Cross Checked (Shots on Goal #2)

by Kristen Hope Mazzola

  Martha jumped to her feet. “Holy fuck! I am going to be an aunt!”

  “Is this real life?” Myla asked as she started battling tears running down her face.

  Martha hugged Karla as I got up to hug Myla. “It sure is real life. I’m going to be a dad.”

  My little sister sobbed happy tears in my arms, as Gavin patted me on the back. “Congrats, brother. That is awesome news.”

  “I was so scared you guys were going to think we were crazy,” Karla muttered into her napkin as she blew her nose.

  I took my seat next to her, leaning over to kiss her temple. “We are fucking crazy.” I laughed.

  Myla chugged down some of her wine. “I couldn’t imagine any other way for you to be though.”

  Myla was right. There was nothing normal about Karla or I and our relationship reflected it.

  “So what do you want it to be, a boy or a girl?” Kari asked before taking a bite of pasta.

  Karla’s face lit up. “Funny enough, we both hope it’s a girl.”

  Myla’s head cocked to the side. “Really?”

  I shot my sister a glance. “Why would I want a boy? Another dick in the family? I’m already enough to handle.”

  “That’s for damn sure.” Myla pointed at me. “You better wait on this woman hand and foot.”

  Karla put her hand on my shoulder. “He already is.”

  “How long have you known?” Martha asked.

  I bowed my head. I didn’t want to admit that I had kept this secret from Myla. “A few weeks.”

  Karla jumped to my rescue. “I made Brayden wait until we were out of the first trimester to say anything. He wanted to call Myla right when I showed him the damn pee stick.”

  “So does this mean you’re moving out?” Myla looked at me with a sadness slowly taking over.

  I shook my head. “We’ve been talking about Karla moving into our house. It’s better than her throwing money away on rent.”

  Gavin turned to Myla. “It’s not like you’re going to be living in that house much longer anyway.”

  My heart stopped. “What?” If looks could kill, Gavin’s head would have exploded on the spot.

  Myla’s eyes got wide. “Gavin asked me to move in with him the morning after my birthday and I told him I would think about it.” She glared over at her boyfriend as he tensed up his shoulders.

  “It was just a thought.” Gavin sheepishly backpedaled.

  “Well, where ever you two live, just know I am going to be over all of the time, playing with your little bundle of joy.” Martha for the save for sure.

  Kari chimed in. “I really couldn’t be happier for both of you. You two are going to make terrific parents.”

  Once the awkwardness of the whole living situation dissipated, the evening went on smoothly.

  We talked about baby names and how to decorate the nursery and before we knew it, we were saying our goodbyes.

  Myla’s slender arms wrapped around me as she held on for dear life. “I am so proud of you, big brother.” Her words were muffled as she spoke them into my chest.

  “For what?” I asked, resting my head on the top of her head.

  “For growing up so much in the last couple of years.” She sniffled a little, squeezing me even tighter before letting go.

  “Congratulations again, man. It’s nice to see our little family growing.” Gavin held his hand out to me. We shook hands and I didn’t know if I wanted to punch him or hug him. We had come such a long way, but sometimes I still couldn’t stand him. Knowing that he wanted my baby sister to live with him was a little much for me to deal with, but I knew that I needed to stay out of it for Myla’s sake.

  “Thanks.” It was short and simple and the best way to handle myself. Maybe Myla was right – maybe I was growing up.

  Chapter 17

  Karla

  “This is going to be so fun.” I was practically skipping into the bakery with Brayden’s hand firmly gripped in mine.

  “I’m definitely ready to try some cakes.” He held the door for me as a sweet woman greeted us from behind the counter.

  “How may I help you two today?” She waved us in.

  “We have a noon appointment to try cakes for our gender reveal party that is coming up.” I started to rub my belly, thinking about the little girl that was snuggled up in there.

  “Congratulations!” She elated as she walked out from behind the counter. “Please take a seat over here. What are you having?”

