by Pratt, Lulu
“Do you know when you’re going to tell him?” Tori asked, and my stomach knotted painfully.
“I think I want to in person. Over the phone is so… impersonal. His birthday is next week, and I could make it his gift. Do you think he’d like that?” I looked at her as she laughed out loud.
“I think he’s going to sense something within the hour of coming home. Have you talked to him much?” Tori asked, making me realize that I hadn’t. “That alone will get him wondering. You should probably talk to him before he comes back in three days. Not about the baby, but to calm him down. Ryder is crazy about you.”
“I will. I’ll plan something for when he comes back. How do girls tell guys about this? I never thought I’d be doing it,” I mused as everything started to settle inside.
“I’ve had friends who wrapped the test up.”
I shook my head. “That’s gross.”
“Not when you’re telling him he’s going to be a father. He’s more than familiar with all of your bodily fluids, and people have had to drink urine to survive.”
I paled as she smiled brightly at me, waving my hand. “I didn’t need to know that. I feel sick.”
“Okay, I’ll stop. That’s an option, or you could do a card or something. Tell him over dinner.” She was thinking fast, and I stared at her, knowing that Tori had my back. “I’m assuming you have dinner together when he’s back alone. I know I do with Justin.”
“Yeah. We always did before, and I think we would with me living here.” I looked around the space and wondered what it would be like raising a baby here. It was big enough and comfortable, but I’d like to have a house in a few months when the baby was getting around more. My old place was too small and cozy to even think about raising a baby there.
“What are you thinking about?” Tori asked me, and I pressed my lips together.
“The future.”
She laughed and hugged me, and we talked about the baby until I was finally hungry. I got ready to go out, and we had salads at our favorite cafe as Tori searched for what was safe for pregnant women. She asked if I would be going to a doctor and I told her yes, realizing I needed to call someone. I’d get recommendations from the other mothers I knew.
I felt better by that evening. My paintings were set up and ready, and I was less nauseated. I went back to the townhouse and stared at my phone as it rang, showing Ryder’s name.
“Hi,” I chirped as I leaned back on the couch.
“Elyse. There you are. Are you okay?” he asked as I smiled to myself. I wanted to tell him so much, but I knew it was better when he was with me.
“I am. I’ve been busy at the galleries and all. I’ve been watching you play. You look so good out there.” We talked about the games and his road trip, and I kept my own stuff vague, focusing on the art. Ryder told me he missed me after talking a while and that he couldn’t wait to see me. He had a lot of things that he wanted to do to me, and my body heated up at the idea of it.
Hello, hormones.
I ended the call and smiled as I stood to get a snack from the kitchen. I had a doctor to call in the morning that the wives raved about, and everything was going to be perfect. Ryder would be home in two days and, hopefully, be able to go to the appointment with me.
I dealt with a little bit of morning, afternoon, and evening sickness, but it was bearable. I’d researched prenatal nutrition and stocked up on good things for the moment I was hungry. I felt like I was being mature about this and even took care of some art issues with Tori’s assistance.
I decided to cook dinner for Ryder and made his favorite roast and vegetables, along with a salad. I had a beer for him but wouldn’t be enjoying wine as I usually would. I did have the chocolate cake that I was already craving, but that wasn’t unusual.
Dressed in a loose green shirt and a long black skirt, I made my way around the kitchen as I cooked, cleaning up as I sang along to the song playing through the speakers. Ryder was getting a ride home from one of the guys, so I didn’t need to pick him up, and waiting made me nervous.
I was wiping down the counters after cooking when I heard a key in the door, pausing with a nervous smile on my face. It was now.
Chapter 21
RYDER
I PUSHED OPEN THE front door, seeing the lights on in the kitchen as I dropped my suitcase. I still had the feeling that something was going on. I saw Elyse standing at the counter with a cloth in her hands, and she never looked more beautiful to me.
