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“Is he a good support system for you?”
I smile as I think about him being anything but supportive. “He’s incredible.”
“And you’re doing okay?”
“She’s amazing.” Holden replies. My mom and I look up to see him leaning against the wall. “By far the strongest person I know. She will make a phenomenal mother.”
His words make me weak as he comes toward us and sits on the arm of the couch. Instinctively, I move closer to him. He places one arm over my shoulder and kisses my head. My mother watches us before allowing the corners of her mouth to raise.
“Promise me you will always take the best care of her.” She tells him in a tone that’s meant to sound strong but screams vulnerability.
He looks down at me before nodding. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING, Holden and I unfortunately must leave. He has a game in New York and his attendance is not optional. Brandon and Emily decide last minute to come with us. I’m thankful for the company. As much as my attention is focused on Holden during the game, it’s always nice to have someone to talk to.
On the car ride up, the four of us talk about how well the announcement went. After having the short discussion with my worried mother, she warmed up to the idea and finally showed her excitement. Despite thinking she’s too young, she’s thrilled to become a grandmother.
“So, what are you going to do about the wedding?” Em asks.
My eyebrows furrow. “What do you mean?”
“Well, it’s like two weeks before you’re due. What if you go into labor?”
I shrug. “Then I go into labor, I guess.”
“You don’t want to push it back or something?”
Holden watches me in the rearview mirror, studying my facial expressions.
“No, definitely not. I mean, I’d rather not be nine months pregnant at our wedding, but I don’t want to intentionally have our baby before we’re married.”
She listens intently and then nods. “Okay, fair enough.”
Brandon
shares a look with Holden and then changes the subject. “Do you guys know what you’re having yet?”
My fiancé shakes his head. “The anatomy scan is in a couple weeks, but Kayleigh wants to have a gender reveal party.”
“And when’s that going to be?!”
“I’m not sure exactly.” He chuckles at Brandon’s impatience. “We have to figure it out with my schedule.”
“Don’t make me wait too long. I need to prepare.”
Even Emily becomes confused. “Prepare for what?”
“Either getting beaten up by a miniature Holden, or being tightly wrapped around the finger of a little girl.”
“Ah.” We all understand at the same time.
He’s right – he does need to prepare.
THE BRUINS ARE ABSOLUTELY on fire this season. It’s a couple months in and they’re still undefeated. You can tell it’s something they take pride in. Every time they win a game, the celebration is just as large as their first. Nothing is taken for granted.
I stand close to Holden, finding comfort in the way his arm wraps around my waist tightly. Brandon and Emily are taking shots with other players. Knowing how close Bran is to Holden, the rest of the team treats him like family.
“You ready to do this?” My fiancé asks me.
