They are talking quickly in Russian and I’m doing my best to keep up, but I’ve never been able to catch on. We make our way into the house, where Luca has a small spread of snack foods laid out.
Mama, Papa, Luca, and I spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying each other’s company. It’s great having everyone together. I do my best to keep my emotions in check because I’m on the verge of shouting that I’m pregnant. I refrain from it.
On the way to the game, Luca holds my hand. Feeling his touch reminds me of last night. I’m hoping it won’t be the last time that we’ll ever be together. It won’t be. Luca might be mad at first but he’ll come around. The Luca I know is a caring, loving man. He loves his family. He loved Valeria. He’s going to be an amazing father.
The arena is packed as Bucks fans are out in full force. The energy is pulsing from the game last night. Mama, Papa, and I find our seats behind the players' bench. They are the best seats because I can see Luca the whole time.
I can see the determination on Luca’s face when he skates out. I love his hockey face. I love that look of a winner. I’m lucky I get to see all sides of him: fun, playful, loving, and serious. That’s Luca.
That’s my Luca.
And now I’m having his baby.
The game is fast paced and before I know it, it’s almost over. The Bucks are in the lead by one and Hudson King of Portland is pushing hard against Luca. But Luca isn’t one to back down. The battle is tight until the final buzzer.
Bucks win 2-1 and are holding the series at 2-0.
Mama, Papa, and I are clapping the loudest as the Bucks salute the fans and skate off. I catch Luca’s eyes and he gives me a quick wink.
Man, I love him.
The ride home is a lot of talking between Papa and Luca. Papa is proud of his son and it’s great to see their interaction, even if I don’t understand most of what they’re saying.
When we get home, I say goodnight to everyone. I told them I hadn’t been feeling well and I’m glad that excuse worked because they don’t ask anymore.
I quickly change and crawl into bed. The tears fall again as I place my hand on my belly. There’s a life in there. A life that Luca and I created together. The baby will be here in the December. A winter baby. A Christmas baby.
“Hadley, you feeling okay?” Luca crawls in next to me.
“Just an upset stomach and I’m tired. Go visit your family. I’m okay.”
Luca kisses my forehead and heads out of the bedroom.
~ ~ ~
Luca has the suitcase on the bed and begins throwing things into it. Game three and four will be in Portland. I sit on the edge of the bed and watch him. I don’t want to tell him right now, but there’s no other good time.
“Luca, we need to talk.” I try to not let my voice crack.
“About what, baby?”
“Us. It’s important.” I know that if I say that, he’ll pay attention.
Luca stops everything with a concerned look on his face. “What is it?”
“You know I went to the doctor yesterday, right? He gave me some news that we need to discuss. I don’t want you to overact. I want to talk.”
“Overreact? Hadley, what’s wrong? Are you sick?” Luca’s face pales a little.
“Luca, I love you more than anything in this world.” Let’s get that out in the open. Here I go. “I’m pregnant.”
He says nothing at first. He sits on the bed and I immediately know he’s upset. He’s too quiet. “I don’t want kids, Hadley. We don’t want kids.”
“I know we talked about that in the beginning, but we’ve been together for ten years. I’m almost thirty and you are thirty.” I stand up and face him. “We made this baby out of our love and we’re going to raise it together.” Luca’s face is stone and I can see the rage building. “Please, don’t look at me that way.”
He shakes his head. “No. It’s always been no kids. Even when I brought up our engagement, I said, ‘We’re never having kids.’ You agreed. I don’t want it.”
“It’s not an it!” I raise my voice. “This is our baby. I told you that we wouldn’t have kids at that time. I know this is hard for you. Hell, it’s hard for me, too and I’m scared. However, we can get through it together. Luca, I need you to be here for me and our baby.”