Page 26 of The Decoy

She takes another slow, steady breath.

Her eyes open to the blue drink, and for a second she just looks at it, like she's afraid to touch it. Then her hands go to it, turning it over — like she’s looking for some kind of assurance that it isn’t a trick.

"Vaughn," she whispers, and then she's crying, both hands holding onto the bottle.

I pull her into my side, my mouth against the top of her head. "A little baller," I say, and I can hear my own voice breaking around the words. "We've got ourselves a little dude."

Her fingers lose their grip, and the drink slips out of her hand, landing on her lap. The control she was trying to maintain collapses into a thousand pieces, and heavy tears fall down her cheeks, but she’s smiling.

“Hey,” I say softly.

I don’t hesitate. I reach under her arms, sliding my hands around her waist, and effortlessly lift her from the chair and straight onto my lap.

She doesn’t pull away. She just throws her arms around me, burying her face in the crook of my neck, her fingers clutching my shirt. I wrap my arms around her, my left hand resting on the back of her head, holding her body flush against my chest while she lets out sobs of pure happiness and relief.

Having her like this, holding her against me, feels completely right. Her soft sobs turn into long exhales against my collarbone. My shirt now wet from her tears.

I rest my chin on the top of her head, inhaling the scent of vanilla and clean skin, letting her take all the time she needs to catch her breath.

“It’s a boy. I mean, is it weird to say I kind of had a feeling?” she says, looking up at me.

“I don’t know much about this stuff, but I believe it. I think a mother’s intuition is like superhuman,” I say into her hair, wrapping my arms tighter around her and rocking her back and forth. “I also know he’s gonna be a tough one. Just like his mama.”

She lets out a wet laugh, her cheeks flushed pink, and she looks raw and stunning like this.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, dabbing at her cheeks with her sleeve as a smile breaks through. “I got your shirt all wet. I don’t usually break down like this in the middle of the day. I feel completely unprepared for this flood of emotions.”

“Hey, don’t apologize,” I chuckle, my thumb gently brushing a stray tear from her cheek, my hand then cupping her face a little longer than necessary. “This is a big deal. You’re allowed to let yourself feel the big things however you need to.”

She leans back, resting her head against my shoulder.

“You know, I always thought I’d have a family,” she says, her voice relaxed. “Growing up, I assumed that someday I’d build my own life with marriage, buying a house with a big yard, having a couple of kids…I just never imagined it happening like this. Unmarried, carrying a baby boy in my belly while trying to negotiate contracts. It feels so… out of order or something.”

I smile and let my hand run down her back until I’m holding her secure against me again.

“You’re going to be an amazing mom, Ellis,” I tell her smoothly. “And you’re not alone.”

She lifts her head, her eyes searching my face. “No, I know. And Brody, you’ve been so good to me.” She pauses, curiosity sparking in her gaze. “What about you? Do you want kids?”

“Oh yeah, definitely,” I admit without hesitation, grinning. “A whole team of kids.”

Ellis raises a brow, amusement lighting her face. “A team, huh? That’ll be a busy house.”

“That’s my hope.” I nod, chuckling at her reaction. “I grew up with just my mom and sister. And I always thought it would have been fun to have more siblings. Or even a bunch of cousins. So I think I’ve just had it in my mind that once I was in the league, I’d set up a place for my family when I was ready for it.”

I pause for a second, then continue running my hand up and down her back.

“Why do you think I bought a big ol’ house in Jersey?” I ask playfully. “It has five bedrooms, a huge backyard, a pool, and a game room. It’s not the bachelor pad that’s talked about online.”

Ellis tilts her head, watching me with a smile. “So you bought it for…?”

“I bought it for my future,” I say simply. “I want the yard big enough for kids and dogs. I want the stone fireplace big enough to hang stockings on at Christmas. I like being prepared, I guess.”

My eyes dip down to her stomach for a brief second, taking in the subtle swell beneath her shirt before returning to her face with my most charming smile.

“I’m not trying to throw a sales pitch at you, Princess,” I say, sliding my hand from her back to her jawline. “I’m just saying…I’m ready when it happens. And this little guy of yours, he’s going to be the best thing that’s ever happened to you. You’ll be ready for him when he comes. And I’ll be there to support you like I have been. As long as you want me there.”

She swallows hard, her hand coming up to rest against my chest, right over my heart. A breathtaking smile lights up her face.