his life.

  * * * *

  Rachel wanted to go after Bryce, but she couldn’t leave Hailey alone in the apartment. Something horrible had happened, but she didn’t know what.

  An overwhelming sense of dread came over her. She glanced at the letter, sitting open on the table next to Bryce’s cell phone. She didn’t want to get in the middle of things between him and his ex-wife, but there was an innocent child stuck in the middle. A child Rachel had grown to love.

  Oh God.

  What if… What if it was a suicide letter? Bryce would need her. And so would Hailey.

  With shaking hands, Rachel picked up the letter.