19. Adam #3
Finally bringing my arms back down, I’m shocked at how light they feel. “Thank you for this. You didn’t have to—”
“I did. I’m sure of that.” Dex places a hand on my shoulder. “It’s going to be really fucking cool to watch you be a dad.”
I laugh, only because I refuse to cry. “I’m scared out of my fucking mind.”
“Yeah, I hate to tell you…that feeling doesn’t go away.
It only changes forms. I’m going to go find Lucie and Miles, who has now started yelling your mom jokes to the other team.
” Dex lets out the biggest sigh. “Just know that the guys will absolutely do everything in their power to have these kids be menaces to society.”
“Who the hell taught him that?”
“Fucking Tripp and Emma. So far, Will taught him curse words, Callie graciously taught him the middle finger, and Beck and Jensen are turning him into a pool shark.”
“So, if I were to hide my child from them, how do you think that would go?”
Dex laughs. “Yeah, but they all taught him those things while they voluntarily babysat so me and Lucie have time to be a couple or do something just the two of us. You can hide them all you want, but I promise you, I’m sending Miles and the twins with those assholes so I can still date my wife.”
Before the game, I head over to the bullpen to start my warm-up stretches and to just try and lock in. I still haven’t received a text from Mia yet, and it’s so tempting to call and check in, but I don’t want to risk waking her up, even if it has been over four hours now.
Agonized may be a strong word for it, but I keep replaying my and Dex’s conversation in my head. I needed to hear it, but getting these what-ifs and fears under control is going to be an uphill battle. But maybe getting them under control will help ease the darker worries I have.
A few of the pitchers filter in and out of the bullpen, and I hear the announcers start welcoming everyone while they settle in for the first pitch.
I get about halfway through my usual mobility routine when I hear that cat call whistle behind me.
Spinning around, I spot Mia at the edge of the bullpen…with my jersey on. I move right to her, reaching up to place my hands on her thighs.
“You know, if I wasn’t already pregnant with your baby, I think seeing you do those stretches would’ve done it.”
Despite the emotional hell I feel like I’ve been in, I find a smile coming to my face for the first time since I left her apartment earlier. “How are you feeling?”
“Good, I think I really needed that nap. I woke up about an hour ago, completely unsure of the day, time, and my location.”
I manage a laugh. “I wish I could’ve been there when you got up.”
“I don’t know about that…I’m talking comatose-type sleep. I may not have even remembered your name for a hot minute, that’s how deeply confused I was when I woke up.”
Weight continues to roll off my shoulders the longer I take her in. The smile she has on her face. The fact that she’s wearing my jersey…hell, that she’s here when I would’ve completely understood if she decided to stay home.
“Hey, after the game, I’m going to have to swing by my place to get some more clothes—”
“Or…” Mia cuts me off, and my heart stops for a moment, worried she’ll tell me just to stay home. “Why don’t we stay at your place tonight? You’ve barely been there since you’ve been back.”
“It’s alright, I don’t mind staying—”
“Yeah, listen, All-star, I already packed my overnight bag.” This incredible smile lights up her face. “And I was thinking that maybe some of that stuff could stay at your place and then you can bring some stuff to leave at mine…then we don’t really have to worry about it.”
Or we could just move in together.
I stop that train of thought before it comes out. Probably will happen eventually, but it might be too much at one time. I’m having a real love-hate relationship with this major life-changing news and how to navigate it.
“Sounds like a plan, baby.” I run my thumb against her soft skin. “I’m happy you came, but you could’ve stayed home and got some more rest.”
“I still don’t think you’re comprehending how hard I just napped.” Mia bends over the railing, leaning just a few inches away from my face. “If I can make it to your games, Adam, I’m going to come. I’m fully invested in this sport now.”
“Is that so?”
“Well, only when this one catcher plays.”
“That’s the right answer.”
Mia stands back up, that smile still on her face. “I’m gonna go take my seat with Jensen and Lucie’s crew. Wyla texted me that they’ll be a little late.”
“Good.” Roaming my eyes up and down her body, it may look like I’m checking her out—and I guess technically I am—but it’s more than that. “I love that you’re here and wearing my jersey. I can’t wait to look over and see you in the stands throughout the whole game.”
“You’re going to get me in trouble again for being a distraction.”
“So worth it.”
This wicked smirk comes to her face. “Mm-hmm, we’ll see about that. Have a good game, baby daddy.”
Okay, I adore her, but hate that.
“Too soon, honey.”
Her laugh fills my ears. “I couldn’t help myself.”