Chapter 28
Gavin
“This is a really nice place.” I walk through the massive concrete Frank Lloyd Wright-style home built into the hills. “How long have you had it?”
“Bought it right before Haddy was born, I guess.”
Hendrix Bradford is a handsome man, and I can see where my girl gets her bright blue eyes. I follow him onto the balcony, and the view of the city is literally breathtaking.
“You guess?” My brow furrows, and I look over at him.
“Haddy’s mom, Raven, is pretty independent. She was sick during the pregnancy, so she stayed with her family in Atlanta until it passed. I was all the way out here, so I didn’t know until she told my sister Dylan.”
“Wow.” My brow lifts. “That must’ve been a surprise.”
“Yeah, but you should’ve seen her.” His eyes take on a faraway look, like he’s remembering something that makes him happy. “She was the cutest little thing. You know her first word was Dada.”
He straightens, as proud as if he’d just been named athlete of the year… which if I remember correctly, he was a few times. Now he’s on the NFL sports shows.
I didn’t put it all together when we met briefly at Christmas. I don’t really keep track of football, and I had sort-of a one-track mind, which was entirely focused on Haddy and our surprise.
“That must’ve been pretty sweet.” I look at a framed photo of Haddy as a baby asleep on his chest, and I think of our baby doing the same.
“Raven was not thrilled.” Hendrix exhales a laugh. “She kept trying to say Haddy didn’t know what it meant, but she knew. She was her daddy’s girl.”
He arches an eyebrow, and I like this guy. It makes my palms a little sweaty, because I want him to like me. I’m not sure how he’s going to respond to what I’m about to say.
“She’s pretty amazing.” I nod, wiping my hands on the front of my jeans. “We met in college, and I always thought she was really cool and smart.”
I almost say and beautiful, but I don’t know if that might be a bridge too far too soon for her dad, coming from me.
“It’s hard to believe she’s so grown up. That time goes so fast.” He squints over at me, putting a hand on my shoulder. “What’s on your mind, Knight? I know you didn’t come all the way out here for my view, and I know you didn’t fly all the way to Newhope just to see Cooters & Shooters either.”
My throat tightens. I’ve never been a nervous guy… until now. Hendrix Bradford and I are about the same size, and even though I’m younger and more conditioned, I wouldn’t put it past him to take me down if he wanted.
Clearing my throat, I straighten my shoulders and just say it. “I’m in love with your daughter, sir. I think she’s in love with me, and I’d like to ask her to marry me.” His brow furrows the more I speak, so I quickly add, “If that’s okay with you.”
He’s quiet for a moment, crossing his muscled arms over his chest. He turns and looks out at the view again, and I stand where I am feeling completely exposed.
Taking a few steps, he stops at the edge of the balcony, placing a hand on the railing before turning back to face me. “What does Haddy think about this?”
My hands are behind my back, and even though his voice isn’t raised, I feel like I’m being cross-examined by a drill sergeant. “I haven’t asked her yet.”
“Haddy’s a smart girl.”
“Yes, sir.” I nod.
“She’s got plans and she’s very independent.” His blue eyes narrow. “How do you feel about that?”
“I think it’s great.” My shoulders drop, and I meet his gaze head-on.
“I admit, her beauty was the first thing I saw, but then I got to know her. She told me about her graduate studies and her work, the things she wants to accomplish.” Shaking my head, I look down and speak from the heart. “She’s really incredible.”
“You think you deserve her?”
“No, sir.” I shake my head, exhaling a laugh.
It seems to break the tension, because he laughs, pointing at me. “That’s right. We don’t deserve them. We’re just lucky to be sharing our lives, and don’t you forget it.”
“I’m not sure I could.” I only have to look at her growing our baby to be reminded.
“You seem like a good guy, Knight. Mav speaks highly of you, which carries a lot of weight.” He nods. “I’ll allow it, but if I ever hear you’ve made her cry… if you ever hurt her or break her heart, I’ve got a 45 and a shovel. They won’t find you.”
We both laugh at that, but I’m pretty sure he means it.
Mav
Red alert. Mom said everybody’s coming to family game night this year. It coincides with spring break, so she, Kimmie, Aunt Liv, Uncle Jack, and Aunt Allie are all off for the week.
My phone lights up as I drive back to the house from Dr. Barry’s private office in West Hollywood. She agreed to see us there once we explained the situation with the paps camping out around her Pasadena clinic.
I’d had to miss the last two appointments because I couldn’t find a way around them, and I didn’t want to miss anymore, especially since we’re closing in on the third trimester.
Baby is now the size of a grapefruit, doing great, and Haddy is adorable walking around the house with her stomach pooching out.
She’s also completely panicked about Timothy knowing she’s pregnant. I told her I’d threaten his life if he told anyone, but she’d rather play it cool. He doesn’t have any connections to the pageant program, and she can’t see a reason for him to tell.
