“This guy doesn’t shut up about you.” Gavin smiled. “It’s nice to finally get to put a face to the name.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet all the guys that take up so much of my guy’s time,” I teased.
Chapter 14
Chase
Showing Nikki off to my teammates and their families was so much fun, and I was enjoying watching her smile and interact with everyone. With how busy her schedule at the ballet was, she never really got the chance to hang out with people that weren’t dancers.
“Well, I guess we should call it a night.” I hugged Nikki to my side as she started to yawn. “Thanks for everything.” I shook Gavin’s hand and then Myla’s.
Myla pull me in for a hug. “Come back any time. You and Nikki are always welcome in our home.”
We made our rounds, saying goodbye to everyone. Lastly, we got to Brayden.
“See you in the barn tomorrow, rookie.” Brayden slapped me on the shoulder before hugging Nikki. “Have a good night, you two.”
Nikki smiled up at him. “Thank you. It was nice to meet you finally, Chase raves about you quite a bit.”
Brayden shot me a quick smirk. “I have to say, we’re lucky to have your guy on the team. We needed someone like him.”
Hearing my idol drunkenly rave about me being an asset to the team was one of the most incredible moments of my life. Even if it was the booze talking, I didn’t care. Brayden Cox thought I was important and a good player—I was on fucking cloud nine.
Nikki was quiet and fidgety during the entire cab ride back to our apartment.
“Everything okay, darlin’?” I finally asked, helping her out of the car.
She eyes snapped to mine. “Yes, of course. Why?”
I shrugged. “You just seem a little mellow. Did you have a good time?”
She pulled me closer to her side. “The best,” she answered.
“Good.” We made our way up the flights of stairs. “Maybe we need to find a building with an elevator.” I was trying for any type of small talk, and Nikki wasn’t biting.
What is up? Most of the time, I had the darnedest time trying to get a word in edgewise while she chattered away.
Sinking down into the couch, I patted the cushion next to me. “One episode of The Blacklist before we call it a night?”
Nikki shoved her hands into her dress pockets. “Sure, but one thing first. Stay here.” She scurried off into the bedroom then hurried back with a wrapped package hiding behind her back. “I got you a little something while you were gone.”
She handed me the gift, which was wrapped in simple red paper. “Babe, you didn’t have to get me anything.”
She plopped down next to me. “You’ll see why. Just open it.”
I could feel her excitement as I tore at the wrapping. I opened it to find a copy of my favorite book with the gold seal of it being the 75th anniversary edition. “Wow. Nikki, this is incredible.”
“Open it up.” She bounced in her seat.
There was a handwritten note on the first page.
Chase, I love you.
XOXO, Nicolette
P.S. And then there were three…
I stared at her note, trying to put the pieces together. Slowly it all came together, and I froze. After a moment, I cleared my throat as a huge knot formed. “You’re…? We’re…?” is all I could stutter out as I pulled her into my arms and my eyes stung with welling tears.
“Please tell me those are happy tears,” she whispered as she kissed my neck.
I nodded. “We’re going to be parents.”
I was in sheer shock and awe. I wasn’t nervous or scared; rather, an overwhelming wave of excitement consumed me. I started rapidly kissing Nikki’s cheeks and neck.
“I am so thrilled you’re excited. I was so nervous,” she confessed.
“How could I not be over the damn moon? We’re going to have a baby!”
Nikki pulled away from me. “We need to tell my mom.”
“Let’s do it right now.” I was way too excited to not share the news with everyone.
“I don’t know.” Her eyes started darting around the room. “I haven’t even told her I moved in yet.”
I pulled Nikki tighter into my arms. “There’s no time like the present, and the sooner we tell her, the easier it will be. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid.”
“If you say so.” Nikki grabbed her phone and started to FaceTime her mother. “Here goes nothing,” she whispered as the phone connected.
Her mother’s beaming face lit up the screen. “Nikki! I am so glad you called!” She waved. “Hi Chase.”
I waved back. “Evenin’, Miss Jennings.”
Nikki started to cry instantly. “Damn hormones,” she muttered while wiping off her face. “Mom, I have some news.” She paused, glancing over at me. “Well, we have news.”
Miss Jennings’ eyes grew three sizes as her face washed with worry. “Oh? What are you crazy kids up to?”
“We moved in together,” I blurted out. The anticipation of the bigger news was weighing on me, and I needed to say something.
Nikki’s mom’s face softened. “Oh, lord, thank heavens. I was worried you were going to say something else.”
“Wait, Mom, there is more.” Nikki fought the tears and forced a smile. “We’re pregnant.”
Miss Jennings face twisted into the most joyous grin I had ever seen. “Well, Chase, I guess it’s time for you to start calling me Barb,” she joked, and Nikki sniffled.
“Mom, you’re not mad?”
