14. Sebastian
Chapter fourteen
Sebastian
“We’re organizing a bachelor party for you,” Wes announces as he drops into the seat next to me on the plane.
“You’re what?”
“A bachelor party. What do you call it in England?”
“A stag do,” I supply.
He snaps his fingers, pointing at me. “Yes, that.”
I shift in my seat, leaning closer to him. “While I appreciate the thought, you don’t have to. Because you know, it’s fake …”
“What are we discussing?” Hunter asks, sliding into the seat in the row in front of us.
“Nothing,” I say as Wes says, “Bachelor party.”
“We’re having it at my place, right?” Holt asks as he takes the seat next to Hunter.
Elias sits down across the aisle from us. “Count me in too.”
“We’re not doing this,” I tell them.
“We are,” Hunter says, crossing his arms. “We need to make it believable.”
“Plenty of people get married without a bachelor party.”
“Madison and the ladies are throwing a bachelorette party for Sutton at our house next Thursday night, since it’s the beginning of the break. What else are you going to do that night?” Hunter asks.
“Come on, it’ll be fun. Nothing too crazy.” Wes knocks his shoulder into mine, and I glare at my linemate.
“Fine.” I shove a hand through my hair. “But low-key. Nothing over the top.”
“Did you hear the news?” Hunter asks after a few beats of silence.
“What news?”
Hunter’s gaze lands on Elias. “Ansley’s leaving. She’s taking a job in New York.”
“What?” Holt asks.
Hunter says something, but I’m not paying attention because I’m watching Elias.
We all have our suspicions that he has a thing for Ansley.
I’ve caught him staring at her a few times when he didn’t think anyone was watching him, with the same look on his face the other guys have when they look at their spouses or partners.
Plus, Wes insists that they’re meant to be together.
He predicted Brody and Aubrey would end up together and that Holt and his ex-girlfriend weren’t right for each other.
The only time he’s been wrong is about Sutton and I, but he can’t be right every time.
Elias leans back in his seat as he runs a hand through his hair, a pained expression crossing his face.
“You alright?” Holt asks, picking up on the weird energy coming off Elias.
“Fine, just tired.” Elias says. Right.
Hunter leans closer to his brother. “Want to talk about it?”
Elias shakes his head. “I said I was fine.” He sinks back against the seat and turns to face the window.
Guess that conversation is over.
We all exchange looks, and Hunter shrugs as if to say he’ll talk when he’s ready. I settle back in my seat as the plane begins taxiing down the runway.
I’m glad we’re heading home today. We’ve been gone for five days, and I’m ready to be home. Back with Sutton. We’ve texted a few times and even talked on the phone the other night for a few minutes, but it’s not the same thing.
I miss her.
A lot.
I close my eyes as the plane takes off and the next thing I know, Wes is shaking me awake as the plane is taxiing down the runway in Orlando. I blink, rolling my shoulders and neck.
“Shit, man, you were out. You feeling alright?” Wes asks.
I rub a hand down my face. “I’m good. Tired.”
But unlike when Elias said it, I mean it.
I didn’t sleep well this entire trip. I woke up multiple times each night worried about Sutton and the baby.
One night, I even had a nightmare that she went into labor and I couldn’t get to her.
Which is crazy, because first of all, she’s a day or two shy of twelve weeks pregnant, and second of all, I won’t be here when she does go into labor in September.
I’ll be running my family’s farm. She won’t be part of my life.
I swallow a few times, feeling like I have a golf ball sized lump lodged in my throat.
Wes gives me a knowing look. “I never sleep as well on trips because the bed is too empty, too cold.” I raise my eyebrows. “You know, because Hadley’s not there. It was never an issue before, but once you start sharing your bed with the love of your life.” He shakes his head.
“Can’t say that’s my problem.”
Yes, it is. Who the hell am I kidding? I haven’t slept well even at home since Sutton began sleeping in the guest room.
“Right. Sure, man.” He pats me on the arm before getting to his feet and heading down the aisle.
I roll my eyes but follow him off the plane. A few minutes later, I’m climbing into my SUV and heading home, to Sutton. I shouldn’t be this excited to see her because we’re just friends, and this marriage is fake. But I can’t help how I feel. Even if there is an expiration date on it.
When I step into my condo forty-five minutes later, I’m greeted by Bert and Ernie who weave their way through my legs.
