Power Play
Page 29
“You may as well take out a full-page ad in one of the local papers, Jax.” Troy pointed out. “You’re basically doing the same when telling Warrior anything meant to be confidential.”
“Fuck you, Talmadge,” Marty growled.
Jax glared at Marty. “You better pray nothing gets back to Alex or I’ll use your balls for hockey pucks.”
Marty nodded. “Duly noted, Old Man.”
Byron breathlessly rushed into the room. “Troy, Coach and I have been looking for you. We need to talk.”
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“Everything okay, Preacher?”
“Let’s step outside for a few minutes.”
Troy followed him out of the room. “What do you need to discuss that’s so urgent?”
“Alexandra’s at the emergency room.”
“What? Why?”
“Someone found her passed out near one of the parking lots’ grassy areas and called 911.”
“Oh God; I know she just got over the same stomach bug thing I had, but played a fantastic game tonight. Does anyone know what happened?”
Byron shook his head. “My only guess is she may have overworked herself. I can ride with you to the hospital if you like.”
“I’d appreciate the company, Preacher. My car’s out back.”
***
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“I don’t know why people made a big deal out of a simple fainting,” Alex complained when Troy arrived at the hospital. “I fell in the grassy part, so I’m not hurt but still tired from the game. All that’s left is waiting for blood work results and then I can get the hell out of here.”
“I’m taking you home with me tonight,” he insisted.
“That’s not necessary.”
“Al, you fainted. There has to be more going on than tiredness. What if this happens again while you’re home alone? You’re barely recovered from a concussion, so be grateful not to have any new injuries. You’re scratched from tomorrow night’s game unless staff gets a full medical report saying you’re otherwise all right to play.”
“I just came back tonight!”
“Coach and the others want to take precautions and further evaluate your condition.”
“I’m fine, Troy. All I need is a good night’s sleep.”
“Then you’ll have no problem getting confirmation from the doctor.”
Alex snorted. “This is bullshit.”
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“You’re in good hands. I’ll stay with you and Preacher’s in the waiting room.”
“Well that’s rude. Why didn’t you ask him to come back with you?”
“He insisted I talk to you alone.”
“Oh…okay. I think my blood vials were sent to Canada long as it’s taking for me to get the results.”
“Are you trying to be funny?”
“You’re laughing, aren’t you?”
A doctor appeared outside Alex’s room to discuss test results. Troy took this as his cue to exit. “I’ll be in the hall; peek around the doorway when you’re ready to leave.”
***
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Chapter 83
“Sorry to ring you so late at night, mate, but I wanted to know how Alex is doing,” Davy said. “Someone told me she passed out and went to hospital.”
“Al got released after a few tests. I brought her home with me and she’s now asleep,” Troy replied.
“Will she play tomorrow night?”
“I don’t know. She stood quiet on the way home as if something intense was on her mind. She and I can talk in the morning; perhaps then I’ll know more.”
“The poor lass went through hell these last couple months. Are you still taking her to Casino Night next week?”
“Yeah, why? Are you trying to hone in on my action?” Troy lightheartedly asked.
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“You know me better, mate. I managed to draw the interest of another lovely New York actress.”
“Oh yeah; Al mentioned once she fixed you up with one of her former roommates.”
“Jennifer and I are meeting again at the Rebels game in New York next week. I arranged to get her a seat near the glass.”
“About the hell time you got some female companionship,” Troy joked.
“You’re a fine one to talk. I have yet to see you with the same lass twice aside from Alex.”
“Don’t start, man. I’ve already been nagged to death by everyone from my mother to Boris and Glenn among few other guys.”
“Your mum’s probably like many others wanting you to marry and bring home some ankle biters.”
“That may happen when the timing’s right.”
“Hockey sticks don’t keep you warm at night, mate. Take it from a bloke who knows.”
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Troy rolled his eyes. “Goodnight, Davy. Al and I will catch up with you tomorrow.”
***
Alex remained quiet and in deep thought while trying to focus on the morning news on television, further convincing Troy she hid something from him.
