Chapter 19 #2
All eyes turn toward us. “So, uh, I know you all know who he is to you.” Bellamy giggles nervously.
“But he’s also my dad.” She looks up at William, and he smiles at her reassuringly.
We were all there for family day as Coach introduced us to his daughter.
Today, and her words, is a big step for them, for healing, and I hope it only progresses from here.
“Well, now that everyone’s here, let’s eat!” Landry calls out. Everyone laughs as we move to the kitchen to fill our plates. He’s right, the food is incredible.
After everyone is stuffed, Rowan leads Bellamy and me to two chairs in the living room that are set up next to a table full of gifts.
“Have at it.” Rowan grins.
“I’ve got pictures handled,” Amanda calls out, showing us the camera in her hands. I wasn’t sure anyone still used cameras other than photographers these days.
“And I’m making a list,” Corie says, holding up the pen and notebook in her hands.
“All you two have to do is open all the new things for your baby girl.” Rowan smiles.
“Thank you all so much for this. It’s too much,” Bellamy says.
“Like you wouldn’t do the same for us,” Sloane tells her. “Open mine first.” She winks. “It’s the pink bag with bears on it.” She points out the bag. I grab it from the table and hand it to Bellamy.
“You open. I’ll handle the trash and passing gifts,” I tell her.
That’s what we do. We're opening gift after gift, receiving so many tiny clothes and things our little girl will need. I feel myself getting choked up at the love of my friends for doing this for us.
“Last one,” I tell Bellamy, as I hand her the gift bag from her dad.
She carefully removes the tissue paper and reaches inside. She pulls out a book. “Mommy and me,” she reads and shows us the two small bears on the front cover. Reaching into the bag, she pulls out a soft, light pink blanket.
Next, she pulls out a small onesie. She reads what it says and drops it to her lap with tears in her eyes. Her lip quivers, and I glare at her father, but he doesn’t see me. He only has eyes for Bellamy.
“What’s it say?” Candice asks.
Bellamy shakes her head and hands it to me. Lifting the onesie, I read. “If you think I’m cute, you should see my mommy.” I turn it so everyone can see, and the ladies coo. Reaching over, I lace her hand with mine, showing her my support.
Candice stands and moves to where William is sitting on the other side of the room. They said brief hellos in the kitchen as we all filled our plates, but that’s been their only interaction that I’m aware of.
“You did good, Grandpa,” she says, placing her hand on his shoulder. Coach smiles up at her, and that’s when I see it.
He still loves her. It’s written plain as day all over his face. He nods and pulls his gaze back to his daughter.
Slowly, Bellamy stands, as do I, in case she needs me. She walks until she’s in front of her dad, who rises from his chair. “Thanks, Dad,” she says, her voice cracking with emotion, and she shocks us all when she steps into him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Coach stands frozen for maybe two seconds before he wraps his arms around her, closing his eyes, and relishing the moment.
“Damn allergies,” Landry grumbles, wiping at his eyes, and everyone laughs—even Bellamy and Coach.
In a few long strides, I’m standing next to them. I slide my arm around Bellamy’s waist, and Coach glares at me. “Thanks for coming,” I tell him, ignoring his glare.
“You too,” I tell Candice, leaning over to hug her with my free arm.
“Do you all need help getting all this carried out to your truck?” Cliff asks, joining us. He places his hand on the small of Candice’s back, and she peers up at him with adoration. A glance at Coach reveals him clenching his jaw.
“That would be great. Babe, we’re going to start loading all this up,” I say.
“Thank goodness the bed of your truck has a cover.” Bellamy smiles.
“Whatever won’t fit, we’ll put in mine,” Cliff assures her.
“Thank you.”
Bending, I press a quick kiss to Bellamy’s lips. “Get off your feet. I’ll be done in no time.”
“Bossy,” she says, chuckling.
“If being bossy means I’m taking care of my girls, then I’ll own that.” I kiss her again, smile at her parents, and leave the three of them to chat as Cliff and I load up all the gifts.
By the time we’re finished, Candice has her coat in her hands and is ready to go. She hugs us both, wishing us well, and we both shake hands with Cliff, and they’re out the door.
“I should go, too. Let you be with your friends,” Coach tells Bellamy.
She glances around the room, then over to me. She slides her arm around my waist and rests her hand on my chest. I return her embrace, my hand going to her bump. “They’re my family.” She says it with such conviction that it squeezes my heart inside my chest.
“I can see that.” He nods. “Congratulations, Bellamy.”
“Thanks.” She nods.
“Thanks for coming.” I offer him my hand. He stares at it before eventually taking it into his. He squeezes hard, which only makes me grin wider and return with my own force. We release hands, and with one final look at his daughter, he grabs his coat and walks out the door.
“What about your parents?” Bellamy asks.
“They couldn’t get away in time. My mom will have you for her own little shower, I’m sure of it. I told her we’d send lots of pictures.”
“All right, time for some Name that Tune!” Landry calls out as Bellamy yawns.
“You want to go?” I ask her.
“No. I’m tired, but today has been wonderful. I’m not ready for it to end just yet.”
So it doesn’t. I pull her down onto my lap, just as Knox and Landry do with their wives.
Amanda has Camden, and he’s sleeping on her chest. Baker offers to take him, but she waves him away.
Baker, Foster, and Sloane take up the couch, and we start to play.
Corie kicks our ass, just as she always does, but it feels right.
The moment, the day, the woman in my arms, and the baby in her belly.
This is right. This is my future, and I can’t wait to live it.