Saving the Game

by Karen Frances

  Jess and Fran are too engrossed and don’t notice that I’m playing with my food and struggling to focus on the game. The niggling feeling I’ve had on and off all day is getting stronger and more uncomfortable than it was before. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, hoping it helps.

  “Brilliant.”

  “Oh. My. God. We’re one-nil up. Lee?” I open my eyes to see Jess staring at me with a look of concern. “Lee, what’s wrong?” she asks, moving her plate from her lap and sitting before me.

  “I’m not sure. I have really bad cramp. Well, that’s what it feels like.”

  Fran’s face lights up at my news. “Lee, honey, I think you could be in the early stages of labour.”

  Jess squeals.

  No, not yet. I want Logan with me. Please wait until Daddy finishes his game.

  “Don’t get too excited,” I tell Jess. “This could take hours. Days even.”

  “She’s right,” Fran agrees. “Do you want anything for the pain?”

  “No. It’s okay just now.”

  “Shit!” Jess turns and stares at the TV screen. Fletcher has scored again just on the stroke of half time. I drown out the noise from the screen and try to concentrate on myself and the pains that seem to be getting closer together. It really feels like something pressing hard on my stomach for a few moments before releasing again and giving me a little relief. This is how it’s been most of the day. The only difference is now the pain is more noticeable.

  I stand, looking for some comfort. Sitting isn’t helping me. Fran is on her phone, quickly typing out a message.

  “Fran, if that’s Peter, don’t you dare tell him. Logan has another half to play.”

  “Lee, we have to let him know.”

  Jess nods her head, agreeing with Fran. This is impossible; they’re ganging up on me.

  “Fine! Tell Peter that Logan has to call me the minute the game is finished and not a minute before. I don’t want to be held responsible for the team losing.”

  “You are unbelievable.”

  “Maybe, but they only have forty-five minutes to play.”

  I ask Fran to turn the TV up louder so I can hear it as I pace around the room. I might not be able to concentrate on the game but the noise level is serving as a distraction from the pain, that again seems to have increased. Fran is helping me with my breathing and Jess is holding my arms as we walk around my living room.

  Fran’s phone beeps and she checks it. “It’s Peter. He’s asking if you’re okay and says to let him know straight away if things change. He says he’ll sub Logan as soon as we say so.”

  “No. He stays on that pitch until the final whistle. Argh!” I cry out as the pain intensifies and I struggle for air.

  “Lee, honey, I need you to focus and breathe. Deep breaths.” I focus on her words and, after a few moments, the pain has dulled and I feel almost normal. “Jess, can you start timing how far apart these contractions are?”

  With Fran’s words, this now seems real. The baby might actually make an appearance soon. No sooner has that thought entered my head than I have another contraction, although this one is different from the rest. This is much more intense and has moved into my lower back. Fran and Jess encourage me to breathe through it.

  Jess has timed my contractions and they’re coming every five minutes and lasting for what seems like forever. “It’s time to call the hospital and tell them you’re coming in, and call Logan.” It’s Jess who says the words.

  I glance at the time on the TV screen. They only have a few minutes left to play but the score is two-one. We missed the opposition scoring. If they score a second it will go into extra time.

  As though sensing what I’m thinking, Jess and Fran stare at the screen. I’m sure we’re all mentally counting down until the full time whistle. The opposition have the ball and are racing up the pitch toward goal. Toward my man.

  I watch on, hoping and praying. The player lifts his head, looks at goal, and takes a shot. Logan dives for the low curling ball and makes what I’m sure is the biggest save of his career. Fran and Jess cheer but I can’t because I feel the start of yet another contraction. “Okay, enough. I’ve texted Peter and told him to get Logan to the hospital, because that’s where we’re going before you end up having the baby here.”

  She might be onto something. The contractions are coming closer together.

  “It’s time to push, Lee,” the midwife tells me.

