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  “Still want that bath?”

  “God yes.” My shoulders drop at just the thought of settling down into the deep free-standing tub, letting oodles of bubbles wash away the staleness of the last week.

  Robert heads to the bathroom, and I lay back on the bed, cuddling the elephant Jax brought Cora the day we were admitted into the hospital. “I’m gonna invite Liv and Trey over for dinner tonight.” I call out over the sound of running water.

  Minutes pass, and Robert reappears. “I’ll let Mom know.” He leaves the bedroom only to return seconds later, making his way to the bed and helping me up, holding my hand and leading me to the bath.

  A mix of bubbles and rose petals fill the tub that has been filled to slightly over midway and I gasp in astonishment. “Robert, you didn’t have to do this.”

  “Trust me, yes I did. After everything P, you deserve this. It’s not too hot, but I hope you don’t mind some company.”

  Turning in his arms I place a popping kiss upon his lips, “I’d be sad if I didn’t.” I give him a wink and giggle as he shakes his head.

  Quickly, we remove our clothes and Robert gets into the tub first, stretching out his hand to help me in. My muscles instantly relax with the help of the water’s soothing properties. My back rest against the chiseled plains of his Adonis like chest and abdomen.

  Little kisses leave a trail along my neck as his hands rest on my scarred stomach. “I’ve missed you.” His breath dances across my neck and down my shoulder.

  I press firmly against him and lace our fingers together, “I’ve missed you too.”

  Usually Robert and I slept naked. Forced to wear pajamas in the hospital had been uncomfortable but also seemed to distance us when I needed him the most. For thirty minutes we stayed this way, enjoying the closeness of one another, the feel of bare skin on skin.

  * * *

  “Presley.” My name is a whisper. Reality or subconscious, I can’t quite tell, but I bat the air, shooing the source of the sound away. “Time to wake up, beautiful.” I roll over, growling in the direction of the newest command. I pry my eye open, disappointed to find an overly eager husband sitting on the side of the bed.

  “Ten more minutes.” I manage to grumble out. A hearty chuckle seems to be the bane of my existence.

  “Come on, babe. We were supposed to be out thirty minutes ago.”

  “I’m not hungry.” I offer as a retort before a pair of warm lips place a coaxing kiss on my shoulder.

  “There’s a little boy out there that is very adamant about seeing his baby.”

  I smirk at his attempt to lure me from bed by playing the Jackson card. “Fine, but I’m coming straight back here after dinner.”

  “I’m sure everyone will understand if you do. I laid out some clothes for you. I’ll let them know you’re on your way.” I’m left with a single peck before Robert leaves our room.

  I stretch and shift and will myself to stay awake. I guess I didn’t realize how tired I truly was. A heather grey long sleeved t-shirt, with charcoal grey drawstring palazzo pants, lay on Robert’s side of the bed. They feel like cashmere against my skin, and I feel as if my entire body is swaddled in a hug. My hair is still in a messy bun from earlier and I add the slightest pink blush and lip gloss in an attempt to appear somewhat more alert than I really am.

  As I turn the corner to the living room I am nearly ambushed by Jackson.

  “Aunty Presley! Aunty Presley!” I brace myself for a three-year-old’s tackle, but at the last minute he is scooped into Robert’s arms and thrown high into the air, a giddy squeal fills the room followed by, “Again! Again!”

  “Alright little man. Give Aunt Presley a chance to wake up.”

  Jax looks at me, then to Liv, and then in my direction once more. “Aunty Presley, the sun’s awake, not the moon. Why were you sweeping?”

  I chuckle at his thought process. “Because little man, just like your mommy, I have a baby in my tummy too, and she takes a lot of energy out of me.” He cocks his head and I watch as his wheels spin, putting two and two together.

  “Oh.” His head swivels to Liv and he props his arm on Robert’s shoulder, giving off a little man appearance. “Mommy, how come the babies don’t take your energy then?” His expressions are priceless as he waits for her answer.

  “Because you’ve taken all of it already.” The adults, minus Liv, laugh while Jax looks confused as ever.

