A chuckle sounds from beside me and I look over to find Paul at my side. “It suddenly all makes sense.”
Shit. I was hoping to keep him in the dark a little longer.“What’s that?”
“What’s been up Ford’s ass lately. You should have warned me there was something going on between you and the young Miss Ford. Now I do hope this isn’t just a way to pass the time because—”
“It’s not!” I cut him off with a bark, anger seeping through my veins at the thought that he would think such a thing. “I love her, she’s carrying my child, and I intend to marry her someday.”
“Ah, and I’m to presume that the black eye you were sporting not too long ago, was his way of congratulating you on the news.”
“Your assumptions would be correct.” I nod briskly.
He sighs deeply. “Look, Jefferson, I like you, okay? You’re one of the good ones. But you do understand that if this doesn’t get fixed soon, we’ll have issues on our hands.”
“I’m fixing it. You have nothing to worry about,” I say, and I pray to God that’s the case.
“I hope you’re right.” He pats me on the shoulder and offers me a tight smile.
By the end of first period, no one has scored. Which, in my opinion, is still a good thing. It means my guys are pushing just as hard as they’re getting. And despite being on backup defensemen, they’re doing their job well.
Except that when we reach the end of second period, we’re down three-to-zero and one of my players is playing horribly.
Ford isn’t focused on the game. I keep catching him looking up in the stands, and I know exactly who he’s looking at. He’s been tripping over his own foot, missing the puck entirely when a pass is made his way, and his shot is completely off, making it easy for our opponents to steal the puck every time.
He’s making mistakes he shouldn’t be doing at his NHL level.
I had already changed the lineup after first period, and if anything, it made his play worse. So I change the line back to how it was originally, placing Hayes, Burkley, and Ford back together as my starting line, and then I do something I never thought I’d have to do.
But if it gets him in the zone, then so be it.
I place my hand on his shoulder, and he immediately tries to jerk me off, but I grip his jersey and lean in.I don’t need everyone hearing what I say.“Get your fucking head in the game, Ford. I won’t tell you again. Here’s some motivation, you want me away from your sister, right?” He growls at the mention of her. “Well, then imagine doing it on the ice. Every opponent out there is me. The puck? That’s Aubrey. Their goal? That’s home. Keep her safe and get her the fuck home.”
AUBREY
The boys’ game is off, and from the times I’ve watched at home, it’s been off for a while. I can’t help but feel partly responsible, certainly for the way my brother has been playing. I hate that this is happening to them after playing such an amazing season last year.
But tonight, it’s worse.
We’ve just entered third period, and I watch as Shane leans into Greyson and whispers in his ear. I can’t hear what he’s saying, but by the way my brother’s demeanor goes rigid, I’d say it’s not too friendly.
“What do you think he told him?” I ask Ronnie, not taking my eyes off my brother as he skates off onto the ice with a new sense of determination.
“I don’t know, but it’s getting him moving.” She shrugs. “Maybe he threatened his job.”
I frown, turning to her. “Shane would never do something like that. Despite what’s happening between us three, he knows just how good a player Greyson is.”
“I was kidding, Brey. I know Shane isn’t like that.” She places her hand over mine. “How are you doing… with all that?”
I let out a breath. “I don’t know, I’ve been trying not to think about it too much, but I’m still hurt. Certainly, after yesterday…” Just thinking about it, I feel my eyes watering.
“Oh, I was so furious when I didn’t see you come in. But Emma… Jesus, I have never seen her so angry. I honestly thought she was going to kill him.” She chuckles. “If she couldhave gotten off that bed, she would have beaten him up with whatever was lying around.”
From what Ronnie told me, Emma had a C-section to deliver her boys, so she’s having a bit of a hard time walking right now. But my mother is staying with her at the hospital to help with the babies.
I haven’t replied to Emma’s messages and pictures she sent me last night. I was still too emotional about the whole situation to talk about it. But I know I’ll need to soon. She doesn’t deserve the silent treatment because she hasn’t done anything wrong. My brother did.
“But enough about that depressing subject. Talk to me, how are you feeling? Regarding the baby.” She interlocks our fingers and turns slightly in her seat with an excited smile. “God, I still can’t believe you’re having a baby. You went from being a virgin, to being a mom.” She laughs and I can’t help but join in with her.
“I know, I did not picture my life taking this turn. But I love it, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.” I place my free hand on my stomach. “Things are good, I’m excited about the idea of having this little creature growing inside of me and becoming a mom. Shane actually talked about making changes to the house for the nursery this afternoon. He’s so invested and always thinking ahead, it takes a lot of weight off my shoulders. He’s going to be a wonderful father.”
