Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

“Because Shaw won’t let me discuss the fallout. He’s spoken to Caldwell and is ready to deal with whatever comes our way. He plans to continue all classes with her, attend all appointments, and participate in anything dealing with the baby. He’s even agreed to attend one baby shower with her family. All we hope is that she comes around when she finds out about our engagement. I’m not holding my breath, but he’s prepared.”

“How are you going to tell her?”

“I have no idea.” I shrug and look down at the ring on my finger. “It’s kinda hard to miss the ring.”

“No fucking doubt about that.” She chuckles.

“For the first time since this whole debacle started, I think it’s going to be okay. He’s going to take care of me, and I’m going to take care of him. Together, we’ll get through this, and in the end, we’ll have a beautiful baby boy to love.”

“I’m available for you, anytime you need me.”

“I know, and you’ll be home in two weeks.”

“Shaw does know that because you’re moving in with him doesn’t mean he gets you to himself, right?”

“He’s well aware of our rituals and is letting me decorate the guest room any way I want. You’ll have acceptable accommodations.” I wink at her.

A few nurses and techs crowd around the area, ending our conversation. Claire asks about their Christmas as I start my documentation. Since I’ve handed over almost everything to the permanent staff, there’s not much to do. When I’m done, I grab my bag from under the station and say my goodbyes again.

Claire and I walk to the elevator, and the earlier sadness starts to drain away. It was hard when I turned down the opportunity to stay and even harder to say goodbye. But my life is in Miami, and tomorrow I’ll be back home.

“It’s only five hours, Shaw.”

“I’m still not happy about it. If it wasn’t for Nick, we’d still be at home, watching this game on TV,” he grumbles, tightening his grip on my hand.

I stop in front of his Corporate Suite and step out of the way of the people walking by. “Listen, I’ve missed eight weeks of games. We promised we’d be here. It’s New Year’s Day, and our families are behind this door. Can you stop pouting long enough to have some fun?”

“I’m not pouting. I’m pissed. There’s a huge difference.”

“Well, get over it. For me?” I lift up on my toes, brush my lips across his, and turn to open the door.

“Surprise!” the crowd in front us screams, and Shaw tugs me into his body protectively.

Maria rushes over and hugs us. “Let her go! You’ve had her an entire week!”

He doesn’t listen to her and cradles me closer. My mom gets to us next, and somehow manages to wedge herself between Shaw and me. She kisses us both, pries my hand out of Shaw’s, and gasps loudly when she sees my ring.

Maria beams with pride and claps, looking at the two of us. I glance around to find the entire suite decorated with balloons and bottles of champagne chilling at the bar. There are trays and trays of elegantly displayed foods and desserts, including my favorite, chocolate covered strawberries. This is nothing like our normal Sunday suite with casual food and drinks.

It doesn’t take long to see why. Gail stands next to her husband with an enormous smile on her face. She orchestrated this.

The next half-hour is a blur as Shaw and I are swept into countless hugs and congratulations. My dad and Seth manage to get me away from Shaw’s side, and both embrace me a little longer than usual.

Glass after glass of champagne is served, and I learn this is a combination of a welcome home and engagement celebration. Maria makes sure to tell me the real engagement party will be when Nicky isn’t on the field, because he would kill her.

Mathis walks over and lifts me into his arms, spinning us in a circle as I squeal. When he lowers me, he plants a kiss on my forehead. “Congratulations, Biz. Although, why the hell you agreed to marry my brother is beyond me.”

“If we’re being honest, he didn’t really ask me.”

“Sounds exactly like him.”

“Sounds like who?” Shaw’s hands slide around my waist, and he gives a push to Mathis who is still hugging me.

Mathis stumbles a step back, and I try to hide my giggle.

“I was about to tell our sweet Bizzy that you must have brainwashed her to get her to marry you.”

Shaw doesn’t find this comical and lets out a throaty rumble.