“Baby, love, it’s so good to see you.” I stepped forward and rounded the counter, taking in her body hungrily as she set the cloth down. Her outfit wasn’t tight, but I could see the curves that I loved and craved. I slipped my hands over her hips and leaned in for a kiss, pleased when she reacted to the contact. There was a spark between us that was undeniable. I tilted my head to deepen the kiss, and she gripped my shoulders tightly as our tongues danced together. I skimmed my hands over my body, feeling her tense as I cupped her breasts.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
Elyse responded by kissing me harder, and I slid one hand down over her ass and slowly teased her nipple with the other. She whimpered and moaned, making me need to be inside her. I lifted her to the counter and pushed her skirt up as she nipped at my lips. “Yes, Ryder.”
She felt drenched for me and I played with her for a moment as she rocked into me. Was it just me, or was she even more responsive? I stared into her face as her mouth hung open, sliding a finger inside as she dropped her head back. “More, more, more.”
“You’re so beautiful when you’re getting off with me,” I whispered before kissing her again. “What’s gotten into you tonight?”
“I always want you.”
I sucked her juices off my finger, and she pulled at my jeans, trying to free my cock. I dropped them to the floor as I glanced at the door to make sure it was locked. I moved between Elyse’s parted legs and thrust inside her, both us crying out with the feeling. “Oh, God. So close.” She rocked into me as I moved deeper and faster, needing her. I held her thighs and felt her tighten around me just before she came, crying my name. I looked down and finished inside her as she pleaded with me to.
“Are you sure about that?” I asked as she opened her lust-filled eyes to stare at me.
“I want you to do it again in our bed. I want you every way I can have you.” Elyse kissed me, and I returned her passion as I remained in her warmth. Something beeped, and she groaned as she pulled back. “That’s dinner. I’m so hungry. Can we eat before round two?”
I cleaned us up and watched as she pulled out the large roast from the oven. It smelled amazing, but more than that, she looked like an angel tonight. Her skin was soft and seemed to be glowing from the quickie we just shared.
“Beer?” Elyse asked. I nodded, and she grabbed one. She also pulled out a bottle of water, and I raised an eyebrow.
“No wine?”
“Not tonight. I’ve been feeling dehydrated lately, so I’m trying to be good.” Elyse carried the drinks to the table once everything was set up, and I smiled at her.
“You’re not sick, are you?” I asked, and her cheeks flushed pink. “You look stunning tonight.”
“Ryder, you’re embarrassing me.” She uncapped her water and took a sip as I stared at the woman that I was in love with.
“I love you. I love you more than anything in the world.” Our eyes locked, and she licked her lips slowly. They looked swollen from our kisses, and I wanted to taste her again.
“That’s good, Ryder. I have something to tell you.”
I frowned and sipped my beer as my heart started to race.
“It’s been a crazy week. I missed you so much.”
“What is it?” I demanded, and she giggled before staring at me.
She held my hand and searched my face for a moment. “I’m pregnant.” I froze as her words washed over me. Elyse looked nervous, and I scrubbed a hand through my messy hair.
“We’re having a b
aby?” I asked, and she nodded with tears in her eyes. “Oh, Elyse.” I stood and walked over to her, pulling her gently into my arms for a long hug. “I’m so fucking happy.”
“It’s not too soon?”
“In the minds of some, yes. I already know I love you and want you in my life forever, so not for me. Our baby is just the icing on the cake.” I pulled back and stared into her shimmering eyes, marveling at my life. “Have you been to a doctor?”
“I thought I was sick, so I only found out yesterday. I have an appointment in two days. Will you be able to go?” Her face crinkled, and I thought ahead quickly.
“I’ll find a way. We can work around practice, and even a game if the situation calls for it.” I stroked her face with one hand, smiling as I kissed her. “I am going to cherish you and this baby.”
