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“I can retire. Maybe coach with Nick.”
“In Beaumont?”
I nod. “We’ve talked about moving back.”
Quinn groans and drops his head for a moment, then looks up. “If you move, my parents are moving, which means I’ll end up moving. Which means . . .” He trails off, but it’s clear what he’s insinuating.
“Does Nola like it there?”
He shakes his head slowly. “Not so much,” he says with a sigh. “I’m sure it’s because we stay at your parents’ house. It’s not like I own something there or my folks do.”
“I imagine it can be awkward.”
Quinn leans back and groans again. “Why is life so complicated?”
“There is no answer, my friend.”
“Ugh. Maybe Nola and I will just move to South Carolina or something. This way, she can see her family whenever she wants. I’ll just stay home like a hermit.”
“That’s not fair to you. The staying home part.”
“I know, but I love her and if being there will make her happy, I’ll do it.”
25
PEYTON
The summer is fading quickly and before I know it, Noah will have to pack and return to Portland. I’ll go with him, but not as a member of the Portland Pioneers. Giving them my resignation was easy and probably one of the best decisions, aside from marrying Noah, I’ve ever made. Our baby is due at the end of the year or early into next year and I’d miss the end of the season and potentially playoffs, where I would be needed the most. I did offer to freelance for them, since I’d be at most of the games, or they could send game film to me for the ones I don’t make. As soon as word spread, offers from other teams came pouring in. I’m weighing all of them, just as I’m weighing myself now.
The number on the scale continues to go higher, which is good. I’m gaining healthy weight to support my expanding belly. One night, I went to bed with a somewhat flat stomach and woke the next day looking like I had put a small balloon under my shirt. Only, I hadn’t. Our baby had grown or shifted or whatever it’s called. As soon as Noah saw my bump, he had the camera out, taking pictures from every angle.
It's weird, up until now I haven’t felt pregnant. The baby didn’t move around enough for me to feel the flutters other mom’s talk about experiencing and my little pouch was just that, little. I looked bloated most days, but now . . . now I get to stand in the mirror and cradle my belly.
We still haven’t really told people outside our family and a handful of friends that we’re expecting. Mostly because I want to get to the twenty-week mark or my first ultrasound. Technically, I still have another four weeks, but I managed to convince Dr. Ringman I need the ultrasound before we return to Portland for the football season.
Noah finds me standing in front of the mirror, rubbing my hand over my bump and then holding it. It’s the most magnificent thing I have ever seen in my life. Knowing a life we created is in there, thriving, makes me feel like I can do anything in this world. I have no worries. Not about Noah and whatever decision he makes about his career. Not about whether or not I decide to be a consultant with the Pioneers.
He stands behind me, fitting perfectly against me. His hands hold my stomach as he looks at me through the mirror. “Are you ready for today?”
I nod. Today, we’ll see our baby for the first time and learn if we’re having a boy or girl. I’m both anxious and excited to finally reach this point in my pregnancy. I think because of the IVF and knowing right away, it feels like getting to this point has taken forever.
“Well, you should get dressed,” he says. “I know how much you like looking at yourself in the mirror with no shirt on, but something tells me you don’t want anyone else looking at you this way.” Noah kisses the top of my head.
“It’s so hot out but I want to try and hide my bump for a bit longer.”
Noah heads into the closet and comes back with a dress. “What about this one?” He holds a long flowy dress in floral print by the hanger. “It doesn’t look form fitting.”
“No, we leave those to Elle.” Everyone knows she’s pregnant even though she won’t confirm it. Each time she posts a picture on her social media, you can see her bump. She’s not hiding it. This is one of those times I wish I were a bit more like her. Elle still finds a way to control the narrative, whereas I would cave and gush about the details.
“Are we posting today?” Noah asks as he takes the dress of the hanger and hands it to me.
“We can, but not the sex of the baby. I want the news to be a surprise to our family.”
Noah nods. “They’re all taking bets anyway. Paige says we’re having a girl. Mack says girl. Dad says boy. Mom says she doesn’t care, she just wants to hold the baby.”
“My dad wants a girl and my mom a boy.”
“What do you want?” he asks as he walks toward me.