He sat beside her on the sofa. “Want to talk?”
“Talk about what?”
“Whatever’s been on your mind since we left the hospital last night? You’re not usually quiet for long periods of time.”
“Oh, I’m still thinking about my options.”
He gave her a puzzled stare. “What do you mean by options? You’re not considering leaving the Rebels, are you?”
“No, Troy.” Alex blew out a long breath. “I may as well give you the details since what I’m about to say won’t be a secret much longer.”
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“Did something bad turn up in one of your test results?”
“That depends on whom you ask.”
“Now you’ve lost me.”
She bit her lip and looked at him. “I’m pregnant.”
“Oh my God, Al.”
“I still can’t believe it.”
“Did anyone say how far along you are?”
“Not really but I’ll guess at least eight weeks. I got an obstetrician referral and called for an appointment before you woke up.”
“You should tell staff before morning practice.”
“I know.”
“Since I presume Jax is the dad, you’ll also need to talk with him soon as possible.”
“I don’t want him feeling obligated to be part of the baby’s life, Troy. He may not want kids at his age.”
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“Jax is a smart guy, Al; I doubt it will take long for him to piece together everything once you start showing and will probably get mad because you said nothing sooner.”
“I suppose you have a point. I’ll pull him aside after practice.”
“I’m going to guess you’re keeping the baby.”
Alex nodded. “I don’t believe in abortion and can’t handle the idea of carrying a child for nine months only to give it up for adoption.”
“What about your career? You’ve worked hard to become a success with the Rebels.”
“If my father could work three jobs and raise me on his own, I should have little difficulty balancing a child and career. The only differences are this baby will be raised in one home – pending the possibilities of me someday being traded to another team or altogether released from my contract – and I’ll be able to afford outside help if needed.”
“I thought you wanted a husband in the picture.”
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“Sometimes things don’t work out the way we plan. That’s why it’s good to have alternatives.”
“You’re right.” Troy opened his arms. “Come here.”
She returned the hug without a word and made no effort to pull back when he kissed her hair.
“I’ll support any decisions you make and am willing to help when needed.”
“That means a lot to me. We’ve had our share of conflicts, but you never let me down when times got rough. Thank you.”
“I’ll always be here for you, shorty.”
“Troy?”
&n
bsp; “Yeah?”
“Would you mind if we stood like this a little longer?”
“Not in the least; take all the time you need.”
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She smiled. “You may be able to help me choose baby furniture to set up a nursery in my spare room.”
“You want to raise a kid in your apartment?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Yeah, it’s time to find an actual home. I know a couple neighborhoods great for raising families with houses in your price range. I’ll call a friend of mine in real estate and see what he recommends.”
Alex looked up at him with a wider smile. “You seem to know everyone in almost every type of business. I’d love to see what your friend has to offer.”
“Great, I’ll call Dennis after practice. Don’t worry; everything’s going to be okay. We’re in this for the long run.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “Whatever it takes, we’ll walk together.”
***
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Chapter 84
“I’ll presume that you’re done for rest of the season, Alexandra,” Jon Halloran said when she informed him, Coach Dean Barry, and General Manager Roy Bright of her pregnancy.
“Looks that way,” she agreed. “I doubt I’ll return in time for playoff games should we advance in the postseason.”
“Don’t worry about your place on the team,” Coach Barry replied. “The important things now are taking care of yourself and the baby. Hank Stover will be brought from Scranton while you’re gone. He’s done a great job for us in the past and may earn a permanent spot with the Rebels next season if Marty O’Freel and Reggie Hebert don’t renew their contracts.”
“Thank you, gentlemen; I was concerned about your reactions once you learned about my pregnancy.”
“You’re always welcome back once the doctors clear you, Miss Galloway,” Roy said. “We’ll have you placed on our inactive list effective immediately.”
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“I appreciate the offer.”
“All of us are parents so your concerns are understandable.”
“Have you told the father?” Jon asked.
“Not yet; I’ll talk with him later but not going to push any involvement if he’s uncomfortable.”
