“What? Not when I’m what, Taylor?”
“Listen, don’t get mad at Elles. But she told me...”
“What did she tell you?”
“That you were... you know...”
“Oh my God. Did that bitch tell you I was pregnant?”
“Ye dinnae think I deserved to know?”
“No, Taylor. I didn’t think you deserved to know because it’s not true.”
“Hen, she said you told her you were late.”
“Yes. I was a couple days late because I was stressed out.”
“How do you know it’s because you’re stressed? What if you’re late because—”
“Taylor, I’m on birth control, and if you must know, my period started yesterday. Right after she left.”
All his bravado vanished, and he looked at me, embarrassment clear on his face.
“I’m sorry. I overreacted.”
I chuckled. “You think? Do you really think I would not tell you if I thought I was pregnant?”
“Aye. Not right now. I wouldn’t deserve to know.”
“Yes, you would. Why would you say that?”
“Is that something you’re ready for now? Kids?”
“Yeah, I want everything with you. Even if it means I have to start baking and manage the business remotely when you get traded, if that happens.”
“I’m not going to be traded.”
“Really? But it’s still a possibility, right? I mean, we’d be stupid to think it wasn’t?”
“No, I’m not going to be, because depending on what the doctor says, this season might be my last with the Cyclones. If not, I’ll give it one more with the NHL. Then I’m retiring.”
“You’re not doing this for me, are you? Taylor, I’ll never forgive myself if you give up your whole life’s dream because of me.”
“No. I’m not doing it because of you. I’m doing it because I need to. My knee is shot. It’s a disaster. I need to let it rest, and that includes not playing hockey. I’ve already been in touch with my agent, and there’s an assistant coaching position open that will allow me to stay on with the Cyclones after my contract is up. All I have to do is accept the offer.”
“There is? That’s amazing.”
“Yeah, it really is. Apparently, Maverick has been trying to talk to me about it for weeks, but...”
“You wouldn’t answer your phone.”
“Exactly.”
“So,” I started, leaning into his side. “What are you going to say?”
“My favorite word. The best thing you’ve ever said to me, in fact.”
“What is that?”