Page 34 of Slap Shot Surprise
“You are?”
“Yes.” I placed both hands over my stomach. “I’ve considered all my options. I’ve spoken with my therapist. I’ve meditated and prayed and asked the universe for direction. I’ve thought long and hard about my life—past, present, and future. And I’ve made my decision.”
“Mabel, this is so much.”
“I know.” I looked over at the airplane-and-cloud mobile hanging above the crib. “But I’ve always wanted kids. I want a family. This isn’t exactly how I planned to start one, but it’s the way it worked out. I’ll be a single mom, at least for a while, just like my dad was a single dad. And Austin was a single dad.”
My oldest brother had fourteen-year-old twins—my niece Adelaide and nephew Owen—who were the result of a California vacation fling. Since their motherhadn’t been ready for children, Austin had offered to raise them on his own back in Cherry Tree Harbor. For a while, the three of them lived with my dad and me in the house where we’d all grown up.
Later, I’d been his summer nanny while I was home from college. But then, of course, there was the summer I’d been invited to work on a prestigious dig back east and Veronica had taken over my position...and they were now living happily ever after.
“You do have a great example in your dad and your brother,” Ari said.
“I’ve been thinking about them both so much. About how my brother stepped up, even though he was only twenty-five and not ready to be a father, let alone a single dad. About whatourdad taught us about love and family and showing up for one another, even when the worst possible things happen.”
“Your family has been through a lot. It’s made you all stronger. And so close.”
“We didn’t often say ‘I love you’ out loud. But I grew up knowing I was loved.” I placed a hand on my belly. “I knew it just as surely as I know I’m supposed to love this baby with all my heart.”
“Oh God, Mabel.” Ari sniffled as she rose to her feet. “You can’t do this to me. My postpartum emotions can’t handle it.” After placing Truman in the crib, she dropped onto the floor with me and lay back at my side. Took my other hand and clasped it in hers. “But I love your decision.”
“You do?” Turning one cheek to the rug, I looked at her. “You don’t think I’m crazy?”
“Not at all. And I’m here for you. We willallbe here for you. This baby could not have chosen a better mom or a more wonderful, loving family.”
I swallowed against the lump in my throat. “Thanks. I’m dreading telling my brothers.”
“Take your time,” she said. “My lips are sealed for now.”
“Thanks. I’ll do it soon, I just—” I swallowed again, but that lump refused to dissipate. “I need to tell Joe first.”
“Do you know how to get in touch with him?”
“Nope.”
“I could have Dash ask Gianni.”
I shook my head vehemently. “No way. I don’t want them speculating about why I need to get ahold of him. I’ll figure out a way.”
“Okay.” She squeezed my hand. “Are you scared?”
“Yes,” I said honestly. “I don’t think he’ll be a jerk about it, but honestly, I don’t know him all that well. In fact, I barely know anything about him! Not his middle name or what college he went to or what he majored in or even what number he is on his hockey team.”Just what he looks like naked and sounds like in the dark.
“Yeah, well, you guys didn’t have a whole lot of time together. But from what I’ve heard about his family, I don’t think he’ll be a jerk. He’ll probably want to do the right thing.”
“I don’t want that, either,” I said, sitting up. “I don’t want him to feel like he’ll be forced to take care of me or something. I don’t want to be anyone’s obligation.”
Ari sat up too. “But he’ll want to take care of the baby, if he’s a good guy.”
“Maybe, but the one thing Idoknow about him is that his career is his priority. I don’t plan to stand in his way. This pregnancy will not hold him back.”
“Having a baby isn’t easy,” Ari said gently. “You’re going to need support.”
“I’ve got it,” I insisted. “I have my family.”
“You do have your family.” She covered my hand with hers. “I’m just saying, if he offers to help you, don’t be stubborn. Heisthe dad.”
“I know.” Softening, I rested my head onto her shoulder. “I think I’m just preparing myself for whatever the reaction might be. I’m putting up walls so I don’t get hurt.”
