32. Bertie #3
“How are you liking the game?” Kayla asks, coming to stand beside me.
“It’s so cool seeing it like this. I only went to a few games in college and Luke, and I weren’t together at the time, so I wasn’t pay attention to everything like I am now. I want to learn all there is to know now.”
“Don’t worry.” She gives me a pat on the shoulder. “You’ll pick it up in no time, trust me.”
She walks over to one of the women she introduced me to earlier, Kendra I think her name was.
Rosie grabs her own plate and joins me in snagging things from the buffet. “This food looks delicious.”
“It really does.”
My stomach growls in appreciation, demanding to be filled.
Once my plate is piled with everything I want, I return to my spot.
The guys are already on the ice, so my eyes scan the bench for Luke’s jersey.
When I don’t spot it my gaze shoots to the ice in search of him and there he is, practically sprinting across the ice in his skates.
“He looks good out there,” Rosie says, joining me. I look around for Daire and spot him at a couch in the corner with a sleepy looking Sammy.
“He really does.”
The game ends with the Nashville Reign winning 3-2. My cheers are so loud that I’m positive the whole arena can hear me.
We pack up our stuff and Kayla catches me before we leave.
“Since it’s the first home game of the season the guys will come back out on the ice before they hit the showers so that we can go down and see them. I don’t know if other coach’s do the same thing, but Coach Klein is big on the importance of family.”
“That sounds fun.” My voice is so full of excitement that it takes me by surprise.
I think that’s the most energetic I’ve sounded in months about something.
I’m so happy for him, though, that he was able to get ice time, but also that he’s out there living his dream. I can’t imagine how it feels for him.
We stay in the suite until the arena has cleared out and then we all make our way down to the ice. Despite trying to take some of my stuff, Daire insists on handling the baby’s seat and diaper bag as well as the things he brought for Sammy.
As we descend, Rosie whispers to me, “It’s so fucking hot when he shows how capable he is. He’s so getting laid tonight.” She pauses and adds, “If we don’t pass out asleep first.”
It’s another fifteen or so minutes before the guys enter back through the tunnel. I stand on my tiptoes, searching for Luke.
Turning to Jocelyn, I say, “Why don’t you go see him first?”
She’s his mom, and she’s gone through this entire journey with him, so it only makes sense for her to congratulate him first.
She shakes her head. “Oh, no. Sweetie, you go see him. I’m sure he’s dying to see you and Rory.”
I glance toward the guys on the ice and their loved ones going out to greet them. I bite my lip, unsure. We might’ve finally put a label on us but doubt still lingers heavily in my mind. I hate that it’s there when Luke has shown in every way he can how much he cares about me.
“Um … all right,” I say and take the baby from her. His eyes are half-open, and he gives a tiny yawn. “I know, sweet boy. We’ll go home soon.”
I ease toward the ice and before I can step out Luke is there, towering above me even more than usual with his skates on.
“Hi, baby,” he says in the sweetest voice that instantly has me swooning before he’s even leaned down to kiss me. His lips are warm despite the chill of the ice coming off the rink. “Can I have my boy?” he asks, holding out his hands eagerly.
I bite my lip nervously, but I trust Luke so if he thinks it’s fine, I’m going to believe him.
He takes Rory in a gentle hold and cradles him to his chest. His hand practically swallows Rory’s head whole as he adjusts the baby into a better position. Rory brings one little fist up near his face.
Ducking his head, Luke says, “I see you put him in the teddy bear outfit?”
“It’s cute and you got it for him.”
His lips tick up on the corners. “Ride home with me.”
“What?” I look up at him dumbly.
He laughs. “Instead of having Daire and Rosie take you home, ride with me.”
“What about your mom?”
“She can come with us too. I want to be with my family. If you’re not too tired that is. I promise to shower quickly.”
“I don’t want you to rush.”
“I just really want to go home with you guys in the car. I don’t get enough time with you.”
“You’re working,” I remind him.
“I know, but I feel like I’m missing out on so much.”
My heart breaks at the genuine hurt in his voice. “We’ll wait for you. Promise.”
He kisses me again. “Thank you. I…” He catches himself and my heart jolts, wondering exactly what he was going to say after that. His Adam’s apple bobs. “I appreciate it.”
“Where should we wait?”
“There’s a room down here for family to wait. Ask a staff member and they’ll show you.”
Some of the guys have already headed back down the tunnel so Luke guides me over and off the ice before he deposits Rory back in my arms. He gives me one last, lingering kiss and then he’s gone joining his teammates.