Hooked (TKO 2)

She’s resting her hand on her stomach. “Ah, I get it now. Is it too early to claim I have pregnancy brain? I totally knew that’s what you were talking about.”

“Yeah, sure. You can’t fool me.” I laugh.

“So, has Hilary been to the doctor yet?” she asks, changing the subject.

“Actually, she’s going today. Her mom is bringing her. I wanted to be there, but I have a fight tonight and Howard wants to make sure I’m prepared. Speaking of, where are they?”

“Around here somewhere,” she says, waving her hand. This place isn’t that big. I should have seen them by now. It’s nothing but concrete walls and mats, for crying out loud.

“In the office?”

“Maybe. I honestly don’t know. By the way, I’ll be there tonight to cheer you on. Are you bringing Hilary? I can keep her company and she can tell me about this baby because I still haven’t heard anything from her about it.”

“Are you jealous?”

She glares at me. “Don’t forget who brought you two together.”

“Yes, mother. Let me help you up. I need to find Howard and get to work.”

“You’re bossy.” She whines as she places her hand in mine. I stand to my feet before helping her up. She walks into the office, and Howard and Garrett emerge.

“There you two are. Any word on who I’m against tonight?”

“No word from Blaize yet, but if I hear before this evening, I’ll let you know.”

I nod in understanding, and make my way back to the mat. My adrenaline is flowing and this is only practice. I can’t wait until tonight.

***

Hilary is waiting outside when I pull up. She’s wearing a smile on her face, and I can’t wait to hear what she has to say. I talked to her earlier and asked about the doctor but she insisted on telling me in person. I lean over and open the door for her.

“I got to hear the heartbeat today,” she exclaims as she hops into the seat. “Gosh, you should have heard it! It was the most amazing thing.”

“That’s

awesome. So, now what?”

“Well, right now I go to the doctor once a month. In a few months, I’ll have an ultrasound and it just goes from there. They did ask about the father, and I briefly explained the biological father will not have any role. My mom informed them I have a great guy who will be the perfect father to my baby.”

“Sounds like you had a great visit. So, if I ever go to an appointment are they going to look at me like I’m crazy?”

“Never. I won’t let them. Is Raegan going to be there tonight?” she asks, sounding hopeful.

“Yeah, she will be. I want you to stay by her when I fight. She’ll make sure no one bumps into you or anything, and don’t be mad but she already knows about the baby.”

“You told her?”

“Yeah. Please don’t be upset.”

“I’m not. Honestly, I was wondering if you’d be able to keep quiet.”

I reach over and lace her fingers with mine. “I was going to keep it quiet for as long as you wanted me to, but I couldn’t. I haven’t told my dad yet. I should probably do that soon.”

She nods, knowing it’s inevitable. I can’t just start showing up with a baby around my house and not tell him anything.

I pull up to my usual parking spot, and the tension begins to build inside me. My palms are growing sweaty and the urge to vomit comes over me, but I regain my control and help Hilary out of the truck.

“Good luck tonight,” she tells me, softly kissing my cheek.