“Hey, guys.” I lean down and pet them. “Where’s your mama?”
Leaving my suitcase in the hallway by the door, I take off my shoes and walk farther into the house, the cats following behind me.
I find Sutton lying on the couch fast asleep with the TV on, playing the reality show she likes.
The soft glow from the lamp on the side table is the only other light source.
I memorize the sight—her stretched out on the couch, a blanket tucked around her, her hair loose around her face.
She looks peaceful, like she belongs here.
I rub my chest. I can’t get attached to her.
I mean, I can, but then my heart will break when this is over.
She’s turned me down. She doesn’t want this to be more than fake.
And even if she did, I’m leaving. I can’t ask her to go with me.
Her life and career are here. Mine no longer will be at the end of the season.
Or you could hire someone, convince your mum to be okay with it, and stay here, with her.
With a resigned sigh, I step into the living room and gently tug the controller out of her hand, turning off the television before leaning down and rubbing her arm. “Sutton, love.”
“Mmmm,” she mumbles, blinking her eyes open. “You’re home.”
“I am. I just walked in.”
“What time is it?”
“After eleven.” Our game in Dallas today went into overtime. So even though it was an early afternoon game, by the time we got on the plane, it was already almost eight central time.
“That was a good pass to Hunter.”
I grin. “You saw it? You watched the game?”
“Of course.” I know it was only an assist, but I’m a defenseman, and we don’t get many points a season.
“I watch pretty much all the games. That way I know if there’s something we should be worried about.
” I deflate a little when I realize she watches the games because of her job, but she still saw my assist.
I clear my throat. “Before I forget, would you be up for a video chat with my mum early tomorrow afternoon? I know it’s last minute.”
“That works. I need to do laundry and run some errands, but otherwise, I have no plans.
“Okay, I’m thinking maybe two or three.”
“Sounds good. Text me if I’m not home.” She yawns again. “I’m going to go to bed. Night.”
“Night.” I try to hide the disappointment in my voice as I head back to the front door and grab my suitcase before making my way into my room. I’d hoped we could watch TV together, hang out, but I understand she’s tired.
“Hi, Mum,” I greet her when she picks up the video call the next afternoon.
“Hi, Bash. You doing okay, yeah?”
“I’m good. I have someone I want you to meet.” I gesture for Sutton, who walks over. “Mum, this is my girlfriend, Sutton. Sutton, this is my mum, Elizabeth.”
“Oh, it’s wonderful to finally meet you.” Mum squeals, clapping her hands.
“Hi, Mrs. Henderson. Nice to meet you.”
“No, no, dear, please call me Elizabeth or Liz, or even Mum.”
Sutton shifts next to me, and I reach over and tug her onto my lap. She’s stiff for a few seconds but eventually relaxes into me.
“So, tell me about yourself, Sutton, because Bash here has told me nothing.” She glares at me, and I chuckle.
“Bash, eh?” Sutton peeks at me over her shoulder before turning back to the screen.
“There’s not that much to tell. I work in public relations and marketing.
I’m originally from upstate New York. I’ve lived in Florida since I came here for college.
” She taps her chin. “I have two cats.” She lets out a nervous giggle.
“I like her, Bash.” She grins at Sutton before focusing on me. “See, even more of a reason for you not to move back.” I widen my eyes. We’re really going there now? She addresses Sutton, “Has he told you his crazy idea to move back here and be a farmer?” She lets out a bark of laughter.
“Mum.”
“We’ve talked about it,” Sutton says.
“You seem like a smart woman, Sutton. What do you think?” Mum asks.
Sutton shifts in my lap, fiddling with her thumb ring.
“Mum,” I warn.
“I think he should do whatever is going to make him happiest. I’m sure it’s a tough spot to be in,” Sutton says, peeking back at me before focusing on my mum.
“It is. That’s why I think it’s time to sell.”
I rear back. What? I blink a few times, wondering if I misheard her. She’s got to be kidding right now. I mean, I know she’s thinking about it because Harriet told me, but still. “No.”
“Bash …”
“Mum, you can’t—”
“So, when are you two coming to visit?” Mum asks.
Whiplash much? I tighten my hold on Sutton. “I don’t know.”
“Maybe we can have another video chat so your sisters can meet Sutton? I know they’d like that,” Mum says.
“Maybe. If the timing works out. But we need to talk about you wanting to sell the farm.”