  Liv glares at Robert and me, pointing a finger, “Just you wait. You’ll be a walking zombie too.”

  “Zombie or not, you’re still beautiful to me.” Trey kisses her cheek, and she melts under his complement.

  Mom comes into the living room and announces that dinner’s ready. The scent of beef Wellington and almond green beans has my mouth salivating by the time I sit down. Jax smiles at me and giggles as I bring the first bite to my lips. Seconds after my first bite I am forced to excuse myself with Robert following closely behind me.

  “Jackson?” I can hear Liv’s voice trickle down the hallway. “Did you know that was gonna happen?”

  “Maybe.” His voice is so innocent and singsong in manner.

  “Why didn’t you tell Aunt Presley then?”

  “The baby said not too.” Robert and I look at one another and laugh at Jax’s seemingly honest response.

  As I make my way back to the table, I notice my plate has been replaced with a chicken one instead.

  “Jackson, are you and Cora gonna play tricks on me?”

  Silverware stops moving as the rest of the table looks at us. “Who’s Cora?” Jackson asks earnestly.

  “Oh sweetie, Cora was my mommy’s name. She was Aunt Presley’s grandma.”

  Jax just shrugs, but I see the tears in my mother’s eyes, and the feel of Robert’s hand low on my back just before I take my seat once again.

  “Do you think Gramps would mind?”

  Mom shakes her head fervently, “I think he would be honored dear.” Robert squeezes my hand and I smile at her acceptance of our daughter’s name.

  “So—the baby’s name is Cora?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Oh. Okay. Then yep! We’re gonna play lots of tricks on you!” The table laughs and everyone goes back to eating. I take my first bite of chicken and wait. Nothing happens.

  “Just like I suspected.” I look at Mom slightly confused. “When I was pregnant with you, peanut, I couldn’t eat any beef. It was the only thing that made me sick. I lived on chicken for nine months, so I made a backup plate, just in case.”

  Chapter Nine

  – 8 Weeks Pregnant –

  The end of October

  Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

  “There’s your strong little baby. Heartbeat sounds good, and all levels look to be on track.”

  I look at Robert whose eyes are glued to the monitor, smiling and crying alongside of me. We made it eight weeks and our baby is alive. After so much pain and heartache, we can finally hear a heartbeat.

  “Thank you so much, Dr. Ward. You have given us a huge gift.”

  He chuckles and grins. “So do I get that autograph yet?”

  Thankful for a change in mood, Robert and I laugh. “Let’s not get too cocky. You still have to get this little girl out of me when the time comes.”

  He nods, his laughter dissipating. “I’ll let you guys listen to the heartbeat a little longer. Presley, I want to see you back in three days for blood work.”

  I sigh at the thought of more blood work. I know he has his reasons, but I’ve had blood drawn five times since being out of the hospital and it was a daily occurrence while I was there. “I’m feeling like a pin cushion Doc.”

  “Just a couple more weeks of testing and then I’ll let you go. Free to enjoy your pregnancy for a little while.” Dr. Ward leaves the room, leaving Robert and I to stare at the monitor, listening to our little girl’s heartbeat.

  “We made it.”

  Robert places his hand on my stomach and gently kisses the section Dr.
Ward had focused on. “You’re a tough little girl just like your momma.”

  “And if Jax is correct, she’s just as ornery as her daddy.” We laugh at the way our gift has been mixed together. “I think we’re gonna have our hands full.”

  “I wouldn’t want it any other way P.”

  We sit in the room’s silence for a few minutes longer, our baby’s heartbeat on repeat. It was strong and fast, as if it were a horse running at full speed, hoof hitting the ground over and over.

  After scheduling our next appointment, we head out to the truck and make the drive home. It seems crazy to think we’ve only been pregnant for a couple of months. It feels like forever since Jax came running into the twin’s room to tell me about his special baby. Most women would just be finding out and going in for their first visit at this point.

  * * *

  The next few weeks fly by between doctor visits and conference calls with Coach and Marcus. The Cowboys are first in their division, but they are having issues with their head running back. Marcus is at a loss with what to do with him and I actually welcome the distraction. Dr. Ward has taken me off of bedrest, so I take this opportunity to get out of the house and head to the stadium with him.

