Jake
I’m one of the last ones to arrive at Connor’s house, the rest of the guys’ cars parked on the large, rounded driveway or on the street.
I get out of my car and make my way over to the door.
“Tasha, I'm sorry that it’s been a while. Connor told me about the pregnancy. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you both.” I pull away, helping her inside and closing the door behind us.
“Thank you. I’m sure he told you everything knowing how close you two are.” She side-eyes me, a teasing smile on her face.
“He did, and like I told him, if you both need anything please don’t hesitate to ask. You two have done so much for me and you’re practically family, so anything you need I’ll be there for you.”
She rests one of her hands on her belly, slowly rubbing back and forth over her yellow sundress. “Thank you, Jake. Can I tell you something?”
“Of course you can.” We start making our way to the kitchen as she lowers her voice, not wanting to be overheard.
“He’s taking this really hard. At first, it was such a shock.
Of course it was, but I’ve learned to accept that there's certain things I need to be more mindful of this time around. I think he’s stressing himself out because of his career, and he wants to do more for me.
I tried to reassure him that he’s doing more than enough, but I’m not sure if it’s helped.
” Her voice has become softer by the end, a defeated tone taking over.
Tears start to well up in her eyes, and on instinct I pull her into my arms as best as I can, rubbing soothing circles on her back.
“Connor loves you and the kids so much. I think he feels helpless. He wants to do more and knows that in this case there’s not much to do but wait and monitor the situation.
Hockey is all about control, seeing every outcome and knowing the risks of each pass.
It’s about analyzing each play and looking at your surroundings to assess what’s the best option.
In a case like this, it’s a waiting game, and unfortunately I think he feels that loss of control. ”
She pulls away, tear marks lining her cheeks as she wipes them away. “I figured, I just wish there was something I could do for him.”
“All you can do right now is take one step at a time.
Follow your doctor's orders, relax and kick your feet up when you can, and take care of yourself. All he truly wants is to make sure you and this little one are happy and healthy at the end of the day.” It truly means a lot to me that Tasha and Connor trust me enough to confide in me about their fears.
Their whole family means everything to me, and it solidifies my goal to continue to open up to my team and create these lasting memories and connections.
With Kailyn by my side and championing me to come today, I feel like I’m on top of the world.
“Thank you for always being there for both of us. For being his closest friend and watching out for him for me.” She gives me a soft, reassuring smile just as Connor opens the sliding glass door from the patio and walks in.
“Look who finally decided to show up to the party. Regretting saying yes?” Connor walks up to his wife, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into his chest, her back to his front. His hands cradle under her stomach and lift slightly, and I instantly see the sigh of relief at this action.
“Just checking in on Tasha before I make my way out to you all. After all, she’s the only one I really wanted to see today, not all your ugly asses outside,” I tease, and he rolls his eyes at me laughing at my jokes.
“Thank you, Jake. And don’t be such a stranger. You’re always more than welcome over to ours. You can bring your girl anytime as well,” Tasha says.
I glare at Connor who has a shit-eating grin plastered on his face. “What? You know I don’t hide anything from her.”
“Yeah, I know.” I tease, rolling my eyes as we all laugh.
We chat for a few more moments, before deciding that we should join the rest of the guys outside. Connor gives his wife a quick peck on the lips before she walks toward the living room and then we make our way outside where most of the team is all gathered around.
“Hey, look who finally decided to join us! Get caught up at home with your girl?” Beckett asks.
“Actually yes, I was at home with her, and you fuckers are cutting into that time.” I jab back.
“Fuck, you really had to go there? That’s our sister, dude,” Brayden whines.
“You guys asked, and I answered. What more do you want from me?” I tease, loving this new carefree dynamic of the group.
“Listen, we might be fine with your relationship with Kailyn, but that doesn’t mean we want to hear about or see it, right twin?” Bray asks, glancing over to Brandon right next to him.
Brandon looks over at Bray, rolling his eyes before turning to me.
“I mean, I would rather not hear about our baby sister’s sexual activities, but I also know that there’s no stopping this group from teasing them, so we might as well get used to it,” he shrugs and we all laugh at how accurate that statement is, especially when Beckett is involved.
Connor opens up the grill, the smell of barbeque in the air as beers are passed around, and we all relax and chatter away.
It’s a fun day off, relaxing and recharging after the tough week we had. There’s no talk of hockey, no stress, just fun vibes and chill conversations.
I’m grateful that Kailyn convinced me to go out today.
Before this, I went out, but was never really open or into it as much.
I would show up and talk with the guys, but when it came to talk of sex and dating and anything like this, I would become disinterested.
Pull away and eventually make some excuse and leave early.
But now, I’m learning not to take for granted the moments I have with this team, my family.
As much as I want to be at home with her in my bed, I sit here and watch as all the guys laugh and chat away, and realize that I've been missing out on so many things with them, and I’m grateful to be here.