Chapter 38
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Franky
Summer was positively giddy at my news.
“Franky, you look amazing! That sweater is so cute and the perfect fit to accentuate that bump.”
“Not really my intention but Rosie said I should wear it. Make a big splash.”
I slid a look at my sister, who had called me yesterday and insisted I come to Chicago for Theo’s party. For a good twelve hours, I weighed the decision and because I was leaning toward no, I hadn’t included Jason in the process. But my sister was persuasive.
This way, everyone finds out at once. You rip off the Band-Aid, accept heartfelt congrats from everyone in the hockey universe, and then fly back to Boston. The perfect heist.
So I used my miles for a last-minute ticket and here I was, four months gone, and the center of attention. I was not a fan.
“I’m so pleased for you,” Summer said. “Hatch looked just as surprised, which is good because if he had known and I hadn’t, we would be having words right now.”
“We’ve shared with family only. I told my parents and brother a week ago because it would be a bit much to blindside them.”
“They must be thrilled,” Summer said.
“Oh, they are.” I met her reflection in the mirror. “I suppose you want to know how this all happened.”
Rosie chuckled. “I think we all know how it happened. What people want to know is the who, sis. But you don’t have to say anything.”
“It’s okay. The father doesn’t mind being identified, especially as we’ve agreed to co-parent.”
Summer leaned in.
“It’s Jason.”
Her violet eyes widened. “Oh! Did not expect that. I thought you two weren’t very friendly.”
“We’re not. Or weren’t.”
Rosie cut in. “But they got friendly enough to make the magic happen.”
“And the co-parenting thing? How’s that going to work?”
“We have a contract.” That sounded cold and sterile, the complete opposite to how Jason and I worked together. “We want the best for our child.”
Summer hugged me. “I so want to be you when I grow up, the woman who decides what she wants and goes for it.” She grinned. “Not so temperamentally unsuitable after all.”
I had once showed my spreadsheet to Summer with all its damning notes and variables. That seemed like a lifetime ago.
“I’ve become more open as I grow older. Being too rigid about things means you might miss out on something amazing.”
“Ah, the wisdom of our elders.” Rosie threw an arm around my shoulder. “You ready to meet everyone as a pregnant lady?”
“No,” I said morosely.
“That’s the spirit.”
The first person we ran into was Theo, who as the guest of honor, really should be mingling with his guests.
“There she is! Congrats, Franky. I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“Thanks, Theo. I promise it wasn’t my intention to steal your thunder.”
“Are you kidding? Hearing about my future niece or nephew is the best news ever. Now how are you? I heard you flew in from Boston this afternoon. My brother really should be making better arrangements for your travel. Private jet or charter.”
“I flew business class, so I was very comfortable.”
Theo’s smirk was that of a man who had not flown business class for a long time.
“Listen, Elle will want to be involved with the baby shower. You might think it’s too soon, but everyone is very excited.”
“Maybe you should throw it,” a voice cut in. “Not sure why your wife should be on the hook.”
My gaze met Jason’s, who was smirking up a storm himself. Beside him stood his mother. I didn’t know Jenny Isner all that well, but right now she was positively buzzing with grandma-to-be energy.
“I am looking for something to do now that I’m retired,” Theo mused. “Okay, I’ll take care of it.”
“You don’t have to—” But he was already gone. I shook my head at Jason. “Is he serious?”
“Don’t worry about it.” He took my hand. “So, Franky, someone wants to say hi in person.”
Mrs. Isner elbowed her son out of the way and threw her arms around me.
“I can’t believe I’m only finding out tonight!
But I’m so happy for you both. Now don’t worry, Jason’s explained everything, so I know you two aren’t together in that sense.
I also know you have a lot of people in your village. I hope you don’t mind one more.”
Tears welled, and I marveled at how lucky I was to have so much love in my future child’s life.
I hugged Jason’s mom back, and when I opened my eyes, I couldn’t help noticing how approving her son looked.
I did think it odd, though, that he had told Sean, but not his mother.
Or anyone else. I had assumed he would share the news with everyone over the last few weeks once the ultrasound gave the all-clear.
