Page 58 of Slap Shot Surprise
“I will,” Joe said defensively. “Of course I will.”
“From two states away?”
“I play for Chicago, Dad.” Joe’s tone was defensive. “That’s where I have to live.”
“And I’d prefer to stay in Cherry Tree Harbor,” I said quickly. “I don’t know anyone in Chicago, and Joe would be gone all the time. It doesn’t really make sense for me to move, since we’re not, you know,together.”
“But Joey, how often will you see the baby?” Coco leaned forward, her brow etched with concern.
“As much as I can, Mom.” He sat up taller. “I’m not going to be some deadbeat dad. I just have to focus on hockey right now.”
Nick’s face wore some displeasure. “Maybe you should have thought about that before you—never mind.” Closing his eyes briefly, he exhaled.
“This isn’t Joe’s fault,” I said. “I don’t want you to think he wasn’t careful, because he was. And while neither of us asked for this, I’m at a point in my life where I’d like to start a family. So this baby isn’t exactly unwanted. It was just unexpected.”
When Nick looked at me, his gaze had softened. “Mabel, I hope my son has been a gentleman.”
“He has,” I assured them. “Really, he has. He’s being very generous with his support. He even flew all the way up here to go to my ultrasound appointment this afternoon.”
“Did you really?” Coco clasped her hands at her chest. “Did you get a picture?”
“Yes, but we have something even better than that.” I nudged Joe with my leg. “Show them the video.”
He stood up and pulled his phone from his pocket as he walked around the back of the couch where his parents sat. Leaning forward, he played them the video, and I watched as their faces softened. Coco put a hand over her heart, her eyes tearing up. “Oh,” she said. “That sweet little thing. Listen to that heart just beating away. When are you due, Mabel?”
“April 23rd.”
“Playoff season,” said Joe to no one in particular.
“If you need anything, Mabel, you come to us,” Nick said gruffly, his eyes still on the screen.
“I will,” I said. “And both of you will be welcome to see the baby any time you want. Family is the most important thing in the world.”
“We feel the same,” Nick said.
Coco rose from the couch and held her arms out to me, and I stood up to embrace her. “It’s going to be okay,” she murmured, rubbing my back. “We’re here for you.”
I wanted to thank her, but my throat had grown painfully tight. Her hug felt so good, so maternal, so soothing. She smelled like fabric softener and something vaguely floral. I fought back tears, because I didn’t want them to think I was upset or scared.
“Can I ask for your mom’s email or number, Mabel? I’d love to send her a little note,” said Coco.
“My mom passed away when I was two,” I told her, “but I’d be happy to give you my dad’s email. He raised me. And he’s recently remarried to a lovely woman named Julia—I can give you both emails.”
Coco’s eyes were shining as she nodded. “That would be wonderful.” Then she swept me up into her arms once more, holding me even tighter. When she finally let me go, Nick was there with his arms open, and I let myself be scooped up against his warm, solid chest.
Releasing me, Nick kissed my cheek. “This is your home now too,” he said. “Come see us anytime. You’re family.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate that.”
I caught Joe’s eye, and he smiled at me, telegraphing a silent message.See? I told you it would be okay. They already love you.
My heartbeat quickened.
We stayed a little while longer—Coco and NickinsistedI eat a little something, so I said yes to some homemade cookies and herbal tea. I answered a lot of questions about my family, my job at the historical society, my travels over the course of my career, and my favorite kinds of foods. Coco took notes on everything, which made me laugh.
Finally, Joe said we’d better get going, so we said our goodbyes. His parents came out to the driveway and waved us off, Coco blowing kisses and Nick giving a wave, one arm wrapped around his wife. As Joe backed out, I watched Nick pull Coco close and kiss her forehead.
“Your parents are wonderful,” I said as we got on the road. “And they seem so happy together. How long have they been married?”
