Page 39 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

“Baby.” I poke my stomach. “How are you doing in there?”

There’s a small nudge in response. I’m still mildly terrified of motherhood, but now that I’m past the constant exhaustion and all-day sickness, it’s starting to feel like maybe I can do this thing.

“I hope you let your daddy feel you soon.”

Luke’s been gone a lot between being on the ice as much as he can and picking up a few odd jobs here and there. Some might think it’s strange that he’s working when he’s going to be playing in the NHL in just a few short months, but that’s just Luke. Honestly, I’d be more surprised if he wasn’t working. It hasn’t taken me long to figure out that he likes to stay busy. If he’s at home, he’s always doing something. Whether it’s mowing the grass or fixing a crooked shutter.

Padding out to the kitchen for breakfast, I’m shocked when I find a foiled wrapped sandwich waiting on the counter along with a lime green Post-it note.

Thought you might want one of these when you woke up.

There’s an ESS in the fridge.

—Luke

“ESS,” I mutter in question and then it dons on me.

Emotional Support Sprite.

I open the fridge and sure enough, sitting inside with a sleeve around it to help keep it cold, is my beloved Sprite.

I shake my head. I don’t think in my whole life, except for my nanny, have I ever had someone to see me the way he does. He takes care of me without me even asking. Maybe he knows that I would feel too guilty to ask for anything, so he just does it, but I think it’s just who Luke is. Acts of service are how he shows he cares.

I scarf down my sandwich and about half of the soda. The baby kicks at my ribs and I take that to mean they approve of my choice of sustenance. I rest my hand beneath the swell as I wipe down the counters. I’m starting to get the itch to know if they’re a boy or girl. Now that I’ve settled more into my pregnancy and accepted that this baby is coming, it doesn’t seem as scary now.

After I’ve finished cleaning the kitchen I lace up my tennis shoes and head out on a walk.

I’ve only been gone about ten minutes when my phone rings.

Rosie.

I accept her call and her voice echoes through my earbuds. “How’s my best friend and my favorite future niece or nephew?”

“We’re doing good. I’m on a walk.”

“It’s just Sammy and me today so I wanted to see if you were up for getting out for a while. Maybe take him to the park’s playground?”

Spending time around a baby, granted he’s already a year old, would probably be a good idea to help me gain some experience.

“Yeah, that would be great.”

“I’ll swing by and pick you up in an hour if that works for you?”

“That’s perfect.”

I end the call and my music starts up again.

By the time I finish up my walk, I have just enough time to freshen up in the bathroom and grab a bottle of water before Rosie pulls into the driveway in Daire’s minivan. That guy loves his minivan. I won’t be surprised if he isn’t trying to convince Luke to get one.

I don’t know why I felt so upset by the idea of him getting rid of his truck. I know it’s old and not in good shape, but I love it. It’s so quintessentially him. Sturdy and reliable.

“I’m sorry about the mess,” Rosie says when I open the passenger door. “You’d think there were four kids in here.” She tosses an empty sippy cup into the back along with an unused diaper and a bag of snacks.

“You don’t have to apologize to me.”

She smiles. “You’ll know all about it soon enough. Tell me, how are you feeling—and be honest, you can’t bullshit me.”

“Much better.” She gives me a disbelieving look and I laugh. “I’m serious. I’m past the constant sick feeling and my energy is returning. I’m not waking up in the morning and feeling like I need a nap by the afternoon anymore.”