Chapter 17
Schmidt
“C’mon, Tali Girl. We need to get your bag packed so we go to Mr. Powell’s house.” I pick up the things she just took out of her bag and shove it back inside.
“Mr. Pow?” She tilts her head to the side and watches me carefully.
“Yes, Mr. Powell. He can't wait to meet you.” I don’t know why I'm trying to pump up my daughter to meet everyone. I have no clue what’s going to happen today. It might be a disaster, but there’s only one way to find out.
“Jamie, is this ok? I don’t know what to wear for an outdoor event in March,” Winnie asks from behind me.
I stand to my full height, taking the diaper bag with me. I don’t need Tali unpacking it again while I'm talking to Winnie.
When my gaze lands on my girl, I drop the bag to the ground and scrub a hand over my face.
“Is it too much or not enough?” She frowns down at her dark blue jeans and tan sweater. She’s wearing cowgirl boots that end just below her knees, but it’s not her outfit that has me speechless.
The only makeup Winnie’s wearing is some eyeliner and mascara, her face is completely free of makeup. Her normally straight hair is curly and matches mine and Tali’s perfectly. She’s breathtaking. Absolutely beautiful.
“Jeez, Winnie,” I whisper, my eyes still taking her all in.
“Can you just tell me what I need to change?” She stomps her foot, more than frustrated.
“Sweetheart, don’t change anything. You’re stunning. Did you curl your hair?”
“No, this is what my hair looks like when I shower and don’t straighten it.” She makes a face as she plays with the curly ends.
“Why do you straighten it?”
“I don’t know? Habit? I’ve been doing it since I was in middle school. Remember how I said no one ever sees me without makeup on? Yeah, no one sees me with curly hair either.”
“What did I do to get this version of you?” I step closer and tug her into my arms.
“You make me feel like I don’t need to hide behind a mask. You make me comfortable to be myself.”
“Good, because I want to see you like this every day.”
I press a soft kiss to her lips. A brief kiss to show her I'm thinking about her, but not too much. We’re already late and need to get to the picnic.
When I release her, Tali’s tugging on our pants and frowning up at us. I chuckle and sweep my little girl into my arms. Today will be a good day.
When we get to Owen’s house, there are cars parked up and down the entire street. I sigh, figuring we’ll have to park far away and walk. I don’t mind, but it makes it more difficult if I need to take Tali out to the car for something.
A man waves us down and asks for my name. When I give it to him, he checks my name off a list and tells me he’ll park my car.
I pause for a minute, but someone calls from the front yard, “Let him take the car, Schmidt. He’ll bring it back.” I glance over at the voice and find Cord smirking from the front porch.
Macy’s tucked into his side with her hand on his chest and a smile on her face.
“I'm going.” I flip him off and tug open the back door to get Tali out while Winnie comes around to this side of the car with the diaper bag.
I position Tali on my hip and make sure I can see Cord’s face before he can spot Tali. I want to know how he’s going to react. If he’s cool with this, everyone else will follow suit.
Cord narrows his eyes for a moment before a slow smile spreads across his face. He says something to Macy and then they’re both walking down the walkway towards us.
“You know, I never believed you were hiding anything. I thought you just didn’t want to hang out with us and I understood. It got a little crazy some nights, especially when Macy was there making inappropriate comments.”
“Oh my gosh, Cord! Stop it!” She swats at his chest and glares at him before turning towards me. “I'm sorry for making inappropriate comments. But don’t worry, Cord never passes up the chance to make fun of me for it.” She rolls her eyes.
“It’s fine. It was a fun night.”
“No, it wasn’t. It was awful. I don’t think you’ve hung out with us since.” Cord chuckles.
“I’ve tried to stay away.” I snake my arm around Winnie’s waist and tug her into my side. “Have you guys met Winnie?”
“We have.” Macy grins. “But normally she’s on Wheeler’s arm, so this will be fun.”
“And this is my daughter, Tali. Tali, can you say hi to Daddy’s friends?”
“Hi,” she whispers before hiding her face in my shoulder.
“She’s adorable! I can’t wait for this little guy to be born.” Macy rubs her baby bump and smiles.
“I know, me neither.” Cord kisses the top of her head. “Let’s go out back, there are some heaters out there. This little one keeps shivering.” He motions to Tali with a smile. “I just have one question…”
“What’s that?” I ask as we walk through the gorgeous house and towards the backyard.
“Does Wheeler know you two are dating?” Cord pushes open the door and it feels like everyone’s attention snaps towards us.
I watch as one by one, conversations around us halt and everyone stares at me. I'm not sure if they’re more shocked by the woman at my side or the baby on my hip. Either way, Wyatt’s the first to grin and make his way over to me with a baby in his arms and Charlie at his side.
“So, I won the bet? You have a secret family.” Wyatt’s grin widens as he says hi to Tali. She smiles brightly at him, surprising me.
“Not a secret family, just a secret kid,” I correct him.
“Have you had her the entire time, or…” Charlie trails off.
“She’s been with me since the day she was born, I didn’t knock someone up and just find out about her.” I roll my eyes.
“I didn’t-”
“It’s ok. This is part of the reason I’ve kept her a secret for so long. My wife died during childbirth right before I was traded to the Pit Bulls. I didn’t want to explain things to anyone.”
