Page 48 of Fighting Chance
Until the room explodes with activity, my team throwing questions at me so fast I’m suddenly swept into chaos, standing in the eye of the storm.
“How do you have a kid?’
“Are you sure she’s yours?”
“What the fuck happened to wrapping up?”
“How old is she?”
“Who’s the mother?”
“Is she a puck bunny?”
“What’s her name?”
“Are you keeping her?”
“Who the fuck asked that last question?” At my bark of pure rage, the locker room falls silent.
Grayson shakes his head. “Boys, I suggest you handle this topic with sensitivity and fucking care. Don’t be heartless. Let the man speak and stop bombarding him.”
“Sorry, Cap,” everyone mutters in unison.
I try to brush the comment aside but I can’t. “Of course I’m fucking keeping her. She’s my family, and I’d be shocked if one of you ever turned your back on family. That’s not what we do at IceHawks.” Running a hand through my hair, I blow out a breath and explain…everything.
How I found out about Emmy, what I know of her mom, her upbringing, her mutism, and how I’ll need help, support, and love from those around me moving forward.
And once I’m done, I see that it’s gotten through to them, that they know how much I care for Emmy, that’s she’s mine in every sense of the word.
She is my daughter.
To my surprise, it’s Irving who’s the first to stand. “We’ve got your back, Ashford.”
Johnson nods, too. “All the way.”
“Whatever you need,” Valenti adds.
Ellington stands and walks over, pulling me in for a hug. “Congratulations, Ashford.”
Mitchel jumps up, pulling Lewis with him as he cheers, “Ashford is a fucking dad!”
“Let’s fucking go, Daddy Ashford!”
“I want to meet her.”
“When’s her birthday? Is it too soon to buy her a present?”
“Is she coming to a game?”
Over the flurry of questions, I spot Grayson behind the group of guys with a bright smile stretching his lips. He mouths,I told you.
Yes, yes he did.
Chapter 10
Layla
LAYLA