She waves away my comment, and I frown. “I’ll text you when I know Charlotte is going to be in town, and I’ll make sure Harriet can stop by too. I’m sure they’ll both jump at the chance to meet the woman who their big brother has fallen for.”
“Mum,” I scold. “Back to the farm …”
“There’s nothing to discuss. I’ve got to run. Love you. Speak soon,” Mum says before ending the call.
I sigh as Sutton gets off my lap. I let her go even though I don’t want to.
“That went well,” she says.
I tug at the back of my neck. “I sure hope so. Bloody hell, I’m sorry she brought up the whole me moving home.
She shouldn’t have.” I shake my head. “And meeting my sisters. I know that wasn’t part of our arrangement.
Then she throws in the idea of selling. She knew I wouldn’t argue too much with you on the phone. ”
Sutton holds up her hand. “I don’t mind meeting your sisters. It’s not a big deal, and besides, you’re marrying me, it’s the least I can do for you. As for her asking me what she did, she’s worried about you.”
“I know she is. I probably should have just told her my idea for hiring someone. I just didn’t want to bring it up without my sister’s support. I feel like it’s a good compromise, though.”
“It is,” she says before yawning. “I think I’m going to go take a nap.”
“Want to have dinner together tonight? That way we can talk through any things we need to finalize for the wedding.”
“Sure.”
“I was going to make myself roasted vegetables and chicken with wild rice on the side. I can cook you whatever you’d like. There’s more of that pasta dish you liked in the freezer.”
“Chicken and vegetables are fine.” I nod. “I’m going to go lie down.” She points over her shoulder.
“Have a good nap.”
She disappears down the hallway, and then there’s a thunk as her bedroom door closes. Bloody hell. I roughly shove a hand through my hair. My phone dings with a message from my mum.
Mum: Nice to meet your girlfriend, finally. Was beginning to think she wasn’t real. You two seem smitten.
I shove my phone away. If only she knew.
“Still tired?” I ask Sutton after she yawns for the fourth time in the last fifteen minutes.
“I slept for a good three hours this afternoon, and I’m still tired.
It’s frustrating. Feels as though I’m barely functioning most days, and I’m only twelve weeks along.
” She studies her half-eaten plate of food.
“I’m sure it’s going to get worse the bigger the baby grows.
How am I supposed to do this?” She sets her fork down and rests her elbows on the table, dropping her head into her hands.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
I shove my plate away and am on my feet in seconds, rushing around to her side.
“Hey, it’s okay. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be mean.” I tentatively run a hand down her back as I kneel next to her.
“You weren’t. I’m just so out of sorts.”
“Is this normal? Do you want to call your doctor?”
I realize how little I know about pregnancy.
I need to buy a book or ask Hunter if he has one I can borrow so I’m more prepared.
We’ll be living together for at least another three or four months, depending on if we make it to the playoffs and how far we go.
I want to be able to support her in the best way possible.
She sniffles, looking up at me. “The pregnancy book says it is, but it’s so frustrating. There’s so many things I need to do, want to do, and I don’t have the energy.”
“What can I do?”
“It’s okay, I’ll figure it out.”
“Tell me what I can do. I want to help you.”
She’s silent for a few seconds, and I think she’s going to refuse my help, but she doesn’t.
“I need to finish the laundry I started earlier. Figure out what I’m eating this week.
There’s clothes that are still packed that I wanted to unpack.
I need to put gas in my car. I meant to do it this afternoon, but I was exhausted. ”
“Let’s finish eating, and I’ll go put gas in your car.
I can help you with the laundry too, if you’re fine with that.
” I probably shouldn’t offer to help with laundry, because I don’t want to accidentally see her underwear or bras.
I wonder what kind she wears. All black?
Lace? Colorful? Now I’m thinking about Sutton’s panties. Great. Get it together.
She blushes, nodding.
“How about I bring you lunch tomorrow after we’re done with morning skate so you don’t have to worry about it?”
“That’s too much …”
“No, it’s not. Let. Me. Help. You.”
She blows out a breath, wiping her eyes. “Thank you.”
I get to my feet. “Let’s finish dinner, then we can tackle your to-do list.”
That’s how I spend the rest of the evening, helping Sutton with all the things she needs to get done before the beginning of the work week. Definitely not what I was planning, but I’d do anything for her. To help her. To make things easier for her.