“Yeah, it was a really tough morning.”
When Jett looks down at Wyla like she’s the reason he breathes, I know that’s how I want this to go for us.
No matter what it takes.
Mia’s hand reaches for mine on her shoulder, and when she looks at me, I want to tell myself that she’s thinking the same thing, but then about ten other “what-ifs” run through my head.
I want to counter all the negatives with a positive one, but the thoughts are all so damn loud—shit, I need to sit down.
“Um, why don’t we move to the couches?” Tugging softly for Mia to follow more for my stability than anything else.
“So, Mia, I imagine Adam filled you in on how Jett and I got started,” Wyla says as she sits down.
“A little. I have to admit, I have a lot more questions about that story, but we can talk about that another time.”
“It’s my favorite story to tell,” Jett chimes in.
I get it. It really is a great story, but I need Mia to be the focus. I called them hoping Wyla might be able to give Mia any sort of comfort as she navigates this.
“Mine too. However, you can tell it later.” Wyla angles herself toward Mia. “How are you feeling? I know it’s a lot to process.”
“I’m okay. It feels a bit like I’m riding a roller coaster.”
Wyla snorts. “Yeah, somewhat excited for the ride, but also anxious, terrified, and nauseous all at the same time.”
It’d be a fair assumption that Jett and I have officially faded away from their minds, even though we can’t take our eyes off them. In hindsight, we should probably just leave them to it, but Mia’s hand blindly reaches over to hold on to my leg.
I let the tiniest bit of joy show on my face as I take her hand. Alright, I’ll be her sturdy rock on this couch.
“Wyla, this might be a very rude question, but I’m just going to ask it anyway.” Mia takes a deep breath. “What made you so sure you could do this?”
“I had no idea.” Wyla doesn’t bat an eye or even hint at any offense taken. “I cried a lot in the beginning. I know you swore no more tears, but take it easy on yourself. This isn’t small news. Threw up a ton, and while an argument could be made for morning sickness—I think there was a part of it that was just pure fear. But I knew deep in my gut that there was no way I couldn’t have the baby. Everyone has a right to their decision and that was mine.
“Now, I was very lucky, despite having no way to find Jett—I have a very supportive family. My sisters and their husbands helped a ton. It’s rightfully daunting and scary to think about the aspects of motherhood, but having a village definitely helps.”
“I can’t decide how my parents are going to take this, and being an only child will either help or hurt on that front. They have always wanted grandchildren, but…” Mia trails off. Hurt and fear are written all over her face.
Pain radiates through my chest, and I want so badly to be encouraging, but Wyla speaks up again. “I was terrified to tell my parents, too. So much so that I made my sisters tell them with me. My dad wasn’t exactly the biggest fan of Jett either once we reconnected, but eventually none of that mattered because it wasn’t about being disappointed in me or time lost, it was about our daughter. I can assure you Callie’s going to be over themoon. Her and Will both, for that matter, and something tells me the team as a whole as well.”
“Speaking of—Adam, what time do you have to be at the stadium today?” Jett leans up around Wyla, looking at the both of us. “Wy and I have no plans for today, so anything you need, we’re here.”
I hate the reality that there’s no way I can blow off this game. I hate the crushed look on Mia’s face that immediately morphs into a realization.
She clears her throat. “When do you leave for your next set of away games?”
“I have to be there at one this afternoon. We leave for Dallas in three days.” Here we are, the start of me failing. How can Mia count on me to be here for her during this, when I can’t even spend the day after we get life-altering news with her?
Wyla gives us both a soft smile. “This is just a part of it. Y’all will figure out a schedule and rhythm. I promise. I know this is scary. It’s easy for me to sit here and say it all worked out, but it did. It took a long time and a lot of sacrifices, but I’d do it all over again.”
Mia’s lips fold into a thin line. When her shoulders slump a bit, my chest physically aches. If she could do our relationship all over, would she change it?
Chapter 18
Mia
I talk Wyla’s ear off for half an hour. I ask her every question I can think of, ask for every tip, app, book, whatever can help me. Right before they left, she thankfully offered me her phone number. I was definitely going to ask for it, but her volunteering it made me feel better about the interrogation I put her through.
It’s odd that dating Adam has brought more women into my life. Women who seem to genuinely care about me as much as they do Adam. I haven’t felt a single bit of jealousy or intimidation…it’s nice. I haven’t ever had girlfriends before, and if that doesn’t go right on the pro list of this entire situation.
