Page 20 of Golden Goal

“I’ve got someone coming over tomorrow to do the DNA test for you, and you’ll get a call from a lawyer named Jerry Richards. He specializes in family law, but he can help with other legal matters too,” Coach says.

“Thank you.”

He tucks his hands in his pockets, shifting from one foot to the other. “We’re going to have to talk to the front office about this.” I open my mouth to protest, but he puts up a hand to stop me. “Not because you have a daughter, or the circumstances. Well, kind of. But mostly because we want to handle this gently. This might warrant you taking a leave of absence to get used to your new normal.”

“No.” I shake my head.

“Holt. I think it’s a good idea,” Caleb says.

“I agree,” Wes pipes up.

“No,” I repeat. “Caleb, did you take time off when your kids were born?”

“No.” He shakes his head.

“Why should I?” I cross my arms, glaring at the guys.

“Your situation isn’t what Caleb’s was. Same thing with the other guys who’ve had kids. They had nine months to adjust to the fact they were going to be fathers. You didn’t,” Coach says gently. “And if they had asked for it, the team would have granted them time off.”

“I’m already out day-to-day with a hip injury, probably for another few weeks. Isn’t that enough time?”

“We need you to be in a good mental head space when you’re in the net. Not worried about how your daughter’s doing, or what’s going on with her. We’ll be alright without you,” Hunter says.

The others mutter their agreement.

“I’ll think about it,” I finally tell them.

Aubrey chooses that moment to walk into the kitchen. “Little one is fussy. Is there a bottle we can give her?”

“I’m hoping Kat was smart enough to pack formula and bottles,” I say walking over to where the diaper bag is still on the kitchen table.

“The ladies and I were talking, and we’re happy to help with little miss, whenever you need. Or if you need someone to come over and watch her,” Aubrey says.

“Hazel,” I whisper. “Her name is Hazel.”

“Hazel’s a beautiful name,” Aubrey says.

“Thank you. For everything.”

She holds out her arms. “Seems like maybe you could use a hug.”

I step into her embrace, and she pats me on the back. “It’s going to be okay, Holt. We’ve got your back. And your family will too. I’m sure of it.”

“Thank you,” I say, suddenly feeling exhausted.

Stepping back, I give her a small smile before turning my attention back to the bags Kat brought. Luckily, the diaper bag has formula and bottles in it.

We spend the next few hours rearranging my apartment and making lists of the things I need for Hazel. Eventually, everyone leaves until it’s just Wes and me.

“So,” Wes says, tucking his hands in his pockets.

“Please, can we not? I don’t have the energy.” I drop to the couch, glancing over at my daughter who is fast asleep in her bassinet, which is tucked into the corner by the window. I’ll move it into my bedroom when she wakes up.

He takes a seat next to me. “How are you holding up?”

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly.

“You should call your parents and your sister.”