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I look at Skylar and Bree to see them pouting. “What’s wrong?”
“We’re going to miss you.” Sky says sadly.
The three of us stand up and embrace in a group hug, crying softly. A wet laugh leaves my mouth as I realize how ridiculous we are. “Okay, I can blame hormones, but you two don’t have that excuse.”
“Fuck you.” Bree jokes.
“Oh, by the way, you can stay at my apartment if you want. It’s going to be empty anyway.”
Her face lights up. “Have you packed yet? Can I help you? Are you leaving soon?”
“Oh, yeah. Look at that. Total different attitude now.”
All of us find the humor in it, knowing she’s only playing. I love my friends.
THE NEXT MONTH BREEZES by quickly. I find myself having to wear Holden’s sweatshirts more often than not. With the way my belly is growing, I need to hide it under baggy clothes so that everyone doesn’t find out through the media or someone else. It’s not as obvious, as long as my shirt isn’t tight against my stomach.
Traveling with Holden to all his games is exhausting to say the least, but being able to spend every night with him is well worth it. The two of us manage to make it back to Maine for the Halloween party. Riley was right – it’s epic. We spend the night with our friends, ignoring the rest of the world around us and just enjoying life.
The next day, however, we get back on a plane for D.C. I’ve gotten used to being alone at Holden’s games, and I’m glad I’m there for them. His image has quickly spread, and now girls who were never hockey fans, suddenly are. Hearing them scream for my fiancé bothered me at first but I know I have nothing to worry about. Now, I’m just numb to it.
My birthday comes before I know it, and Holden and I fly back to celebrate. We decide not to have a party, but rather have a big dinner with all our friends. It seems fitting, being as I would be the only person not drinking at my own birthday. It’s an amazing night filled with laughs and memories. By the end of it, Holden gives me my present – a platinum bracelet with something engraved on it.
Mommy
Est. April 2020
I love you, H.
“Holden, it’s beautiful.” I breathe.
He doesn’t respond, instead choosing to just kiss me softly.
“When did you become such a romantic, and where the hell were those attributes when I dated you?” Bree remarks.
We all laugh, and Holden simply shrugs – placing his hand on my knee and squeezing lightly.
AFTER MY BIRTHDAY, HOLDEN has a game in Boston. However, I stay for my doctor’s appointment. He beats himself up over having to miss one, but with the holiday coming up, I couldn’t get one to fit his schedule. I bring Caleb with me for emotional support and the doctor tells us everything is going perfectly. I’m almost nineteen weeks, and unless I’m covered, it’s easy to tell.
Holden comes back to Maine, only to fly with me to Philadelphia. I suggested just meeting him at Philly airport, but he insisted on me not flying alone. He’s even starting to become more protective when it comes to hockey. As of now, I’m still allowed to sit by the glass, but he said once I reach thirty weeks, he’s going to want me in the private box instead. I don’t argue it. Some hockey fans can get chaotic, and it only takes getting out of hand once for something to happen.
“Is Brandon picking us up?” I ask as the plane is landing.
He nods. “Yeah. I think he has Emily with him.”
“She’s spending Thanksgiving with us, too?!”
“She didn’t tell you?”
“No. Our schedules have clashed lately. Haven’t had much time to talk.”
“Oh. Yeah, she is. Your parents are still coming, right?”
“Mhm. I think they said they’ll be there tomorrow morning.” I answer.
He smiles shyly. We’re both really nervous. We invited my parents to Thanksgiving at Holden’s so we can announce the pregnancy to everyone at the same time. He may act like he’s not afraid, but my mother scares the crap out of him. I can understand why. Her judgmental stares are intense.
We find Brandon and Em at the baggage claim. Emily smiles happily as soon as she sees me.
