Page 63 of The Decoy

I instinctively stiffen, my protective mode sliding into place as I wrap my arm around Ellis, pulling her in and behind me as I turn and face the person.

A man and a woman in their mid-twenties stand five feet away, dressed in designer streetwear and sneakers, near a display of rocking chairs. The woman stands behind a stroller, phone pulled out and pointed at us.

“I thought it was you!” the man blurts out, his voice carrying across the showroom floor and drawing the attention of three staff and a few other customers. “Bro, you killed it in the NFC championship game. Sucks you guys lost, though. Can I get a pic for my story?”

“Not today, man,” I say smoothly, keeping my voice polite but carrying an edge that suggests I’m done. “I’m spending time with family today, but thanks for your support.”

“Aw, come on, man, just five seconds?” the guy pushes, stepping closer. His eyes flick past me to Ellis standing behind me standing by the crib, then down to her belly. His eyes widen as he registers the situation.

“Oh shoot,” he mutters, his phone lowering two inches. “I didn’t know you were having a baby.” He looks back at the woman. “Babe, did you know this?”

Who the fuck is this guy?

Ellis shifts behind me, her hand grabbing onto my arm. I’m not sure if it’s to hold me back or if she’s looking for assurance. Either way, I have no doubt that our baby news will be on social media today.

“Hey, I’d appreciate it if you put your phones away. This is private personal business,” I say in a low register that makes both of their eyes widen. I step forward, shielding Ellis as much as I can. “We’re heading out.”

“Yeah, yeah. Sorry,” the guy stutters, shoving his phone into his back pocket. “No disrespect, Vaughn. Good luck at camp.”

I don’t bother answering, but I do nod at them as we walk hand in hand out the doors onto the sidewalk.

I pull Ellis into me, drop her hand, and wrap my arm around her waist.

“Brody, I’m fine. Honestly, I think you’re more bothered by it than I am. We’re going to have to tell people. We won’t be able to hide it anyway. We’re having a baby.”

She’s right. It’s not like we haven’t been seen in public, but the last time I was approached while out with her, the table concealed her stomach. This is different. And yes, we’re both in the public eye, it’s inevitable that the pregnancy will come out. I just wish it was on our terms. Even though I asked them to put their phones away, it’s probably already on their Instagram stories, with me tagged. It’s just a matter of time that Ellis’s identity is figured out.

I lean down closer to her ear.

“Hey,” I say softly. “Look at me, Princess.”

She meets my gaze, her eyes steadying as she focuses on me.

“Is there someone we need to call? Do you want me to call my PR with the team and have them issue a statement to try to get ahead of the narrative?” I kiss her head. “You’re right, people will know soon enough. I’d rather it be us giving the statement. And for the record, I’m proud to stand by your side, and proud to claim this baby. My words to that man have nothing to do with that and everything to do with our privacy.”

“Brody, I’m fine. Seriously. When we get in the car, I’ll write up a quick statement and text my people, and you can send it to yours. Does that work for you?”

“That works for me. Are you sure you’re ready to do this? We can just wait and see what happens if you want.”

“No, I’m ready. And I’m also ready to get out of the city and curl up with our pups by a fire.”

I lean down and kiss her again. “Okay, let’s go home.”

We’re in the car fifteen minutes later, heading back to Jersey. She’s typing up a brief announcement that says we are together and having a baby in late spring. She sends it off to her PR, and I’ll also send it to Titans PR to issue a statement when we get back home.

A few minutes later, I see her looking out the window. “You’re kind of quiet over there,” I say, keeping one hand on the wheel, the other on her thigh.

“Just thinking,” she mutters, turning to look at me. “About how fast everything is moving now. A few months ago, I was going to clubs with my friends and working like crazy. And today…today we bought baby gear, I met your sister via FaceTime, agreed to move in with you, and we’re making a public announcement about our relationship because a few fans spotted us in a store today.”

“You’re moving into our house,” I correct, wanting her to feel like this will be her home too. “And yeah, things feel a little like they’re moving at hyperspeed, but that doesn’t mean it’s not right. I’ve never been surer about anything in my life.”

She turns her body and looks at me, a sweet smile touching her lips. “You make everything sound and feel so easy.”

“Because it is easy,” I say, my voice devoid of hesitation. “For me, it is easy. That day I saw you in the hall? The first appointment? It was almost like a switch flipped inside me. I knew I wanted to protect you, be there for you. I have no doubt you belong with me. He belongs with me.” I place my hand on her stomach. “End of story.”

She lets out a breathy sigh, leaning her head back against the headrest. “I really do love you, you know?”

“I mean…how could you not? I’m handsome, I’m the best tight end in the league, I’m a nice guy⁠—”