The Backup and the Baby (New Hampshire Bears 7)

by Mary Smith

  My focus is on tonight. My daughter and girlfriend will be in the crowd supporting me and that means the world to me.

  “Are you coming tonight?” I ask Nathan as I fix my tie in the hallway mirror.

  “No.” He growls staring at the Netflix screen on the TV. “I’m still too pissed off.”

  “Nat, you’re hurt and not the first hockey player to be hurt.” I remind him.

  “I’m going to lose my position.” He sighs. “They’re going to send me back to Nashua.”

  “Bro, calm down the damsel in distress routine. You’re not going anywhere.” I pat his back. “I’m leaving. Just chill out because it’s going to be fine.” I need to figure out something to do with the guys for Nathan. Maybe if we get him out of the house, it’ll get his mind off everything.

  Most of the guys are already in the locker room when I arrive. The room is filled with light conversation. We all seem to go through our own routines. I mostly keep to myself and listen to music. Once we’re all dressed and warmed up Coach Long begins his plan for us tonight. The man is a hockey genius.

  I take several deep breaths as I lead the team out the tunnel to the ice. The crowd roars with the Bears growl. Before I thought it was silly, but now it helps keep the energy flowing through my veins. As soon as the national anthem finishes I adjust my mask. I can feel Nova’s eyes on me. No, I can’t see her but she’s here. And my söt flicka. My sweet girl. Will she remember this? Nope, but I know and it makes my heart swell.

  I shake my head clear and focus on this moment. I want this win in front of Nova. I know she’s seen me play before and win, but this is different. We’re different now. We had our bump in the road, but it’s okay.

  This is our new beginning.

  As the puck drops my mind is back in the game. My eye remains on the prize–the win. I shout out to the guys where I think the play is going by the movements of the players. I stretch, push, grab, and reach as far as my body will allow. I make sure the puck never crosses the line. I won’t allow it.

  My body is beginning to feel the strain of the intense game by mid third period. I’m pushing myself harder as the shots on goal tally rises but still no goals have registered. It’s been a very, very long time since I’ve had four straight wins, let alone four shutouts. But it could happen. Keaton is to my left helping deter the puck when I pop up on my skates to get a better view of the action. I pull up a bit to see where the puck is going to be passed when I’m shocked on my right side and lose my balance. I catch myself but not before I’m tripped up and land hard on my shoulder.

  Now, I’m pissed. I shove the player closest to me and then a big fight begins. I remember what happened to Nathan’s hand and refrain from taking any swings. Once everyone calms down the game is back on with a minute left.

  I’m elated to hear the final buzzer. It’s another shutout. It’s indescribable on how great it feels. Everything is right in my life.

  I WANT TO see Nova and Klara. I thought she would be waiting for me by my car, but I don’t see here anywhere. I quickly drive over to her place. My heart stops when she opens the door holding Klara and an ugly frosted cupcake.

  “We made this for Daddy’s big win.” Nova informs me. “Actually I let her squeeze the frosting bag and it went everywhere.”

  I walk in and take Klara in my arms. “This is the greatest gift.” I kiss Klara’s cheek and then Nova’s lips. “This is the best-looking cupcake.” Knowing who made it, it truly is.

  “Come in and sit.” Nova directs me to the living room and I bounce Klara a bit getting her to giggle. “She missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you both.”

  “Teo, I’m really proud of you.” Nova’s eyes shine. “You were magnificent out there. You truly belong in the net.”

  I kiss her softly. “Thank you for believing in me.” I can’t believe I have someone who supports me as much as Nova has. The sad part–I just realized it. When we dated she constantly told me how great I was and was always saying such uplifting comments.

  I love her.

  “Someone is tired.” Nova strokes Klara’s cheek.

  “She’s fighting it.” I observe her eyes fluttering shut.

  “Let me take her.” Nova reaches for her.

  “I’ve got her.” I stand and go to Klara’s room as Nova follows.

  Together we get our daughter changed and into the crib. Klara is exhausted and asleep in no time. I wrap my arms around Nova’s waist and kiss her neck as we watch over our sleeping baby.