I can see a reason. I see it every time he looks at me like he wishes I’d take a puck straight to the face. The dude’s in love with her, not that I blame him, but he’d better keep his trap shut and his opinions to himself.
Gigi
OMG!!!! I’m so excited to see everybody! Why didn’t my mom tell me this? I just talked to her!
Mav
Mom said they were waiting on Aunt Raven to give the green light. The parents will stay with them, but Kim, Knox, and Sage want to crash with us.
Haddy
They’ll see my baby bump!!!
Mav
Hence the red alert.
Haddy and I drive separately, taking different routes to our doctors’ appointments just in case I’m being followed. She’s ahead of me, but I pull in right behind her in the driveway.
Her blue eyes are round when she turns to look at me, holding up her phone. “Did you see this?”
“We should just tell them, babe.” I walk over to pull her into a hug. “They know how important all the pageant stuff is to you. They’ll keep it a secret.”
“I know they’ll try, but the more people who know about it, the more chances someone will slip up.” She wrings her hands as she climbs the porch steps. “And with Timothy knowing, I’m on pins and needles all the time.”
“Hey, come here.” I pull her into my arms, pressing my lips to her forehead. “If that guy says a word, I’ll kick his ass so hard, he’ll taste leather.”
Her dark head shakes slowly. “You know I don’t condone violence. Unless you’re in the rink.”
“Look at me.” I put my finger under her chin.
She lifts her blue eyes to mine, and it’s like the first day I ever met her. She’s so damn pretty, I forget what I was going to say.
An amused grin curls her lips. “I’m looking at you.”
“Have I told you how beautiful you are today?”
Her lips tighten, and her eyes narrow. “Are you trying to distract me with compliments?”
“Nah, it’s just the truth.” I lean down to kiss her lips briefly. “What I was going to say is everything’s going to work out. I don’t want you to worry about anything except taking care of yourself and the baby.”
“I do want to tell everyone, but they’re all so loud and excited. They’re about as bad as I am at keeping secrets.”
“I think if we’re just honest and tell them why, they’ll do everything to help you.”
A little frown twists her full lips. “I know they’ll try.”
Studying her pretty face, her soft hair hanging around her cheeks and shoulders, I can’t stop thinking about my conversation with her dad.
He sent me a picture of the ring he gave her mom, even though they were already married, and I’ve found a similar design at Tiffany’s.
I even sneaked a ring out of her room to use for sizing.
Now I’m just trying to gauge her openness to the idea. “Have you thought any more about what you want to do after graduation?”
Her shoulders fall, and she exhales a breath, going to the door. “I’d thought I might go to Japan to visit the team there, see the institute in person. Now I think that’s off the table.”
My throat tightens at the thought of her going to Japan, but I also don’t like the idea of her giving up something that’s so important to her.
“I’ve always wanted to visit Japan. Maybe we could go together.”
Her nose wrinkles. “Why do I get the feeling you just made that up on the spot?”
She looks up at me as she hangs her long cardigan on the coat rack. With that garment gone, her baby bump stretches the front of her long-sleeved black shirt and leggings.
It does funny things to my insides, and I can’t help reaching out to slide a protective hand over them both.
“Always might be a stretch, but now that I think about it, Japan sounds like a cool trip.” My eyes meet hers. “I don’t want you to give up your dreams because you need help. It’s important for our baby’s mom to follow her passion.”
Her expression changes to something I can’t quite read, but it looks positive. “But how could you go with me with your schedule?”
My brow furrows, and I think about what’s coming this summer. “If we could fit it in before October, I could make it work.”
Haddy’s still looking up at me like she’s seeing something new when Gigi skips into the room holding Spanky’s leash.
“Hey, Little Mama! Hey, Big D!” She gives her cousin a squeeze. “What do you think about the whole clan descending on us in a few weeks?”
Haddy glances up at me once more, and she smiles. I don’t think it’s my imagination, but she seems less stressed and maybe a little more inclined to lean on me like I’ve wanted her to do since we found out about our little grapefruit.
She turns to her cousin. “I think we’ll just have to make them swear on their lives.”
“Haddeee, Yay!” Gigi bounces on her toes. “Kimmie is going to be so excited, and Aunt Deedee, and… oh.” Her expression turns suddenly serious. “You’d better tell your mom before they get here or she’ll be pisssed.”
Haddy bites her lip. “I know. I’ve been putting it off.”
Shit. I don’t know why she’s afraid to tell her mom, but I’ve got to tell her dad without her finding out… and without him grabbing that 45 and shovel. Talk about keeping secrets.
“I’ll go with you.” I put my hand on her shoulder. “We don’t have a game Wednesday.”
She inhales slowly, looking from me to Gina. “Looks like we’re telling them on Wednesday.”