Somehow we finished dinner after having to heat it up again. I wanted Elyse to eat well, and she showed me all the new stuff in the fridge. I asked her about nausea, and she told me that it was light now, and she could deal with it. It caused her to think it was the flu, and I laughed as she confessed that Tori made her take the tests.
We cleaned up quickly, and she dragged me by the hand to the bedroom, telling me all about her pregnancy hormones. I knew that I was going to like that part of this a lot and promised her many orgasms throughout the night.
We agreed not to tell anyone apart from who already knew until we knew more. I didn’t even know how far along she was yet, and I looked forward to the doctor’s visit. I held her hand tightly as we walked into the modern waiting room filled with magazines and TVs playing daytime shows. We checked in, and I sat with her in the corner of the room, realizing that people didn’t recognize me as much here. I was wearing a baseball cap since I did want to make every effort to keep this between us.
They called her name, and I walked with her towards the nurse, feeling my heart beat faster in my chest. They weighed Elyse, and she mumbled that she was already gaining weight before leading us to a room. The staff was friendly and forthcoming with what would be happening here, and I frowned at the idea of the ultrasound. It was supposed to be over her stomach, not invasive.
Elyse laughed and took my hand, giving me a long look. “Calm down, caveman.” We both stared at the screen as the doctor used the wand for the ultrasound, and a soft sound filled the room.
“Good heartbeat,” the woman said approvingly as she stilled at a small lump in the middle. “There’s your baby. It looks like you’re about six weeks along based on this and what you told me. Everything looks great so far.”
Elyse cried, and I held her hand tight as I glanced at her. “I’m going to be a mom. I hope I’m half as good as my mom was with me.”
“You’ll be amazing.”
We both listened as the process was completed and went over future appointments.
“Want some lunch?” Elyse asked as she gave me a mischievous smile.
“Anything for you.” I opened her car door, and we discussed where to go for a moment. It was apparent that she was going to have a few cravings that were very specific to the day. Today it was tacos at a tiny place that Tori introduced her to when they first met. Elyse ordered four, and I grinned as I led her to a table to wait for the food. It was crisp outside but not unbearable, and I looked around the sunlit streets.
We were having a baby. I’d seen my teammates do it a few times, as well as proposals and weddings. It wasn’t an easy life being in pro sports, but I’d make it work for my family. Elyse also had a lot of others in her family now through association, and the hockey wives would help her every step of the way. I grinned again and looked at her, playing back the details of the appointment. Elyse was sipping her lemonade and smiled at me. “Are you happy?”
“Baby, I’m so happy. Seeing and hearing the baby was incredible. I never realized how much that would affect me until now.”
She nodded, and a tear slid down her cheek.
“That’s a happy tear, right?” I asked.
“It is,” she smiled.
We heard our number called, and I went to get our tray of food, bringing it back with a few cups of hot sauce. We settled in to eat, and watching her face made me so happy. Elyse having an orgasm and eating food that she loved was on the same level. That got me thinking about giving her another orgasm, and I took a bigger bite of my taco.
“Do you want a boy or a girl?” I asked her as we headed back to our condo.
“I want healthy and happy. I haven’t had time to overthink beyond that yet. We won’t find out for several weeks, unless you don’t want to?” She looked at me as I stopped at a light, making me chuckle.
“I think it’s an interesting thought, but the girls will want to throw you a baby shower. It might be easier knowing what gender the baby is so the mass number of gifts works for you. I’ve seen them in action, and it’s impressive.”
Elyse covered her face with her hands and groaned as I parked the car. “I am not used to all of that. It’s bad enough that I am getting attention at work, but the rest might overwhelm me.”
“It will be fine. They are going to be thrilled.” I hopped out of my side and walked to open her door. “Let’s go inside, love.”
“Why?” Her eyes gleamed with mischief, and I shook my head as she followed me.
“You’ll see.” The moment I closed the door, she was kissing me, and I wrapped my arms around her. Elyse wanted me as much as I did her, and we made fast work of getting to the bedroom. I stripped her and made love to her, watching her fly over the edge as she came for me. I felt good inside that I was the one doing this and that she was carrying my baby.