  “No, not without Logan. He has to be here,” I cry out, tears falling down my face. I’m exhausted. Each contraction feels like my insides are twisting inside out. My back feels like it’s being torn in two different directions. I want this over, but only when Logan is here.

  “Lee, I need you to take a deep breath. Baby is fine at the moment but trying to hold off is going to put extra stress on you both.”

  I nod as the door bursts open and in comes Logan, fresh from his game, still wearing his football kit. God, I love him.

  “Baby, are you okay?” The words rush from his mouth as he kisses my forehead and takes my hand.

  “I am now. I’m ready.”

  The midwife gives me instructions as to what I have to do when my next contraction comes. My hand is sweaty in Logan’s as I grip tighter. I take a deep breath and focus as the pain comes quickly and I push until the contraction ends.

  “Lee, you’re doing fab,” the midwife says, with her hand resting on my stomach. I dig my fingers into Logan’s hand as I push. “Lee, I need you to focus. I see your baby’s head.” She gives me more instructions and I follow them, pushing and panting.

  Exhaustion has taken over and I’m not sure I can do this anymore. Tears are rolling down my face and all I want to do is sleep.

  “One more push.”

  With Logan’s arm around me, I push.

  Fear.

  Crying.

  Tears.

  “It’s a girl. You have a beautiful baby girl.” The midwife places her on my stomach and I cry, this time happy tears. I glance at Logan. He has tears running down his face. I squeeze his hand and he turns and kisses my lips softly.

  “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. You’re on the first night shift when we go home.”

  “Fine with me,” he replies, with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen.

  The midwife wraps up our precious daughter and hands her to me. I stare lovingly at the bundle in my arms. We have a girl. She’s perfection. I’m overwhelmed with emotions. From the pain of moments ago to now. Seeing her tiny body cradled in my arms, it’s amazing.

  I lift my head and look at Logan. The smile on his face says a million things that words can’t. The midwife speaks and I know I need to hand our daughter to Logan.

  Logan takes her carefully and I watch on. All his fears are forgotten in this precious moment. All the pain and suffering of his past is finally put to rest. He can’t change it, but now I feel he can finally let go and live his life the way he should.

  We have some time on our own. I know our friends and family are desperate to meet our girl, but we need a few minutes, just the three of us. Logan handed her back to me as soon as the midwife was finished tending to me. I can’t stop gazing at the beautiful little bundle of joy we created.

  Logan sits beside me on the bed, his arm around my shoulder and his other hand resting underneath the arm I have our daughter in.

  It’s strange. I have no doubts whatsoever about the depth of my feelings for Logan but I can’t put into words what I feel for this tiny baby girl in my arms. It’s just incredible how much love I feel for her.

  “We need a name,” he says, pulling my attention to him.

  “Yes, we do. I think we should both say the first girl’s name that comes to mind.” He nods with a smile. “One, two, three.”

  “Chloe!” we say together.

  “Well, it’s settled,” he says, kissing my cheek.

  “Yes. Chloe Walker.”

  “Lee, you have no idea what you both
mean to me.”

  “I have an idea.”

  “I love you and thank you. You and Chloe are all I need in my life.”

  “I love you too.”

  Logan

  THE LOOK ON my daughter’s face pulls at my heartstrings. I swear she does this on purpose. Her mother’s stunning blue eyes stare back at me; the only difference is hers are filled with tears. Why today? She just won’t settle for me.

  “Oh, Chloe. What is wrong with you?” I cradle her in my arms. At six weeks old, she has taken over my life completely. I never imagined I would have so much love for this tiny girl. She’s an amazing, beautiful girl. She looks so much like Lee.

  And my love for Lee grows deeper with each passing day. Who would’ve known there was so much love inside me? But there’s more than enough for the special girls in my life. That’s why I have to do today what I should’ve done before now.

