Chapter 18
ALLY
“If your water breaks because you’re celebrating too hard, I won’t know what to do,” Darcy said, laughing as I clapped my hands when the three stars of the game were announced.
I watched the screen to see a close-up of Dom’s sweaty, gorgeous face as he was named second star, and he gave me his little salute. That gesture heated up my body more than it should have. It was cute and sweet, and ugh, I wanted to kiss that man right now.
“Don’t be grouchy because your team lost,” I teased.
Penny chuckled. “It was a close game, but you guys played hard, and the bounces just didn’t go our way.”
“It was a solid team effort, and we just got a few great starts. Got the puck in deep,” I said, repeating the canned answers players always used during media interviews.
“Do we watch too much hockey?” Darcy asked.
“Never.” I’d spent my entire life watching hockey. I guess it was only fitting that I’d ended up with a hockey player, even if Dom and I had gone about it in an unconventional way.
“I’m so glad we got you up here tonight,” Brooke said, holding a sleeping Violet in her arms.
“It’s a mini Strikers reunion,” Penny said. “We miss both of you in San Francisco, but your new team is okay, I guess.”
“Don’t be salty that we won,” I teased, beyond happy that they were here with me tonight. I missed them so much.
“She’s fully switched teams, hasn’t she? Don’t let Ethan know. Maybe switch your jersey before we go down to see the guys.” Penny winked.
“Absolutely not. Especially after Ethan drilled Dom into the boards. We talked about this before the game,” I said, remembering that I’d specifically told my brother to play nice. Yeah, it was hockey, but that hit was barely clean.
“You’ve fallen for him, haven’t you?” Penny asked.
I swallowed. “Um, maybe?”
Her smile was blinding. “About damn time. And Ethan will deal with it. You look so happy, Ally. And yeah, I’m bummed that you’re here and not at home with the rest of the family, but I think you made the right decision for you and the baby. You’re clearly thriving.”
Penny’s words warmed my heart, and I fought back the lump in my throat.
“And we’re very happy to have her here,” Brooke said, shooting me another grin. “Okay, ladies, this was fun, but I need to get this girl to bed, so I’m saying good night.”
A short while later, we headed down to the player’s area. We figured that showers and media were probably done, and I was ready to get home. Darcy was staying through tomorrow, so at least I didn’t have to say goodbye to her just yet, but Penny was heading home in the morning, and the Strikers were off to their next destination tonight.
“I wish I was staying longer. I want to go Christmas shopping with both of you. Maybe we can swing by Anna’s bakery before I head out in the morning,” Penny said. “It sounds amazing.”
“It is. You will fall in love with the cranberry cinnamon scone.” I hadn’t spent nearly enough time there because Dom was always bringing boxes of treats home.
“Ally, it looks like your brother and Domenic still aren’t getting along on the ice. How do you feel about that?” A reporter called out.
I spun. “What?”
He looked down at my belly. “Pregnant by your brother’s old teammate. Harty’s always been known as a nice guy, but he’s not looking really friendly with Tremblay. Does it bother you?”
“Excuse you, but that is none of your damn business,” Penny said, wrapping her arm around me and glaring at the reporter.
“Agreed. You do not ask family members personal questions about the players,” Cora said, coming up next to me. “Ignore them. They want dirt that isn’t there,” she said softly to me before turning her attention back to the irritating reporter. “Don’t look for fictional drama for clickbait. Focus on actually reporting on the game.”
Then she and Penny steered me away from the reporter, with Darcy following closely behind. It wasn’t the first time I’d been asked about Dom and Ethan’s relationship, but the media had mostly left me alone after the initial reveal the last time the Strikers and Stampede had played against each other. I rarely came down here after a game, preferring to stay in the family suite until Dom came up to get me, so I never usually had to hear these questions. Add in the fact that the Strikers were in town, Ethan had gotten a little rough on the ice, and some of the reporters were clearly looking for clicks.
“There she is.” Tally came out first and headed straight for Cora. “What’s this for? Am I punching someone?” he asked, taking in her pissed expression.
Cora gave my shoulder a squeeze and then leaned in to kiss her boyfriend. “Just media being dicks to Ally,” she said when she stepped back after a quick kiss.
“What? Who?” Tally said, looking at me.
“It’s fine. They just want dirt because Ethan decided to be a dumb brother and knock Dom into the boards a bit rough,” I said.
“It was an exaggerated hit, but Dom’s fine,” Tally said. “Anything you need me to say to the reporters?”
“Thanks, but it’s fine. Ignoring them is easier,” I said.
“No kidding,” Cora said. “They just piss me off sometimes.”
Tally leaned in, and I swore I heard him say something about liking her riled up. Cora blushed bright pink and curled her hand into his chest.
“What’s this about a reporter?” Dom asked, his voice harsh.
I jumped. He’d popped up out of nowhere, and his jaw was tight. I wanted to kiss him right at that moment, so that’s exactly what I did.
“Hi,” I said before I gripped his tie and pulled his mouth down to mine. I swallowed his soft groan, and my body shuddered as he snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me in close.
Well, as close as my belly allowed at this point.
