Chapter Fourteen #3
“No, I’m ready. And I’m also ready to get out of the city and curl up with our pups by a fire.”
I lean down and kiss her again. “Okay, let’s go home.”
We’re in the car fifteen minutes later, heading back to Jersey. She’s typing up a brief announcement that says we are together and having a baby in late spring. She sends it off to her PR, and I’ll also send it to Titans PR to issue a statement when we get back home.
A few minutes later, I see her looking out the window. “You’re kind of quiet over there,” I say, keeping one hand on the wheel, the other on her thigh.
“Just thinking,” she mutters, turning to look at me.
“About how fast everything is moving now. A few months ago, I was going to clubs with my friends and working like crazy. And today…today we bought baby gear, I met your sister via FaceTime, agreed to move in with you, and we’re making a public announcement about our relationship because a few fans spotted us in a store today. ”
“You’re moving into our house,” I correct, wanting her to feel like this will be her home too. “And yeah, things feel a little like they’re moving at hyperspeed, but that doesn’t mean it’s not right. I’ve never been surer about anything in my life.”
She turns her body and looks at me, a sweet smile touching her lips. “You make everything sound and feel so easy.”
“Because it is easy,” I say, my voice devoid of hesitation.
“For me, it is easy. That day I saw you in the hall? The first appointment? It was almost like a switch flipped inside me. I knew I wanted to protect you, be there for you. I have no doubt you belong with me. He belongs with me.” I place my hand on her stomach. “End of story.”
She lets out a breathy sigh, leaning her head back against the headrest. “I really do love you, you know?”
“I mean…how could you not? I’m handsome, I’m the best tight end in the league, I’m a nice guy—”
“Okay, buddy. I’m already sold. I know you’re a catch.”
I take her hand in mine and lift it to my lips, kissing her knuckles. “I love you too.”
She shakes her head, smiling. “So what do you think the headlines will look like tomorrow?”
“I don’t really care,” I answer honestly, stepping on the gas as the bridge opens up.
“I kind of just think of people’s opinions of me like they’re fan theories.
They don’t even really know me to even have opinions.
And at the end of the day, people will say what they want, but I bet we’ll also have some support too.
I do think we should be prepared for someone to link you to Dylan and track the timeline of your relationship.
It wasn’t like you hid the fact that you dated.
And we also need to consider Dylan himself. Do you really think he’ll stay quiet?”
Ellis swallows, and her hands move to her stomach.
“I really don’t think he’s going to acknowledge our relationship or the baby if he’s asked about it.
He’s very good with press, so he’ll handle it his way.
But I feel really confident that he’s not going to discredit our story if that’s what you’re worried about. ”
I let out a laugh. “Princess, I’m not worried about Dylan at all. I just don’t want you to have any stress. It’s my job to keep you safe and happy.”
“Brody…”
“No, I mean it,” I say, glancing over at her. “I don’t play games when it comes to what’s mine. So I think we let it ride and see what happens. But I don’t want you to worry about any of it. You need to take care of your body. I’ll handle the outside world.”
She holds my gaze with an unwavering trust that’s been building between us for the last few months. She reaches over and intertwines her fingers with mine.
“Thank you,” she says softly.
“No need to thank me.” I squeeze her hand gently.
When we pull into my driveway and then to the garage, I think about how this home that I built with a family in mind is finally happening. This isn’t just my space anymore. It’s ours.
I cut the engine, unbuckle my belt, and jump out of the cab. I walk around the front of the hood, open her door, and extend my hand to help her down.
She takes my hand, letting out a small, amused laugh as I practically lift her out of the truck.
“You know I can get out on my own,” she teases, though she keeps her hand in mine as we walk toward the door leading into the house.
“Yeah, but I’m right here.” I give her a flirty smile and lift a brow, unlocking the door and pushing it open, and we’re greeted by Buck and Oshie.
“Hi, puppies!” Ellis says, leaning down to pet them both.
Buck starts to jump up on her, but I stop him. “Buck, no,” I command.
“He’s just excited to see me.”
“I’m always excited to see you and would also love to jump on you every chance I get, but like me, he needs to learn some control. I don’t want him to knock you over, and it’s best to do it now before the baby is born. I wouldn’t want him to hurt you and the baby either. He’s a big, strong dog.”
She stands upright. “No, you’re right. I just love when they get excited. I don’t think we need to worry as much with Oshie since she’s not as big as Buck.”
“No, but we still need to watch her. Especially when the baby comes. I read that dogs can either be very protective or jealous.”
“I don’t think she’ll be jealous. She’s a lover, not a fighter.” Ellis says with a giggle.
“Are you getting hungry? I can make us an early dinner.”
“I could eat a snack, but I’m actually really hot.”
She starts to reach for the hem of her sweater, but I walk over to her, taking over.
I take the hem and peel it off to reveal a dark cotton tank underneath, hugging every curve.
I set it on the barstool at the counter island, then turn back to her and wrap my arms around her from behind, pulling her back against my chest while my hands slide over her middle, lacing my fingers over her stomach.
Ellis leans her head back against my shoulder, letting out a long sigh, letting my body fully support hers.
“This place has been pretty quiet since I built it,” I murmur into her ear, my chin resting against her hair.
“Well, it won’t be for long,” she says, her voice laced with humor as she rests her hands over mine. “In a few months, there’s going to be crying, dirty diapers, late-night feedings, and baby gear scattered all around the house.”
“Good,” I say, pressing my lips to the side of her neck, feeling her pulse steady under my touch. “I want all of it. I want the noise, the mess, the chaos. I want to hear you laughing in the kitchen while I’m watching film. I want this place filled up.”
She turns in my hold, twisting around until she’s facing me, her arms reaching up to wrap around my neck. She looks up into my face, her eyes searching mine with a profound intensity that makes my throat tighten.
“I love that I believe you,” she says softly. “I finally understand love because of you. That I know you’re not doing any of this to get something from me. That you want me here. That you want us here. That you want to build a family with me.”
I stare down at her, my jaw tightening as a wave of fierce possessiveness surges through me. I grip her hips, pulling her flush against me so she can feel every inch of my body.
“I’m not with you for any other reason other than I’ve realized I can’t breathe properly when you’re not around.
I’ve fallen in love with you. The person you are in here.
” I place a hand on her heart. “I don’t care what your last name is or what’s in our bank account.
I care about you and this baby. Period. I want you in my life because you’re the only woman who has ever made me feel like there’s something bigger than football waiting for me. ”
Ellis’s breath catches, and her eyes search mine, her lips parting like she wants to say something, but the words are stuck.
“Brody…” she finally whispers. “I love you too. I know this is all real, but sometimes it all feels like a dream.”
“You’re not dreaming,” I say firmly, dipping my head down to capture her mouth in a deep kiss that leaves no question of my feelings for her.
She kisses me back with everything she has, her fingers tangling into the short hair at the nape of my neck, pulling me closer, molding her soft body into mine.
The world outside—the press, the upcoming months of training, and the season—dissolves into static noise.
There’s only the weight of her in my arms, the certainty of the relationship we’re building.
When I finally pull back, both of us breathing heavy, I rest my forehead against hers, my hands smoothing down her back to hold her steady.
“Now,” I say, my voice thick, a playful smirk on my face. “Let’s get you something to eat, then we’ll go upstairs and figure out which bedroom will be the nursery.”
Ellis laughs, just as her belly rumbles. “That sounds like the perfect plan. Now…feed me.”
“Your every wish is my command, Princess.”