“How could I be mad, Nik? You are going to be the most wonderful mother and I cannot wait to be a grammy.” By this point, all three of us were crying. “Chase, have you told your folks yet?”
I shook my head. “No ma’am. You’re the first one we’ve told.”
“Well, don’t I feel special. You better get your little butt to the docs and have them check on my little grandbaby in your tummy. And Chase, you better make her take her vitamins and start taking it easy.”
“I promise.” I muttered, wiping my wet cheeks.
“I think Chase is going to be breathing down my neck to make sure I am doing everything right to grow a healthy little bun in my oven.”
We ended the call and Nikki started to cry harder.
“What’s wrong, babe? That went so well.” My thumbs started to fight the tears rolling down her cheeks.
“I’m just so happy.” She was hysterical, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“You’re too cute when you’re hormonal and sentimental.”
“Chase?” She looked up at me with watery doe eyes.
“Yes, my love?”
She scooted closer to me. “I think I want to teach dance instead of staying with the New York City Ballet. I think it will be better for taking care of our baby since you will be going out of town for games and at practice so much. I just think it is for the best.”
“You’ve thought a lot about this haven’t you?”
“Yeah, and there are a few studios hiring that are pretty close to here.”
I tucked her into my side. “If you think that is for the best, then I support you. I also think we can make it work if you want to stay where you are.”
Chapter 15
Nikki
Walking into Serena’s office for the second time was more nerve-racking than the first. I had already told Lisa and Jules about the baby and my choice to leave the ballet, but it was time to bite the bullet and tell the big boss.
“Nicolette, what a lovely surprise.” Serena waved me in. “Please, sit down.”
I took a deep breath before taking my seat. “How have you been, Miss Serena?”
“Wonderful, my dear, but you’re not missing your morning warmups to ask an old lady how she is doing. Why don’t you tell me why you’re really in my office?” Her kind smile widened.
Here goes nothing.
“I have decided to resign from the ballet.” I spit it out as fast as I could. I knew
that with every second I waited, I was closer and closer to backing out, but I had made my decision.
“May I ask why?” Her lips pursed as disappointment settled into her features.
I sighed. “I’m pregnant.”
“Congratulations, sweetie! That is such exciting news. But, you don’t have to stop dancing to be a mother.” Her joyous tone and kind eyes instantly made me feel a hundred times better.
I threw my hands in the air. “No, I know that. I am going to start teaching. I have an interview all set up for this afternoon, actually. I will not be giving up on dancing, just changing my career path.”
“They are lucky to have you, Nikki, and you will surely be missed here. You are one talented young lady. I am sad to see you go.” She pulled a tissue out of the box on her desk, dabbing at the corners of her eyes before continuing, “Children are the most precious gift in this world. I commend you for putting your family first and still following your dreams, even if that dream has shifted a little.”
“Thank you.” I was in a little bit of shock at Miss Serena’s response, but the warmth and caring behind her words filled me with incredible joy.
“You better bring your little one by when he or she is here. We’re still your family, don’t forget that. And if you ever want to consider teaching here once you have a little experience, I think we might be able to work something out.”
We both got up from our seats, embracing for a few seconds. “I really appreciate that and will probably be taking you up on it sooner rather than later.”
“I look forward to the day. Now, go on before I get too emotional and try to convince you to stay.” She flashed me a toothy smile, and then I was on my way to start another new adventure.
“How’d your interview go?” Chase asked on the other end of the line.
“I think it went really well.” After I left Serena’s office, I went to Little Prancers, the highest rated dance school on the Upper East Side, to apply for a teaching position I had seen on Monster that morning.
“I am sure you killed it, babe.”
“Are you home?” I asked as I ascended the subway steps just a half block from our apartment.
“No,” he said sharply. “You need to get in a cab and hand the driver your phone so I can give him directions actually.”
“What?” I was so confused.
“Nik, just do it. You’ll understand soon enough.” His tone was sharp.
I hailed the next cab that came by and got in. “Sir, my boyfriend is going to give you the address for where you are to take me.”
I handed the older cabbie my phone and a moment later, he muttered, “You got it kid. We are on our way,” in a thick Boston accent before passing it back to me.
“Where are we going?” I asked the cabbie, taking my phone back.
“Hon, you are going to have to just wait and see.” He pulled away from the curb and interwove through the traffic.
Before I knew it, we were pulling up to the drive of the Cloisters where Chase and I went on the first day we met. The changing leaves made the castle-like building look even more magical.
Chase was waiting for me only steps away, holding red roses, and he rushed over to the cab to open my door for me. “Hello, beautiful,” he said before kissing my cheek.
“What did you do?” I asked, taking the flowers from him.
After he thanked the cabbie and paid for my fare, he pulled me into his side. “Can’t a guy be a little romantic from time to time?”
“I supposed so,” I purred, smelling the fragrant flowers.
He walked me to the bench where we’d sat the first time we were there together.