  “I’d like to pick up where we left off last night.”

  She beams. “I’d like to as well.”

  I pick her up and cross the hall and lay her on the bed. Together we undress each other. Silently, I pray Klara remains asleep this time. My body needs Nova. I spread her legs but tasting her tonight isn’t an option. I need to be in her.

  “Teo.”

  Hearing my name coming off her delicious lips drives me insane. I push deep into her slick wetness.

  “Fuck.” I moan from our connection.

  Nova’s body is made for me. She’s a tight glove around my cock. It’s just like the first time we had sex. That night wasn’t just special for her but me as well. She trusted me with the ultimate gift. I love her for it too.

  “Faster, Teo.” She arches closer to me. “Yes.”

  “Your pussy feels so good.” I thrust harder into her.

  “Teo.” Nova pants my name over and over. Her voice pushes me over the edge. She tenses up and her warmth mixes with my release.

  I lay my forehead on hers mixing our breaths together. I have been the biggest fool. I wasted time away from her because I thought she was like Mother and Ellen, but I was wrong. Nova is mine. She’s meant to be with me and we’re meant to raise Klara together.

  This is my world now.

  And I love it.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Nova

  GOOD MORNING, BEAUTIFUL. I love you.

  Six words put together in these particular sentences brings the brightest smile to my face as I stare down at my cell phone. For the past week, Teo and I have been inseparable. He has spent every possible night with Klara and me. I’ve enjoyed coming home to him and cooking for all of us. We’re a family. Having a real family has been my dream. I love Janan and Uncle Tad, but Sharon ruined my chances of having an amazing childhood. But now...now...it’s my baby and my boyfriend who are my family and my future.

  “Nova, are you ready?” Janan breaks me out of my reverie. “We can’t be late.”

  “I’m ready.” I jump up and gather my files, notes, and iPad and follow her out of my office and down the long hall to the conference room.

  Today we’re meeting with all the heads of departments in Uncle Oliver’s businesses. This meeting is also going to be the announcement of Janan’s and my future with Uncle Oliver’s business. Janan and I take our seats on either side of Uncle Oliver. I inhale deeply and hope for the best for this meeting.

  For the next hour, Uncle Oliver commanded the meeting and no one even questions his actions. He told them why Janan and I were there and the directions he’s taking a few of his companies. He’s also going to spend some additional income on the Tigers. Uncle Oliver has it all planned out. I’m in awe of the way he sees things. I would have never been able to come up with the ideas he has. It makes me worried if I truly can handle running a massive corporation such as this.

  Janan and I head back to my office after the meeting. I’m already spent and still have to get through the rest of the afternoon. I flop down on my office couch and cover my eyes with my arm.

  “I can’t do this.”

  “Stop!” Janan yanks at my arm. “You were outstanding. You will be amazing once you take over.”

  I furrow my brow. “Take over? Have you lost your mind?”

  “Look, Uncle Oliver didn’t pick me to be his assistant, did he? No. He didn’t put me under his wing and teach me contracts and such too, did he? No. He picked you. He k
new you could handle it. He put his faith in you.”

  I smile. “Thanks for having confidence in me.”

  Janan puts her arm around me. “I always have confidence in you. You’re my favorite cousin. Well, besides Peanut.”

  We both laugh. I know what we mean to each other. She’s my best friend. She’ll always be my best friend. She has protected me through the years and I love her so much.

  “Nova.” Franceen pops her head into my office.

  “Yes?”

  “Um…” She slips all the way in. “There’s a woman out here and she’s very upset. I asked her name, but all she says is she wants to speak with you. Actually she’s demanding it.” Franceen lowers her voice. “She’s very mean.”

  “That’s strange,” I say standing and heading toward the door. There’s not too many people who come in and are upset. Unless it’s a season ticket holder, but I don’t work in that department. Why ask for me?

  As I walk over to the tall woman who has her back to me, I notice she is impeccably dressed in a deep purple pantsuit.

  “May I help you?”

  When the woman turns around I’m stunned into place as I see Teo’s eyes. Teo’s chunky cheeks. Teo’s round face. The difference is it’s in a female form.