I swore I heard Darcy’s sigh. Kissing Dom like this in front of my family and friends was really going to drive home the fact that we weren’t just roommates anymore, but I didn’t care.
“Stop kissing my sister.” My brother’s voice carried down the hallway.
Dom gave me a reassuring squeeze before he broke the kiss.
“Ethan, just stop,” Penny said, standing next to him as he glared at us.
“They’re looking very couple-y right now,” he grumbled.
“And you have to deal with it,” she fired back. I grinned at my sister-in-law and she gave me a smirk.
“And you also have to not push him into the boards just because you’re grouchy,” I said, turning in Dom’s arms so he was still holding me while I narrowed my eyes at my brother. We were gathering a crowd of players from both teams, and I caught Baz grinning. At least we were out of sight of the media.
“Come on, Ally. It was just a normal hockey hit. So, is he making you happy, then?” Ethan asked, moving toward me.
“Yes, he is,” I said, loving Dom’s presence at my back and the fact that he wasn’t trying to step in or speak over me.
“I don’t have to be happy about it,” my brother grumbled, “but I also don’t like you glaring at me.”
I laughed softly. “Then stop trying to injure him on purpose.”
“So accidentally is okay?” Ethan asked with a smile.
“Oh, knock it off,” Penny said, pinching her husband’s side. “We’re happy for Ally and Dom and our little niece, and that’s the end of it. And no gunning for Dom, got it?”
“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered to her. “Now, is he going to let you go long enough for me to hug you before I have to get on the team bus to the airport?”
I laughed. “Yes. Of course.”
Dom dropped his arm and I was pulled into a hug with my brother. There was nothing like a hug from Ethan.
“I hate that you won’t be home for Christmas. You’re going to make me be more social with Darren,” he complained.
“Just keep ignoring them, and I’ll be there next year,” I said.
“So, is this thing real with Dom? Because if he hurts you, I will hurt him even more.”
I pulled back and looked my brother in the face. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but this is working for now, and I’m happy.”
“Good. You look great. I know I told you that earlier, but you do. And I can’t wait for her to get here,” he said before he gave me another light squeeze.
“Thanks, Ethan. He’s been really wonderful. I mean it.”
“He better be, or he’s got an entire team of Strikers that will go after him,” Ethan said, sending a quick glance over my shoulder at Dom.
I stepped out of the hug. “All right, enough of that.”
He shrugged. “Sorry. I can’t help it.”
Then Dom was linking his fingers with mine. I knew Ethan saw it immediately.
“I’m not going to hurt either of them, Harty. Your sister means a lot to me,” Dom said.
It wasn’t a declaration of love, but it still warmed my heart.
DOM
She nestled back against me, her ass brushing against my cock, and it took everything in me not to sink inside of her, but she hadn’t been up for sex in the last week. I couldn’t blame her. She was about to give birth, and if I was that far into growing a human who liked sitting on my bladder, I wouldn’t want anyone touching me, either. Of course, my cock was struggling to get the message.
We were less than two weeks from her due date. The nursery was done, and we’d settled into a rhythm that I knew was going to go up in flames as soon as our daughter arrived.
I couldn’t fucking wait.
And I was so damn nervous. I kept my fears internal because she didn’t need my baggage right now, but I was terrified of being a shitty dad. We’d been playing house for the last few months, and I loved sharing my space with her, but I was still panicked about what would happen once she gave birth.
She stirred against me. Her delectable ass shoved all my freaked-out thoughts aside, and I pressed a kiss to the back of her neck. My hand rested on top of her belly, which was as far as I could get my arms around her since that damn pregnancy pillow was tucked in against her front. She’d tried to sleep with the entire thing wrapped around her body, but I’d adjusted it so I could be at her back instead.
Yeah, it was selfish, but she didn’t seem to mind.
“I have to pee,” she muttered, and I couldn’t stop my soft laugh.
She shifted to glare at me. “It’s her fault,” she grumbled as she tried to maneuver herself out of bed. I jumped up to help her.
“Put that away.” She pointed to my tented boxer briefs. “How are you even turned on right now?” She gestured to her belly.
“Because you are beautiful, and your body is banging. Don’t even get me started on your tits,” I said, winking.
She huffed out a breath. “You’re really annoying this morning.”
“How about you pee and do whatever, and I’ll make you breakfast?”
“Just ’cause you’re charming doesn’t mean I want your dick near me,” she mumbled, and I bit back a laugh. I figured it was in my best interest not to mention how she was rubbing up against me just a few minutes ago.
“Whatever you need, Ally,” I said, leaning in and giving her a kiss.
She sank into me, her lips parting. Then she pulled back. “Peeing. I need to be peeing. Stop seducing me.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle before darting out of the room. I wasn’t waiting around for her to throw something at me.
My phone pinged with a text as I put bread in the toaster.
Dad: Did you get me my seats for the game?
Dad: You looked like you were favoring your right shoulder last night. Harty got you good for knocking up his sister, didn’t he?
Dad: Still can’t believe you didn’t wrap your shit up.
Dad: Get me two tickets. Dirk wants to come.
I took in a deep breath and stared up at the ceiling. It’s not like I could avoid dealing with the man since we were scheduled to play in Montreal next week.