  “So what’s going on?”

  “He’s picked up a two second delay in everything; catching, passing, fakes—”

  “Something else has his attention. Have you talked to him about it?”

  “Yea, but he swears he’s 100% when he’s at the game. I’ve watched him on the practice field and on the road. The issue isn’t there, it’s just when he plays at home.”

  “Where are his eyes?” Marcus side glances at me before focusing on the road again.

  “Huh? What do you mean?”

  “I’ll find out when we get there. I’m gonna need you to stand in for me on the field.”

  “Gladly. Robert would kill me if something happened to you or that sweet little girl.” I smile at how well he knows Robert. Kill might be slightly exaggerated though. Severely maim, is more like it. “Y’all really think Gram is right?”

  “She’s gotta be. Otherwise, I don’t think I would be here today.” Marcus gives a nod and we continue the rest of the drive, in silence.

  Coach Snyder and Micha Flinch meet us out on the field when we get there, his eyes wide in disbelief. I don’t hold out a hand for a shake as they are not my equal.

  “Flinch, I’m Donovan. Let’s see if we can’t figure out what’s going on with you today, shall we?”

  He looks at Snyder and then Marcus. “Coach, you can’t be serious.” His eyes run from my head to the tip of my stiletto. “She’s a—”

  “She’s the best in the field, and if you want to remain a Cowboy, you won’t finish that sentence. You will show her the respect she deserves, or you will find yourself traded, do we have an understanding?”

  Flinch shifts his weight and tries to agree. “I just don’t understand. I’ve been working with Marcus for the last week and now her? Why?”

  “Because she’s better than me, that’s why.”

  I bite hard on my inner cheek, trying to stifle my smile. This is the first time I haven’t had to defend myself. I’ve never had other people willingly do it for me. This must be the feeling people talk about when they feel like they’ve finally made it.

  “Gentlemen, Flinch, let’s get started.” I reach for a football, but Marcus moves to stop me. All I have to do is give him a look and he backs off. “It’s okay.”

  He nods, but I can tell he’s hesitant.

  “Flinch, we’re gonna start with a few passing drills. Marcus will take my place on the field so I can observe from here.”

  Flinch nods and I lightly toss the ball to Marcus who chuckles. “I see what you did there, D.”

  “Never attempt to undermine me in front of a player again,” I growl out in a whisper hush. Shocked at my blunt and assertiveness, Marcus nods and jogs out to center field while I stand with Snyder on the sidelines.

  As they begin to throw the ball I focus on every twitch of Flinch’s muscles, every eye dart, the strained pull of his neck, always to Section 213. It doesn’t matter where he is on the field, his attention is focused on the stands.

  “Thank you.” I hold my hand up and Marcus and Flinch take a break.

  “What do you see?” Snyder ask hopefully.

  “Does he have long standing reserved seats?”

  “Actually yea. One seat.”

  “Thank you. Flinch come with me.” I head to Section 213 with Flinch trailing behind me and stand at the bottom of the section looking up. “Which one is it?”

  He looks at me confused and then takes a seat in 15H.

  I climb the stairs and take a seat next to him. “Whose is it?”

  He chuckles and shakes his head.

  “It was my Pops. He passed this summer. He practically raised me. When I got signed, he never missed a game. It was the only way I could think of to pay him back. He was a die-hard Cowboys’ fan. The fact I got signed with them was just a bonus.”

  “And now you keep looking over to see if someone else is in his spot.”

  “Yea. I know it’s messing with my game, but I can’t help it.”

  “How about for now, I’m going to sit in his seat, and you go out and finish drills. I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Thanks.” Flinch shakes his head before standing to make his way back down to the field. “And I’m sorry about earlier. My Pops would have slapped me senseless if he had heard me.”

  I hold in my chuckle, “Lucky for you, Snyder stepped in, otherwise I would have too.”

  He laughs and shakes his head playfully before offering a smile, “You’re alright Donovan.”

  Flinch makes his way back down to the field and I am soon startled as Robert takes the seat behind me.