“Do you want to stay here or get a house?” I asked as she rested on her side against the pillow.
“You would move?” Elyse’s eyes popped open, and I shrugged before taking a sip of water.
“Sure. This condo was just a place to hold me over when I came here. I always knew I would, particularly with the contract I signed last year. We could get a house with a yard.” I smiled, and she gave me a warm grin. “Are you going to tell your aunt?”
“About the baby?” She seemed to consider that. “She’s still upset about the two of us. I think there’s a cooling-off period needed there. I’ll wait until the first trimester is over, and we can talk about it then. I’m still wrapping my mind around all this,” Elyse sighed. “I would love for her to be involved. She’s all I have left of my mom. I also want my dad to be a part of the baby’s life. Perhaps this will draw him out of his shell a little?”
Elyse fell asleep, and I answered a text from Justin about meeting at the gym. I told him I’d be there in a few and dressed quickly, saving the shower for later. I left a note for Elyse and set it on my pillow, where I hoped she’d see it as soon as she woke up.
I walked from my car to see Justin leaning against the door. He was grinning at me, and I raised an eyebrow at him. “I’m guessing you already knew?”
“Tori couldn’t keep the secret to herself, but I said nothing to anyone. Congratulations!” Justin clapped me on the back as we walked in. “You seem happy.”
“It was a shock, but I am. I’m thinking a lot about the future now.” We walked into the large room, and I glanced around at the machines. I was in the mood for a good run and told Justin I was going to hit the treadmill. As I ran with music blaring in my ear, I thought about telling my mom about the baby. She was going to be thrilled.
I grabbed a small bite to eat with the guys after an intense workout and headed back to the condo. I opened the door and glanced around the living room. It seemed that Elyse was still sleeping. I set my keys down and walked down the hall towards the bedroom, peeking inside to see her sleeping peacefully. She looked beautiful, and I smiled at her before going back to the living room.
I checked out the schedule and made notes of when I’d be gone. I hated my travel schedule, but there were people to help. We could do this.
Chapter 22
ELYSE
I MA
NAGED MY DAYS with a lot of snacks and rests. I painted as much as I could and stocked the galleries, making regular visits to make sure everything was running smoothly. I had Tori and Ryder breathing down my neck to make sure I felt okay, and it was exhausting. We told the team a couple of weeks before everyone else, and the wives stepped up to the plate to help.
It was nice having support. I missed my mom so much in my quiet moments, and even cried some nights. I wanted to tell Diana more than anything, but our last conversation had gone badly. She was angry that I was with Ryder after the night of my showing and worried endlessly about me. That was something she’d been doing since my mom passed away, and while I appreciated it, I felt stifled. I wanted to live my own life now.
I came home early one day and started to make dinner for Ryder. He only had practice today, and I thought we could relax before he left next week for another road trip. I had an appointment when he was gone, but Tori was going to go with me and offered to stay at the condo with me while he was away.
I didn’t want to think about that as I baked chicken and made mashed potatoes. I also had a salad ready to go and bought cupcakes for dessert. I was craving them all the time right now. I knew I needed to curb that, but tonight I was indulging in a chocolate treat. I got Ryder his favorite lemon one and knew he’d work it off in five minutes.
I looked up to see my sweaty man walk through the door, smiling immediately. “Hi, baby.”
“Love, it smells amazing in here.”
“I wanted to make dinner for us. It was a good day, and I needed some alone time with you.” He dropped his gym bag and walked over to me, kissing me gently.
“You feel okay?” he asked between kisses as I slid my arms around his waist.
“I managed to visit two galleries and stop for dessert.” I gazed into his eyes and kissed him again. I was coming up on twelve weeks now, and the nausea was slowly going away. Everything had been great, and I felt good about the baby.