  Chloe finally settles in my arms but I can’t hold her all day; I have too much to do. Today is Lee’s birthday and, with the help of Jess and Fletcher, we’re throwing her a party at their house. I should be on my way over there by now, but Fletcher is running late. Jess has taken Lee out shopping and to lunch. Lee was reluctant to go, but we all insisted. She was worried about leaving Chloe for the first time, but I told her I would cope.

  Yip, I’m coping. As long as I don’t put Chloe down, she doesn’t cry. This is ridiculous. Surely Lee doesn’t have her in her arms all day? Maybe she does. I would love nothing more than to sit down and relax with her but there’s so much to do. I place her down gently in her crib and send a text to Fletch.

  Please just come in when you get here. No ringing doorbells or knocking on doors I’ve just got Chloe settled.

  I pack a bag or two with all Chloe’s things. For a small baby, she sure needs a lot; several changes of clothes, nappies, bottles . . . The list is endless. I have Lee’s final present tucked into my back pocket. I pat it every now and then, making sure it’s still there. I don’t want to risk forgetting to take it. I gave her presents this morning when she woke up; couldn’t leave her with nothing all day.

  This one is extra special and I hope she likes it.

  I hear footsteps coming up the long hall. The cavalry has arrived. Fletcher can help with all this stuff I have to take for Chloe.

  “You’re here. Good. I have three bags in the living room.”

  “Good to see you too.”

  “Don’t. Not today.”

  “What is wrong with you?”

  “I’m nervous.”

  “Don’t be. She loves you, even when you drive her mad. Now, what else is coming with us?”

  “I need to put Chloe in the car seat and then we can put the crib in the car.”

  “You would think she was staying at ours forever with the amount of stuff you have for her. Lee might not even agree to her spending the night at ours.”

  “I know, and I’m fine with that. Chloe staying with you was Jess’s idea, not mine. I’m more than happy to have my two girls at home with me. There’s nothing better than the ten minutes I get in the morning with them in my arms. You need to try it.”

  “Not for a while for us. We’ve not discussed kids other than the fact we want them. This is the one subject I won’t push Jess on. She has to mentally be ready for that. And anyway, we have the wedding to look forward to first.”

  He’s right, of course. Jess is one of the strongest people I know and I’m pleased to call her a friend. She hasn’t just been there for Lee these last few months, but she’s been there for me when things were getting on top of me. She’s been the voice of reason. I think she’s the only one who truly understands how I feel at times. We’ve both lost, but we’ve come to terms with our pasts. Fletcher has an incredible woman in his life. I hope he always remembers how lucky he is. If he forgets and fucks up he’ll have to answer to me, but I don’t think he will. He loves Jess with all his heart.

  Chloe, as if on cue, wakes up when I put her in the car seat.

  “May is already at my house with Elaine, cooking. I’m sure she’ll be more than happy to spend some time with her granddaughter.”

  Yeah, I know she will. I carry my crying daughter out to the car. It’s time to go and get organised for what I hope will be a birthday Lee will remember forever.

  May and Elaine have done a great job of getting organised for this. Everyone has started to arrive; some close family and friends, some of the lads from the team and, of course, Peter and Fran. Fletch is in the kitchen with his nephew, Josh, in his arms. His sister, Louise, is looking on happily as he tries to settle him. I swear there must be something in the air today with all these crying babies.

  “No getting broody,” I say as I step closer.

  “It’s a bit late for that. My brother has been broody since the first day he held Josh in his arms,” Louise states. She’s right, he has been.

  Fletcher’s phone buzzes. He shows me the message. Jess and Lee are almost here. May and Elaine ensure everyone has drinks before gathering everyone in the main living room. I have Chloe in my arms and, as I could predict, she just won’t settle with me for long.

  The front door opens and silence descends, except for my beautiful daughter. Her heels click through the hallway; I can’t wait to see her. I’ve missed her today.

  “Surprise,” everyone shouts out as Lee and Jess come into the room. With a soft gasp, Lee comes to a halt before me, eyes wide as she scans the room. I lean forward and kiss her softly on her slightly parted lips. “Happy birthday.”