  Brayden smiled wide with pride while he helped me into my chair. “A little girl.” It was so amazing seeing how excited he was about the news.

  “That is so wonderful!” The kind woman started handing up a few binders to look at. “Here are the different styles you can choose from and in the back, is a list of cake flavors. You can pick as many as you want to try and just let me know whenever you’re ready.”

  After taking a little while to decide and look around, we were trying the most amazing cake that I had ever had in my life.

  “I don’t know if this shit tastes better because I am pregnant or what, but I think I have died and gone to cake heaven.” I mumbled, while shoving another spoon full of lemon raspberry swirl into my mouth.

  “Slow down there, tiger. It’s a marathon not a sprint.” Brayden winked at me from across the table. “I think this double chocolate is my favorite.”

  I turned my nose up at him. “No. How boring is that!”

  “Boring, huh?” He shot me a devilish grin as he scooped another bite’s worth of chocolate cake onto his spoon. Instead of bringing it to his mouth, he turned the spoon around and flicked the cake right at me.

  I gasped, wiping the cake off my cheek where it had hit me. “What the hell.”

  Brayden was in a fit of hysterics as I grabbed a handful of run raisin and flung it at him. “Two can play at that game,” I yelled, loading up more ammunition onto my spoon.

  I was about to let the cake fly when the sweet lady came back to check on us. “Do you two need a few more…” She trailed off, a look of shock and disgust plastered on her wrinkled face. “What in the world?”

  “Sorry. We were having a disagreement over chocolate or a more interesting flavor.” I bowed my head, trying to stifle my fit of giggles.

  “Did you make a decision?” She was trying her best to keep her composure.

  Brayden handed me a napkin the clean up my face. “I think we’re going with the lemon raspberry.”

  Brayden filled out the paperwork and gave her the deposit, while I cleaned up the mess we had made during our mini food fight.

  Brayden

  I had never known that gender reveals were even a thing, until Karla told me that we had to have one. As long as she was smiling, I honestly would have done anything she asked me to do.

  We had everyone over to our house. Our house. I was still getting used to idea of Karla living with us, even though it had been a couple of weeks already.

  Crosby held his beer up to me from across the room as he made his way over to the corner I was posted up in. “Karla is glowing.”

  “Thanks, man. Where’s the wife?”

  Crosby sighed. “Off in Florida with her parents. Things have been rough for a while.”

  I put my hand on his shoulder. “What happened?” I could tell that he needed to get the weight off his chest.

  “I found a paternity test hidden in her desk drawer. Watson isn’t mine.”

  I couldn’t fucking believe it. “What the hell?”

  Crosby’s shoulder slouched. “I’m just glad I found out sooner than later. She can rot in hell for all I care. The divorce papers are already drafted.”

  I clanked my beer bottle to his. “Good luck. Let us know if you need anything.”

  “I appreciate it. But enough of the boohoo shit. I am dying to know what you guys are having.”

  I shook my head at my goalie. “You’re just going to have to wait until we cut the cake.”

  I walked over to Karla, w
ho was sitting on the couch talking to Myla. “Is it time?” I was on pins and needles, couldn’t wait to tell everyone.

  Myla hopped up. “I’ll gather everyone into the dining room.”

  Once everyone was in place, with their blue or pink hats on, Karla and I brought the cake in. The bakery had done an amazing job making it. There were blue and pink question marks all over it.

  “So, who wants it to be a boy?” Karla asked, wearing head to toe pink. A bunch of people cheered.

  “Who wants it to be a girl?” I yelled, not ashamed that I was also decked out in pink. More people cheered with me and Karla cut into the cake. She put the piece on a plate and held it up.

  Everyone started cheering as I grabbed Karla, pulling her in for a kiss.

  Myla was jumping and clapping. “This is the best! I am going to spoil her rotten.”

  Chapter 18

  Brayden

  Months Later

  The months had passed by so quickly and I couldn’t believe how much had changed. Myla and Gavin were married already. Karla was showing more and more every day. The New York Otters were Stanley Cup champions. My life was finally as perfect as I’d always hoped it would be.