Dom: I gave Mom my tickets.
It was a lie, but fuck him.
Dad: Don’t be a shit. Your mother hates hockey. I’m the one who took you to every practice and every game since you were five years old.
Dad: And I know you can get more than enough tickets for both of us. Opposite sides of the ice, of course. I don’t need her glaring at me while I’m taking notes on your playing.
Yeah. Can’t have that.
I should have loved playing in my hometown, even if I was on a different team. Instead, I dreaded the Montreal trips every time. After the game was over, I’d end up with a pages-long message about what I should be doing. As much as I’d wanted to play for my home team, I was grateful every day that they hadn’t selected me during the draft. I’d also added them to my no-movement clause when I’d signed my new contract with the Stampede over the summer so I couldn’t get traded there.
“You okay?” Ally asked, walking into the kitchen. She’d pulled on her standard outfit for hanging at home: leggings and one of my hockey shirts. It stretched a little snugly over her belly now that she was about ready to pop. I hoped her wardrobe didn’t change after our daughter was born. I loved seeing her wearing my name.
Fuck. She’d probably punch me for saying that.
“What?” I asked, tugging her close to me.
“You looked frustrated or something,” she said, running her thumb along my palm.
“My father’s being a dick as usual. It’s fine. We’re just heading to Montreal, so he wants tickets to the game so he can critique my play,” I said.
“Are you serious?” she asked.
“Yeah. It’s what he does.” We’d talked a little about my parents because I didn’t want her to think that I wasn’t introducing her because of her and our baby. It would kill me if Ally thought for one second that I was hiding her from my family instead of protecting her from their toxicity and bullshit.
“But you’re amazing out there,” she said. “Like, crazy good.”
“I know, right?” I teased. She swatted my chest and rolled her eyes. I took the opportunity to tug her even closer so I could press a kiss to her neck, loving the shudder that rolled through her.
“Dom,” she whispered.
With a groan, I dropped her hand and reached up, cupping her face so I could kiss her properly, and thoughts of my dad’s texts disappeared.
I’d deal with him later. For now, I had this gorgeous woman in my arms, and I was not letting her go.
***
“Who’s blowing up your phone?” Micah asked a few days later as we sat down across from each other on the team plane and had lunch.
We’d beaten Toronto the night before and were now on our way to Montreal. I tried to ignore the dread that kept cropping up when I thought about the upcoming game—or, more accurately, the upcoming presence of my father. At least I wouldn’t have time to grab a meal or a drink with him. We had practice this afternoon, and I refused to let him fuck up my game day rituals and focus before the game tomorrow.
I’d gotten him his damn tickets, so at least he wasn’t bitching about that anymore.
“Is it Ally? Oh shit. She’s not going into labor right now, is she?” Micah asked.
“Don’t even say that out loud,” I implored. It was one of my biggest fears that she would go into labor while I was on a road trip and couldn’t help her. This was why players and their partners tried to plan getting pregnant during the season and give birth during the summer.
I bit back a snort. Not that we’d planned any of this, of course. I just had to hope that Baby Girl would wait until I was at least at home and able to help Ally before she went into labor.
“It’s getting close,” Micah said.
Tally slipped into the seat next to Micah. “Like weeks away.”
“Yeah, I know. And no, it’s just my parents texting since we’re heading to Montreal,” I said.
“They coming to the game?” Tally asked.
“Unfortunately,” I muttered.
“What?” Tally asked.
“Nothing. My dad is your standard hockey-is-life dad. Still critiquing my game. It’s irritating, but I’ve learned to ignore it.” I hoped I sounded like I didn’t care.
And it wasn’t that I did. It just grated that he still got in my business and thought he knew how I could play better.
Micah quirked a brow but didn’t say anything else.
“You’re playing great, so it doesn’t matter what he says. I think Ally’s your good luck charm,” Tally said.
I grinned. “That’s why I’m not letting her go.”
“Another one bites the dust,” Sin sang, taking the seat next to me.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“Dropping like flies on this team. Tally, Timmy, Santa, now you. We’re supposed to be the hot team of single guys. It’s part of our appeal,” Sin said.
Tally rolled his eyes. “Speaking of ignoring people.”
“I get no love from any of you,” Sin pouted before biting into his sandwich.
I shook my head at his antics and focused on my own food, telling myself that I’d deal with responding to my mother later. I didn’t have the energy right now. She had asked if I’d be home for Christmas, and when I told her that I wouldn’t because either the baby would be here or Ally would be overdue, she replied, “Oh yeah, that’s happening.”
Of course, she then followed it up by complaining about seeing my dad out in town with his latest flavor of the month.
The last thing I wanted to talk about was my father and whoever he was with at the moment. I didn’t understand why Mom had to bring him up. It’d been years since the divorce. And she clearly wasn’t aiming for grandparent of the year since she obviously didn’t give a fuck about the upcoming birth of my child. My decision to keep both of them away from Ally and the baby seemed smarter with each passing day.
Having such a shit example of parenting continued to niggle in the back of my brain, and I hated thinking I wouldn’t be enough for Ally and our daughter when the time came.