  “You! I should’ve known you were up to something, but thank you. Oh, baby girl, what’s wrong?” Lee takes Chloe from my arms and, instantly, she stops crying. I can’t help the smile that breaks on my face as I watch the two of them together. Lee is a natural mum; nothing is ever too much trouble for her. She definitely spoils our girl, and why not?

  “Go and see all your guests. They’re here to see you.”

  With Chloe in her arms, she does just that and I stand and admire her as she does. I watch as she spends a few minutes with everyone here, including the lads from the team.

  “Well, when are you . . .”

  I don’t let Fletch finish. “Soon, because if I don’t, I might not. I’m too fucking nervous.”

  He looks across the room, “Well, no time like the present.”

  Lee is standing with just Jess and Fran. I know Jess will jump straight in and take Chloe from her arms. I stare across the room, my heart pounding in my chest.

  Fletcher lifts a fork and hits it off his glass, grabbing everyone’s attention. “There’s a reason everyone is gathered here tonight. To wish Lee a very happy birthday.” With a deep breath, I block out Fletcher’s voice and walk across the room, double checking my back pocket. As I expected, Jess takes Chloe and Lee looks on, confused, her dazzling blue eyes darting between me and Jess.

  Silence fills the room. Oh, crap. Now this is real. I hadn’t thought about the small fact that all eyes would be on me.

  I stop in front of Lee, and Jess and Fran step to the side. As our eyes meet, I feel our connection, our pull. Our spark. A new and unexpected warmth floods through me. I offer her a smile but I’m sure she sees my nerves.

  Without saying a word, I drop to one knee and look up. She’s barely able to control her gasp of surprise.

  “Lee, you said once before you were ‘saving my game,’ but you saved more than my game. You’ve saved me from the darkness I was living in. I love you more than life itself. This you know. You alone have brought my heart back to life. You’ve believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. You’ve been patient and understanding when I’m sure it would’ve been so much easier for you to walk away. You’ve given us a beautiful daughter who we treasure and adore.” Tears roll slowly down her cheeks. “Lee MacKay, you are my family. You are my future. I’ll beg if I have to.” I smirk, trying to ease my nerves for the next words to leave my mouth. I take the box from my pocket and open it. She gasps. “Please do me th
e honour of being my wife. Marry me?”

  “Yes,” she says through her tear-filled eyes. Cheering fills the room. I slide the ring on her finger and feel my shoulders relax for the first time since she arrived. I finally stand and take her in my arms. “You, Logan Walker, are full of surprises.” Standing on her tiptoes, she presses her lips to mine. Our kiss is soft and gentle, as it should be in a moment like this.

  “A toast,” Fletcher calls out. We pull back at the same time, smiling. I spin her around and wrap my arms around her, holding her body close to me. She rests her head against me. “To Lee and Logan. May you make it down the aisle before we hear the patter of more tiny feet.” Lee laughs and raises a glass that has been handed to her. “To the happy couple. May your lives be filled with love and laughter.”

  Lee tilts her head and kisses me. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, soon-to-be Mrs Walker. Lee Walker. It does have a nice ring to it.”

  “It does. I love everyone here, but I have this sudden urge to show you just how much you mean to me.” Chloe cries and Lee takes her from Jess. “Trust our baby. It would seem she doesn’t want me to show Daddy what he means to me.”

  “We have all the time in the world for that. There’s no rush.” I hold them close to me, kissing them both on the forehead. “My life is complete.”

  The End xx

  THE CAPTURED SERIES

  Family Ties

  He’s Captured my Heart

  He’s Captured my Trust

  He’s Captured my Soul

  She’s Captured my Love

  Captured by Our Addiction

  A BEAUTIFUL GAME SERIES

  Playing the Field

  Playing the Game

  Playing to Win

  Saving the Game

  STANDALONE

  Moving On

  KAREN FRANCES IS the author of nine romance novels and two novellas.