Chapter 27 #2
“I love that we talk about Derek and share memories of him, and I hope we always will.” Frasier nodded, and I felt encouraged to continue.
“I think a big part of why I pulled back was because I was struggling with how to be a supportive partner to you while also continuing to honor his legacy. And then there were the comments that led to the fight, and everything that followed…” I hung my head.
“I guess I felt like I was letting you both down.”
“Bryn.” Frasier placed his finger beneath my chin, forcing my gaze to his. “If Derek were here, I’m pretty sure he would agree. You could never let me down.”
“You say that, but I already have. You’ve never lost your cool on the ice. And you got into a fight—because of me.”
“I got into a fight,” he gritted out, “because Wilson’s a dick who crossed the line.”
I hated to admit it but, “He only said what so many other people were thinking.”
“Fuck them. I couldn’t give a shit what people think about our relationship. We know the truth. Derek knew the truth.”
“I know,” I sighed. “And I don’t want to care, but I do. Because I feel responsible for safeguarding Derek’s legacy. I’m happy to do it, proud to do it. But I don’t know what that looks like now that we’re together.”
“It looks like whatever you want it to,” Frasier said. “I know it’s important to you, and it’s important to me too. Derek was like a brother to me. But if you’re worried that honoring his memory will make me feel somehow…less important to you or less loved, you’re wrong.”
I didn’t realize how badly I’d needed to hear those words. And it only made me wish I’d talked to Frasier about this sooner.
I nodded. “Thank you.”
“Wear my jersey, wear his jersey, come to the games, don’t. Regardless of what you do or which jersey you wear, I know you love me.”
I held him tight, my arms draped around his neck. “I do. I love you so, so much.”
I didn’t realize I was crying until he cupped my cheeks, catching my tears with his thumbs where he held me.
“I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you about this until now.” I sniffled. “I was just trying to process everything.” Including the pregnancy.
“You can always come to me,” he said, meeting my gaze. “Always.”
“I know.” I appreciated that he hadn’t tried to make me feel guilty about it. He’d been patient and understanding all along. “And you can come to me.”
He tilted his forehead to mine. “Together.”
“Together,” I echoed.
We stayed there for a while, listening to the crash of the waves on the screen, safe and whole in each other’s arms.
Eventually, I said, “So…I had a surprise planned for you. But, um, well—” I gestured to the backyard. “There was a change of plans.”
He chuckled.
“Who told you I was coming home early?” I asked. He pressed his lips together and shook his head. I narrowed my eyes at him. “Was it Georgia or Allie?”
He shook his head again, looking as if he was trying not to laugh.
“Mm.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Okay. I see how it is.”
“I just wanted to do something nice to reconnect.”
“You did nice things for me all week. I loved all my surprises, and now I have a gift for you.” He moved me so I was straddling him, allowing me to feel how hard he was. I laughed. “Not that.” I swatted his chest playfully. “Well, not yet.”
He kissed my collarbone, the top of my breast. I moaned. It felt so good to be touched by him. Loved by him. I moaned at the feel of his hands on my body, worshipping me. I’d missed this, missed him.
He groaned, gripping my hips as he guided me over him. “You sure?”
“I—” I squeezed my eyes shut. No, I wasn’t sure. But I had to do something first. I pressed a kiss to his cheek then stood. “Yes. I just need to do something real quick.”
He wrapped his hand around my wrist, attempting to pull me back to him. I cupped his cheek, knowing if I kissed him, I wouldn’t want to stop. “I’ll be right back.” I held his gaze. “Promise.”
He sighed and released me. “I’ll be here”
I dashed inside, grabbing a package from the counter and carrying it to my bedroom along with my carry-on bag. I closed the door and ripped open the package, smiling when I saw it. It was perfect.
I opened my suitcase, swapping out my shirt. Then I grabbed an empty shoebox and placed the items inside before heading toward the back door. I took a deep breath, watching Frasier through the glass.
I placed my hand on my stomach. “Okay, baby. This is it.”
I stepped outside, trying to remain calm, cool, collected.
Frasier’s eyes were tracking me, and I could tell he was wondering why I was wearing his jersey.
And not just any jersey—a custom, one-of-a-kind Dartmouth jersey, thanks to the rhinestones that covered his name and number.
Hopefully, it would all make sense soon.
I took a seat and placed the shoebox on the table. “I, um, I know we always say that we’re better together, and I truly believe that. And I’m sorry. I’m sorry I pushed you away when I should’ve talked to you. We are a team, and I promise to do a better job of showing you that in the future.”
I placed the box on the table in front of him, holding my breath. He tilted his head, the edge of his mouth curling up ever so slightly.
“What’s this?” he asked, lifting the lid.
And then he stilled. My heart was beating like a drum, and I wouldn’t have been surprised if he could hear it.
Frasier picked up the tiny Hawks jersey. His eyes darted to mine and back to the jersey. And then he turned it over, swallowing hard when he noticed his name and number on the back.
“Bryn…” he whispered, a question and a prayer.
I flashed him a watery smile. “I hope you’re okay with adding another member to our team,” I said, trying not to cry as I handed him the sonogram pictures. “Because you’re going to be a dad.”