“I won’t mind at all, Mrs. Isner. There can never be enough love for our baby.”
She gave a big grin. “Franky, it’s Jenny, and please call on me for anything you need. We’re all here for you.” After a few more moments of excitement, she headed off to the restroom.
Jason took my hand. “Let’s find a quiet spot.”
Here? I didn’t think it likely. But the Rebels knew this bar inside and out. We ended up in a storeroom, which had a cushion on a keg. Jason placed me there.
“You okay?”
“It’s a lot of attention.”
“Yeah, it is. You sure know how to make an entrance, Doc. Sorry, I had my notifications on mute. Conor, specifically.”
“I texted that I was coming, and you didn’t answer, so I did wonder—but you’re okay with this? That everyone knows?” I wanted to ask why he had delayed sharing the news, but part of me feared the answer.
You embarrass him.
“We agreed that we wouldn’t keep the details—well, the daddy details—a secret. Other details, such as sexy ones, shall remain between us.”
As far as everyone was concerned, this was done by artificial insemination. No one would believe we’d gone natural.
“How did Hatch and Conor take it? They looked a bit surprised—well, now that I think of it, Conor didn’t.”
“He knew. Told me a couple of weeks ago that he had it all worked out. That’s Connie for you—nothing gets by him.” He started pacing the room.
“Jason?”
“Huh?” He stopped and faced me.
“You seem worried.”
“Me? Nah. I’m just—I dunno—excited. Now that it’s common knowledge, it feels different. More real. And I’ll be honest, when you took off your coat, showing off your baby bump … I felt so proud.”
My pulse picked up. “Look at what you hath created.”
“Yeah, that.” He grasped my hands and pulled me upright. “But also, I’m proud of you. Sure, you’re carrying my baby, but you’re also making this dream of yours happen. The woman with the plan. I know I was skeptical at first. Why are you doing it this way? Why are you making your lists?”
I laughed, feeling more relaxed. “Why am I asking your brother for sperm? Why don’t I just find a boyfriend?”
He moved his hand down to my bump. “Well, your unconventional way of bringing a baby into your life has been a blessing for me, too.” He cradled the swell and spoke directly to it, his voice soothing. “Hey there, Baby Naval Orange.” He met my surprised gaze. “That’s the size about now.”
That this man thought he wouldn’t ever be in a significant relationship with a woman sounded crazier the longer I knew him. He would make any woman the perfect partner, assuming she was a normal girl, and not some weirdo who begged men she knew for a cup of sperm.
“I’m so glad Sean turned me down.”
“Damn, Francesca, so am I.” He smiled. “Hey, is that my Christmas gift?”
I touched the pendant around my neck. I had placed the snail charm he gave me on a chain.
“It’s such a lovely piece. Thank you.”
He touched my clavicle, slipping his finger beneath the chain and raising the charm to get a better look. My skin tingled where his fingertips skimmed.
“Best gift ever,” he murmured. “Snailed it.”
I started laughing—who didn’t love a good pun?
—and he joined in, the sound deep and resonant against the bottles and metal kegs in the storeroom.
In this moment, I felt nothing but joy. Everyone out there was thrilled for us.
I had the best partner in Jason, a man who wanted to travel this journey with me.
I had everything I needed, the support network, the resources, the baby in my belly. Everything but one thing.
Him.
Maybe it was my pregnancy brain, but this proximity to him was driving me wild.
At one time, he would have been interested, but now, with my body so changed?
And it wasn’t as if I would be less confused afterward.
I would still be holding onto the dream of a conventional life, only I would be dragging this man into it, purely because I might not relish the idea of being a single mother after all.
His eyes dipped to my lips, and my mouth dried at the prospect. Oh God, kiss me. Please.
“Think that’s you,” he murmured.
Yes, it is. It’s all me.
“Your phone.”
“Oh!” I pulled it from my purse, expecting a message from Vi or Dad or my aunts. It was from Rosie.
And it wasn’t good.
“What’s up, Doc? And I mean that literally.”
I blew out a breath. “I have no idea why, but my mother has come to the party.”