“Nicolette,” he whispered, taking my hand in his. “You’re perfect.”
I rested my hand on his shoulder. “So are you, Chase. I love you so much.”
He cleared his throat. “I love you too, and our little nugget.” He put his hand on my belly before leaning down. “Daddy, loves you, and I am so glad you’re here to witness this.”
Chase shifted off the bench onto one knee in front of me. “Nikki, I know this might be cheesy and cliché, but your first kiss was in this spot and it is only fitting that it be the place where our lives change again. I will love you until the second I take my last breath. I promise to be the best man and father I can be.”
Tears were streaming down my face as I stared down at the love of my life kneeling before me.
“Nicolette Jennings, will you marry me?” He pulled a ring box out of his pocket and opened it to reveal a simple solitaire princess cut diamond glistening atop a white gold band.
“Of course!” I yelled, throwing my arms tightly around his neck.
Chase jumped to his feet with me in his arms, twirling us in a circle. “You have made me the happiest man alive, Nik.”
I kissed his neck. “That feeling is mutual, Chase.”
Epilogue
Nikki
“Way to keep that glove up!” I yelled from the stands as I watched number eighty-six defend his goal perfectly. My little man was all smiles through his face cage as he dropped the puck he’d saved onto the ice and skated it around to the back of the net to hand if off to one of his teammates.
“Your son is a natural,” one of the dads called over to me.
“Thanks!” I yelled down at him, not even looking at who it was. The voice was really familiar, but I was too engrossed in the game.
The man got up and sat next to me. “He probably gets a lot of his grace and speed from you.”
I looked over to see the beard-covered face of my husband, who I wasn’t expecting to see for another day. I jumped into his arms. “What the hell?”
“I rented a car and drove down right after the game.” He crushed his lips to mine as the buzzer to signal the end of the first period blared.
“Connor is going to be so excited to see you here.” I waved to our son, pointing to his father.
Throwing his mask up and his gloves onto the ice, he skated to the boards. “Dad!” he yelled.
Chase and I trotted down the steps to get closer to our boy.
“Hey son. Crosby would be proud.” Chase high-fived Connor. “I know I am.”
“Did you beat the Lightning?” Connor had been pretty upset that his game overlapped with his father’s and we weren’t able to watch most of it.
“What do you think, kid?” Chase beamed down at him.
“Yes!” He jumped a little.
“Harding!” his coach yelled after blowing her whistle.
“Better get back over there. Remember, you’re the most important dude on that ice. You have to stay sharp, and always listen to your coach.” Chase patted Connor’s shoulder pad.
“Thanks for making it, Dad.”
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, son.”
Chase laced his fingers in mine, leading me to an empty bench. “We have some kid there, don’t we?”
“And he won’t be the only one for long.” I couldn’t keep my secret for one more second.
Chase grabbed my shoulders, eyes wide. “What? Really?”
The first time I got pregnant was so easy because we hadn’t been trying, but for the last couple of years, we had tried and tried with no success.
I nodded. “Finally.”
Chase kissed my cheek. “This is the best news I could have ever come home to.”
I pulled the sonogram out of my purse. “I was going to frame it for you, but since you surprised me, I didn’t have time.”
Chase took the picture from me and stared at it for a second. “Wait a second…”
I pointed to the picture twice. “Yup, there are two.”
“Twins?” Chase’s face got red. “I am so beyond stoked.”
“I love you, Chase, and I love our growing family.”
Chase tucked me into his side. “Nikki Harding, thank you for being the most amazing wife and mother. I love you so much.”
The End.
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Don’t miss out…
on all the other stories available in the Sex, Vows & Babies Kindle World!
All releasing March 14th, 2017!
All I Want by Elle Christensen
Cherry Picked by Kristen Hope Mazzola
Claim Me, Baby by Heather Stone
Do Not Disturb by Layla Frost
Mixed Into Love by Rochelle Paige
No Regrets by HJ Bellus
One More Night by Sarah O’Rourke
Save Me by Tia Louise
Surviving Harley by K Webster
Wedding with a Baby Bump by Heather Hiestand
They’re all crossover stories with characters from the Sex & Vows and/or Yeah, Baby series by Fiona Davenport.
Want more hockey hunks?
Cherry Picked is part of Kristen Hope Mazzola’s Shots On Goal Standalone Series. Don’t miss out on the other ice melting stories in this series!
Hat Trick
One accident - a freaking car crash.
That’s all it took to send my brother’s and my life into a tailspin with no end in sight. I was going to be something. I was going to be the best. I had the Olympics in my sights. And it all went to shit in one flash. Brayden wasn’t ready to raise a younger sister when I was thrown into his lap. He had his life and everything going for him. Thankfully, he was still drafted to his dream hockey team. The same one dad played for when we were growing up.
Sex, Vows & Babies: Cherry Picked (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Shots On Goal Book 3) Page 6