“We understand that more than you know,” Charlie says softly. “It’s nice to know someone else has been in the same boat as us. I'm probably going to ask you a ton of questions, especially when the season starts.”
“I'm happy to help you however I can.”
“Incoming,” Winnie mutters under her breath. I glance up in time to see Wheeler stomping towards us with a scowl on his face.
I slip my arm around her waist and settle my hand on her hip. Wheeler’s gaze zeros in on my hand and his scowl intensifies.
“I’ve got this, sweetheart. Don’t worry,” I murmur quietly enough for only her to hear.
“What are you doing here, Winnie?” Wheeler folds his arms over his chest and stares her down.
“Jamie invited me.” She keeps her chin held high and her shoulders back. She’s not backing down and I love it.
“Oh, Jamie invited you? I'm pretty sure I invited you and you told me you were busy,” Wheeler growls.
“Are you surprised after how you talked to her at my house last weekend?” I keep my voice low and calm, I'm not going to upset Tali because of Wheeler.
“Why don’t you stay out of it, Schmidt? No one asked you to get involved in this. I'm talking to my girl.”
“She’s not your girl anymore. And I'm not staying out of it. I won't let you constantly attack her because she’s not giving in and letting you get your way.”
“Who even asked you?” He roars, making Tali whimper and bury her face in my neck.
“Maybe I should just go,” Winnie says quietly.
“No, maybe Wheeler should walk away.” Wyatt arches a brow at him, it’s a warning and Wheeler knows it.
“I see how it is. You’re taking his side?” Wheeler’s hands fists at his sides and he looks like he’s seconds away from decking someone.
“What’s going on over here?” Owen places himself at Wheeler’s side and clamps his hand down on Wheeler’s shoulder. It’s a promise he won't win if he tries to start anything.
“Just a bunch of crap,” Wheeler hisses.
“Take a walk, Wheeler.” Owen shoves him away from our group before turning his attention back to me. “Miss Schmidt?” He says as he places a gentle hand on Tali’s back. She lifts her head off of my shoulder and watches him carefully. “I'm Owen Powell, what’s your name?”
This soft side of Owen is a complete contradiction to the man I’ve seen at the stadium.
I’ve seen glimpses of his soft side, but I thought it was saved for the people he considered family, but for him to talk to my daughter like this?
It makes my throat clog with emotion. I never should’ve hidden her away from everyone.
“Mr. Pow? I Tali.” A shy smile tilts her lips up and I can't help but grin. It’s almost comical the way Owen’s introducing himself to a toddler.
“How old are you?”
Tali frowns and glances up at me. I chuckle and give her a quick squeeze. “She’s two.”
“And you are?” Owen turns his attention to Winnie.
“I'm Winnie Teller.”
“And who are you to Wheeler and Schmidt?” He arches a brow.
Winnie glances up at me, unsure of how she should respond. I don’t blame her one bit, most team owners wouldn’t be getting involved in their players’ lives, but this is Owen.
“He’s a nosy man.” I chuckle. “He actually cares about us and is invested in his players.”
“I’ve dated Wheeler off and on since our freshman year of college. And I'm Tali’s nanny.”
“Ah, so Wheeler’s jealous. Got it. I’ll make sure you two aren’t near each other as much as I can at the stadium.”
“That would probably be a good idea.” I press my lips into a thin line.
“Hey, Schmidt. Can I get a picture of you and your family?” A woman with pink hair and a camera hanging around her neck stops next to Owen.
“Uh…” I grip the back of my neck, unsure of how to answer her question. I don’t want Tali in the media, but if I tell her this, she’ll be more likely to publish the photos.
“This is Olivia Brooks. She’s a friend of mine and has nothing to do with the media. She’s taking photos of the team for advertising but family photos are just for you,” Owen says softly, seeing right through my hesitation.
“She’s my aunt too. She’d never do anything with the photos without your permission,” Charlie adds. “We get it, Schmidt. We don’t want this little one in the media either.” Charlie glances down at her little girl in Wyatt’s arms.
“Ok. Thanks.” I nod, loving how they’re all willing to help me shield my daughter from unwanted attention.
Olivia moves us to an area set up with a nice background. She smiles at us and takes her time helping us pose.
Tali’s resting on my hip and I wrap my arm around Winnie’s waist, tugging her against me. If they’re offering pictures, I’d love to get one of the three of us.
“Winnie, can you place your hand on Schmidt’s chest? Perfect.” She snaps a few photos. “You guys are adorable together… Ok, look up at Schmidt and hold Tali’s hand.”
She goes on and on, posing us and taking more pictures than I could ever imagine. When she’s finished with the three of us, she asks if she can take some photos of Tali with me and then Tali with Winnie.
Winnie hesitates to agree, but I nod my head. They’re beautiful together and I’d love to have the pictures Olivia’s getting.
“What do I have to do to get a copy of these photos?” I ask softly as she continues taking photos of my girls.
“Ask nicely.” Olivia grins.
“Olivia, could I pretty please have a copy of the photos?”
“Of course.” She hands me a business card. “Text me your email address and I’ll get them emailed over to you this weekend. If you want any printed, let me know and I can do that too.”
“I’ll definitely be contacting you about getting prints… And maybe scheduling a photo shoot.”
“I’d love that. I have so many ideas, especially for Tali. That little girl was made to be photographed.”