  “Are you Nova Long?”

  Her stern voice is thick with a Swedish accent. Her pale blue eyes glare at me. This is Teo’s mother.

  “Mrs. Elgin—”

  “Doctor. I’m Dr. Elgin to you and we need to talk.”

  Her eyes are cutting through me and I’m frozen in place. This is Teo’s mother. This is Klara’s grandmother. “Dr. Elgin, it’s nice to meet—”

  “Please don’t bore me with your boilerplate greeting. We need to have lunch and discuss my grandchild’s future.”

  “W-w-what do you mean?” My insides are shaking from the unknown.

  “I’ve had a long flight and am slightly jet lagged. Therefore, I’d like to sit down somewhere that has a decent wine list and discuss the future of Baby Elgin.”

  “Her name is Klara. Klara Elgin.” Calling her Baby Elgin makes our daughter sound like a science experiment.

  Dr. Elgin pales. “Her name is Klara.”

  I nod.

  She goes to say something else but is cut short by Teo, who’s stepping off the elevator near us.

  “Mother, what the hell are you doing here?” He stands next to me.

  “Did you receive my email?” She stands taller crossing her arms.

  “Just a moment ago. I’ve been practicing all morning.”

  “Then I don’t need to explain why I’m here,” she plainly states.

  “Well, I don’t know,” I speak up. I can take a guess, but let’s hope I’m wrong.

  Teo turns to me. “She’s here to try to take Klara back to Sweden to have her raised by nannies and tutors. But it’s not going to happen.”

  “You’re not taking Klara.” My fear quickly vanishes as anger fills me. No one is taking her.

  She holds up her hands, in a defensive stance. “If you know what’s best for her, you’ll do this.”

  “We know what’s best for our daughter. You can leave now, Mother.” Teo takes a step closer to her. “I’m sure you have to catch a flight back home. You were never fond of North America.”

  She narrows her eyes. “I’d like to meet my granddaughter and namesake.”

  “Namesake?” I stand next to Teo.

  “Nova never knew your name,” he says to his mother. He turns to me. “Her name is Clara. Just spelled differently.”

  “I’ve not seen nor really spoken to you in five years. Almost six.” Dr. Elgin continues staring at Teo. “May we at least have lunch?”

  Teo looks at me for the answer. This is his mother and Klara’s grandmother. She’s family. Of course she’s trying to take my daughter, but I can’t deny her meeting her.

  “Franceen.” I turn and see she and Janan have been watching the entire time. “Cancel my day and call Emma to let her know we’re coming home.” I face Dr. Elgin again. “I can make us lunch.”

  “You cook?” She frowns.

  Suddenly Teo begins frantically talking to her in Swedish and I don’t understand what either of them is saying. They’re both getting angrier and raising their voices.

  “Stop.” I hiss, grabbing Teo’s arm. “Stop.” I repeat softly but firmly. “Let’s not fight. Why don’t we all go to the steakhouse and have a nice time? I’ll run home and pick up Klara.”

  They glare each other down for, what seems like, an eternity. Finally, Teo turns to me and nods.

  “We’ll meet you there.” He kisses my cheek and then waits for Dr. Elgin to leave with him.

  This is going to be a long lunch.

  “OKAY, KLARA, WE’RE going in here to see Daddy and meet your grandmother. I figure you’ll have to call her Dr. Elgin as well.” I adjust my baby in my arms and walk into the restaurant.

  My eyes scan the room and easily find Teo with his mother. They both aren’t speaking and still seem to be pissed off. I take a deep breath, plaster a fake smile on my face, and stroll over to them.

  “Hi.” I greet them.

  Teo jumps to his feet and kisses me quickly. “Here let me have söt flicka.”

  I glance at Dr. Elgin and her face is pale, and she’s frozen in her seat. I watch her slowly stand never removing her eyes from Klara.

  “Mother, this is Klara. With a K.” Teo introduces them and turns slightly to show off our daughter.

  “Oh my.” Her shaky hands touch her lips. “She looks exactly like you, minus the nose.”