  “Nice job there, D.”

  “Hey you. I didn’t know you were coming over.”

  “I finished up at the field early and thought I’d give you a ride home.”

  “Let me finish watching his drills and get something set up with Snyder, then we can go home.”

  An hour passes, and Flinch does fantastic. No sideways glances and everyone seems to notice the change in his focus. I make my way back down to the field and am shoulder bumped by Snyder. “Whatever you said to him worked D. Nice job.”

  “I need a dozen blue and silver roses in seat 15H, Section 213 for the remainder of the season. I also want it announced at the next home game that the roses are in memory of an honorary player.”

  “Whatever you say, Donovan. Thanks for coming out today, and congratulations.”

  * * *

  – 12 Weeks Pregnant –

  – Thanksgiving Day –

  Presley has developed the cutest little baby bump over the last few days and I can’t seem to keep my hands off of it. “Good morning, precious.” I say against her skin as I gently kiss it good morning. I can tell Presley has started to wake as she runs her fingers through my hair. “You are one very loved little girl. Try to be nice to your mommy today. Your grandmas and aunts have been very busy the last few days cooking for today and I know your mommy would really like to eat all that yummy food, okay? No tricks from you and Jax.”

  “Oh, you’re such a stern daddy,” she says through a smile before giggling.

  I place an open mouth kiss on her stomach before tantalizingly slowly making my way up to her lips, teasing her pink buds on my ascent. “Do you know how thankful I am for you?”

  “I have a pretty good idea, but I would much rather you show me instead of telling me.” She gives me a seductive smile, drunk-eyed with desire as she circles her fingers in my hair, her legs spreading underneath me so that my hips are cradled between hers.

  “Moms are in the next room,” I say before nipping the sensitive skin beneath her ear.

  She laughs out loud at my statement. “I’m pretty sure they know we have sex, Robert. You did ‘knock me up’ and all.”

  My v
ixens in a playful mood today. Quickly I nip her neck twice on the right and once on the left causing her to squirm under me. “I know they know we have sex Pres. It was more of a reminder to you. We have company.”

  “Oh.” She drags out her words innocently. I smile back at her and immediately plunge two fingers into her already wet apex, catching her off guard, and pulling a loud pleasured moan from her. Her body rises slightly off the bed before collapsing back down onto the mattress. I quickly work in her as she grinds forcefully against my hand. Plunging and retreating until she holds me steady and begs for more.

  For the last few weeks, any intimacy has been slow and easy, following Dr. Wards guidance, but I could tell she was ready for something more. My vixen craved hard and fast, she craved dominance and I finally felt comfortable enough to give her that.

  I lowered my mouth down to her clit and with the first lap she let out a cry that filled the room, grabbing at the sheets to keep her grounded. I pull my mouth from her, keeping close enough so my breath tickled her arousal, but only teased her, nothing more. “Presley,” I say sternly, “I will stop if you aren’t quiet.”

  “God no! I’ll…I’ll be quiet,” she says through labored breath.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. Yes. Please don’t stop.”

  I nip her clit hard, trying to test her, eliciting a tiny whimper to my satisfaction. My tongue explores her folds before dipping into her. Her hips buck as I try to hold her down. Her fingers rake through my hair as she tries to get closer, her legs tighten around my head and I’m forced to hold them open as she rides my face. Plunge and pull, deep then shallow. Her body tenses as she arches off the bed in preparation of her release. Three laps, a hard plunge and a pulling suck, her hands grip tightly in my hair as she comes undone, whimpering as she comes, but begging for more.

  “More. I need. More.” Her chest rises and falls heavily.

  “Greedy, my love. Oh, so greedy.” I chuckle as she reaches to grasp my cock, trying to pull me into her sex. “Uh uh, Presley.”

  “But…”

  “Roll over.” Her eye light up in pure excitement as she realizes what’s about to happen. Excitedly, she rolls over and gets on all fours. I bring my tip to her entrance and begin to tease her, inserting the head and pulling out, stimulating her clit until she slams back on me, forcing me completely inside of her and catching me off guard. “Easy babe. You heard—”