  Rolling over, I kissed Karla’s soft cheek while she still slept. “Baby, wake up.”

  She squirmed in my arms a little, groaning, “No. Five more minutes.”

  I pulled her into my arms and started to rub her belly. “You said that twenty minutes ago. At this rate, I don’t know if we can even call this a nap, it’s more like you’re going to sleep the rest of this day away.”

  She protested again, throwing the covers up over our heads. “I’m so sleepy!”

  I started rapid firing kisses all over her face and stomach. “Wake up. We have that stupid dinner tonight,” I reminded her.

  “Fine.” She groaned, grabbing me. “Then you have to wake me up in a happy way.”

  A devilish grin spread on her face as she started to pull at the waistband of my sweatpants.

  Starting to kiss her neck, I slid my hand down, pulling her panties to the side. Slowly I start to rub her clit as soft moans start to escape Karla. I had heard horror stories from tons of guys about how weird sex with their pregnant wives or girlfriends was, and I had to say that they were all fucking crazy. I loved everything about Karla’s body, pregnant or not and if she wanted me, I was going to please her in any way I could.

  Her back arched a little as she freed my cock, rolling her thumb gently over the head. The soft sensation sent chills down my spine.

  “Get on your side, baby.” I breathed into her ear.

  I pulled at her clothes as she got into a comfortable position and watched her gorgeous naked body for a second, stoking my dick to get it ready for her.

  Getting behind her, I let the head of my dick rub her slick opening for a few seconds.

  “Brayden, you’re not going to break me. Fuck me!” She cried as her knees started to shake in anticipation.

  “As you wish.” I laughed a little, before thrusting into her tight opening.

  My hands gripped her hips as I bit softly down onto her shoulder. I could feel her pussy tightening around my shaft as her climax started to build right away, her cunt dripping with desire. Right as we were about to hit our climaxes, the baby shifted and I could see her foot practically sticking out of her stomach.

  “What the fuck?” I yelled, pulling out of Karla.

  She tried to look over her shoulder at me, asking, “What’s wrong?”

  All I could do was point down to her belly. “Foot.” I choked out, still freaked, losing my hard instantly.

  She threw her hands in the air. “There’s a small human inside me. What the fuck do you expect to happen?”

  “I don’t know. Not to see a foot. What if she was pissed about us doing it and she was protesting. I can’t.” I started to shake my head and pulled my sweatpants back on. “I am so sorry, baby. Just not right now. We can try again later.”

  Frustration washed over her face as she got up from bed. “Fucking incredible.”

  I tried to follow as she started to make her way into the bathroom. “Karla, I’m sorry. I just was shocked.”

  She threw her hand up, stopping me from entering the small space with her. “I am going to take a bath, alone. It’s fine. Seriously.” Her eyes started to water up a bit.

  “Babe, you’re not fine.” I put my hand on her cheek.

  “I really am, I just need a minute. Hormones.” She rolled her eyes. “I get it, Bray. Really.”

  I left her alone for a little while and before I knew it we were getting ready for an evening that I was not looking forward to in the slightest.

  “I just don’t know why we have to go tonight.” I started to button up one of my nicest dress shirts while Karla threw garment after freaking garment out of our closet as she huffed and puffed. We were still in the process of getting all her things situated and she was making the mess that much worse.

  “I am too fucking fat for all of my clothes, Bray!” I started to laugh until I saw her turn around. She was nearly sobbing as she clutched her favorite little black dress.

  “Babe, you’re not fat. You’re pregnant. There’s a huge difference. And we can just skip the dinner if you’re feeling self-conscious.”

  She sent daggers at me for trying to weasel my way out of this dinner for the thousandth time in the past hour. “You’re going because this means a lot to your sister and it is your brother-in-law’s birthday. We already agreed to go so we are fucking going whether you like it or not, Mr. Cox.”

  I hated when she called me that and she freaking knew it. She shot me an innocent smile, grabbing yet another dress from the back of the closet.