“Are you sure that’s a wise decision, Alexandra?”
“I don’t want anyone assuming I got pregnant to trap him which is why I want the final decision on whether or not being part of our child’s life to be his.”
“All right, but let us know if you need additional help with anything.”
Alex prepared to leave. “Thanks for everything. I’m going to watch the guys practice, head to my doctor’s appointment, and then talk to the baby’s father. I’ll keep in touch with everyone on my progress.”
***
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“Alex is out for rest of the year?” Davy asked. “I thought she was over her concussion.”
“Coach said there’s another medical issue that could put her at risk if she plays,” Pierre replied. “They’re bringing back Stover from Scranton.”
“Did the bosses mention anything specific wrong with her?”
“No, seems everything’s being kept hush-hush unless Alex says something.”
“Troy, did she tell you what’s happening?” Davy asked.
“We talked before practice, but I don’t feel comfortable betraying her confidence.”
“Bloody hell; the news is bad, isn’t it?”
Troy shook his head. “How about we talk later? You’re Al’s best friend; I’m sure she won’t be upset if I tell you.”
“Sure, we can chat over some ale. I hope she’s not dealing with anything serious.”
“Nah, Al’s all right. We both know she’s tough.”
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“No question about that, mate. Give me ten minutes to finish changing and I’ll meet you outside.”
***
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Chapter 85
Alex mentally rehearsed what to tell Jax as she drove from the obstetrician’s office. Her estimated due date was the following summer, making her at eight weeks along.
I made up my mind about the baby’s fate, so why am I still nervous?
She parked, walked to the front door of Jax’s residence, and rang its doorbell. Alex heard uncouth language in Czech as his heavy footfall drew closer.
His expression changed after opening the front door. “Alex! What do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
“I’m not here for a social call. We need to talk.”
“Sure, come in. You look distracted. Are you okay?”
“Jax, I’m cutting to the chase, but first want to let you know no obligations on your part will be expected as result of what I’m going to tell you.”
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“What do you mean by ‘obligations’?”
“Jax, I’m pregnant.”
She expected a reprimand for not using protection or accusations of trying to “capture” Jax while he silently pondered the news for what seemed an eternity.
Instead, he scooped Alex into his arms and kissed her.
His reaction stunned her. “Jax, I…”
“What's the matter, sweetheart? I thought you wanted kids.”
“Well yes, but this wasn’t exactly how I pictured becoming a mother.”
Jax retained his embrace and pressed his forehead against hers. “Marry me.”
“I already said you didn’t have to–”
He kissed her again. “Marry me.”
“My God, you are serious. We really don’t have much time and I can’t hide my condition forever.”
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“No problem; I know you’re Talmadge’s date for Casino Night, but the Rebels play the Vegas Fortune a few days afterward. We’ll have our marriage license and other things arranged beforehand.”
“All right, but how will we manage a wedding while in Las Vegas?”
“We can make everything official before or after the game, your choice. I’ll even let you pick the chapel.”
“I can’t believe you want to get married and start a family so late in life!”
“There are men older than I having kids, sweetheart. I’m looking forward to being a dad. When are you due?”
“Next summer.”
“So it’s safe to assume you’re done with hockey for rest of the year.”
“Yes. I should be back between next year’s preseason and home opener.”
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“Does anyone on the team know?”
“Only Troy, but I plan to tell Davy next time I see him.”
“We’ll probably get so much shit in the locker room once you start showing,” Jax said with a laugh. “How did Talmadge take the news?”
“I think the poor goober’s still in shock but offered his support. He knows you’re the father so you need not worry about any repercussions on his part.”
“I figured such. Want to go furniture shopping? Our kid’s going to need a crib and other things.”
“Sounds great, but Troy is contacting a real estate friend to find houses for sale. He’s not thrilled about the idea of me raising my – and your – child in an apartment setting.”
“Why? You’ll live here after the wedding.”
Alex chuckled. “I wasn’t expecting an impromptu marriage proposal when I came to see you.”