  “She has Nova’s button nose.” Teo jokingly tweaks Klara’s nose.

  “May I hold her?” Dr. Elgin reaches for her and Teo hands her over.

  “Here.” I hand her the small cloth. “She’s really teething this morning.”

  Dr. Elgin takes it and we all sit down. We order food and drinks as she remains focused on the baby. She begins to ask me about Klara’s medical history. I tell her everything including she’s been crawling for almost a month.

  “Crawling?” She seems to be in disbelief.

  “Yes, I know it’s really unheard of—”

  “Yes, it is, but Teo and Ellen both crawled early.” Dr. Elgin informs me.

  “Ellen?” I ask Teo.

  “My sister,” he answers.

  “She doesn’t know about Ellen?” Teo’s mother looks up from Klara.

  “I told you before when I left that day, I don’t have a family anymore.”

  Suddenly, I feel like a third wheel and I definitely don’t like it. Plus, I don’t want them to cause a scene. I do the same thing I used to try to do on Sharon.

  “Dr. Elgin, what type of medicine do you practice?” Changing the subject has to work.

  “I’m a cardiologist. Teo’s father, Sven, is a neurologist. Ellen is currently finishing her degree and wants to be a pulmonologist.”

  “Wow.” I feel inadequate.

  “What do you, Nova?”

  “Um…” I adjust in my seat not because it’s uncomfortable, but because I wish I had a better job title. “I’m Oliver Michaels’ executive assistant.”

  “You’re a secretary.” Dr. Elgin rolls her eyes. “Great. My son plays a silly ice hockey game and you type up emails.”

  “Enough.” Teo growls. “Nova is much more than someone who types up emails.” He takes my hand. “She’s Oliver’s right hand.”

  “Look all of it sounds like an honorable job, however, you have a baby now.”

  “We’re far from broke.” Teo raises his voice. “I made almost a million dollars last year and have plenty of money in the bank.”

  A surge of anger rushes through me. “Not to mention my house is paid for. I make excellent money and I’m the future owner of a fifteen billion dollar corporation.”

  Dr. Elgin’s mouth drop. “What?”

  “Nova’s the future owner of the Bears and a couple other sports team. Oliver is her godfather.” Teo expl
ains. “So we’ll be fine for money and raising Klara.”

  They stare each other down again as the waiter brings our food. I assumed Dr. Elgin would have handed Klara back to me, but she holds onto her. We eat our meal in comfortable silence.

  As the waiter takes our empty plates Dr. Elgin speaks up. “Teo, I don’t know nor understand why you hate me so? Or your sister?”

  Teo stares at her. It’s a hard glare and one he keeps when he’s on the ice. “Lunch was fine.” He stands and takes Klara from her arms. “Since Nova and I have no money, you can handle the check.” He walks away from the table.

  Dr. Elgin looks hurt as I grab my purse and diaper bag. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Elgin.” She doesn’t acknowledge me as she continues to watch Teo leave.

  I rush after him, but my heels won’t allow me to run too fast. When I finally catch up with them he’s standing beside my car. He’s pissed. I open the door and he straps Klara into the car seat. As he shuts the door he grabs my face and kisses me.

  “I love you. I’ll follow you back to the house.” He kisses me again quickly and then goes off to his car.

  TEO HASN’T SPOKEN since we arrived at the house. He’s been on the floor playing with Klara. I’ve been working and waiting for him to say something to me.

  He remains quiet.

  As I fiddle around the kitchen and try to decide what we’re having for dinner the doorbell rings. I walk toward the door and hear Teo ask, “What are you doing here?”

  “We all need to talk.” I see Dr. Elgin walking into the living room.

  “How did you find out where I lived?” I ask.

  “I used Google.” She smarts off then shakes her head. “I’m sorry. I’m just a little upset.”

  “What is it, Mother?” Teo puts Klara down in her playpen.

  “I told you we all need to talk.” She sits down in the chair.

  Teo and I take a place on the couch. I silently pray this doesn’t start a screaming match.

  “What do we need to speak about?” Teo sighs.

  “This little fit you have been having needs to end.” She crosses her legs and sits taller.