  “Why don’t we just go buy you a new dress? It’s better than you stressing out about this.”

  Karla sank down onto our bed, tears actually streaming down her face. “But that means I really am too fat for my clothes.”

  There was no reasoning with a hormonal pregnant woman; not a snowball’s chance in hell was I going to win in this one. “I just want you to feel as beautiful as I know you are.”

  Finally, she smiled. Cheesy line for the win.

  “Fine, let me grab my coat. We can hit the mall on our way to the Hayes’ place.”

  After going to five stores and trying on nearly a hundred different outfits, Karla was finally satisfied with a deep plum floor-length dress. The saleswoman at Macy’s was amazingly patient with Karla and even helped her pick out a sparkly belt that matched and would dress up her new look a bit. I usually hated every minute of shopping, but this time I was just happy to see Karla ecstatic and being pampered.

  I stood in the entryway of the Hayes’ family mansion for a few seconds before ringing the doorbell.

  Myla opened the door, grabbing Karla’s hand and dragging us inside. “Thank you so much for coming tonight.” She took our coats and walked us into the living room where everyone was sitting. It was the strangest feeling being in my coach’s home, about to have dinner at his dining room table with forced small talk and awkward lulls in the conversation.

  “My brother and his girlfriend are here,” Myla announced as we entered the large room.

  Mrs. Hayes sashayed over to us, introducing herself to Karla and giving me a quick hug. “Such a pleasure to have you in our home. You know Myla and Gavin of course.” She was talking to Karla more than me, but I was perfectly fine with that. I was planning on doing as little of the talking for the evening as possible. “My husband, Gideon, and our younger son, Griffin.” Both men raised their glasses of whiskey in the air before Griffin got to his feet.

  “Can I get either of you something to drink?” he asked, putting a couple of ice cubes in his glass.

  “Water please,” Karla answered.

  I responded with the simple, “Whatever you’re having will work.”

  “Coming right up.” Griffin handed us our drinks and we all shuffled into the dining room.

  The
beginning of the meal was slow and filled with light conversation. The most thrilling part of it was when Mrs. Hayes asked how long Karla and I had been married.

  “Oh, no ma’am, we’re not married,” Karla answered frankly.

  Her eyes got wide as she pursed her lips. “I’m sorry for my assumption. When are you due?”

  Karla rubbed her belly. “It’s getting close. She’ll be here before we know it.”

  Myla chimed in. “I keep trying to get them to tell me the name of my niece, but they want to keep it a big secret.” Myla shot me a devilish grin as Mr. Hayes cleared his throat.

  “So, Myla.” Coach leaned over the table to get a better look at my sister. “When are you and Gavin going to start a family?”

  “Gideon, leave them alone. They need some time to be married for a bit. Let them enjoy being a couple.” Mrs. Hayes tried to stop the conversation before it escalated, but it fell on deaf ears.

  With a dead serious face, Gavin glared at our coach. “Dad, My can't get pregnant if she keeps swallowing.”

  I spit whiskey all over my plate as my cheeks burned. Even though that was funny as all hell, the idea of my baby sister sucking off the captain of my team grossed me out to no end—and to top off the awkward moment, it had to be in front of my coach and his family.

  Griffin cleared his throat loudly. “This roast beef is fantastic, mom. You really outdid yourself.”

  Myla’s face was twisting into a horrified grin as she shoved away from the table. “I’m going to get another beverage; can I get anyone anything?”

  “Well, my dad is fishing for grandkids—wanna pop one out really quick?” Gavin snickered.

  “Gavin, what the fuck has gotten into you?” Myla barked.

  I leaned over to Karla, whispering, “Now do you see why I didn’t want to come?”

  She grabbed my hand, squeezing it gently. “I will listen to you next time.”

  Gavin started to go after my sister, but I threw my napkin onto my plate and raised my hand in the air. “I’ll go. You might make this worse.”

  Gavin took his seat. “Karla, you should go with him,” Gavin advised, and Karla quickly got up from her seat as well.