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“No, Ryan, I don’t!” I briefly look around, and we are making a spectacle of ourselves.
“Mia is happier with you!” There are tears in his eyes. Ryan never had a temper, but this subject is clearly touchy. “And there’s nothing I can do about it.”
I sigh, cross my arms, then smile a smile that drives my brother so crazy I can see the fumes come out of the top of his head.
“You don’t have to do anything, Ryan,” I say, with all the calm in the world, “You just have to get out of the way.”
He takes it like a baseball bat to the head. Then, he stands up, gets a sports drink from a tray, and heads for the door, bumping into Mia, who brings an energy drink and a straw with my name on it.
“What happened?” she hands me the beverage and sits on my lap.
“Ryan told Mom I’m having another child,” I say, deciding to be direct.
“Oh, no, I’m scared of your mother!” Mia places a hand on her chest.
“Don’t worry, she doesn’t know it’s from you, yet,” I inform her. “That part he left all to me.”
“I’ll be there with you!” And she kisses the corner of my lips.
“Thank you, love…” I bury my face into the curve of her neck. “Are you busy?”
Mia laughs with disbelief, “I’m always busy, Ethan. That’s why I couldn’t meet you in the locker room after the game. I’m already receiving calls from the venue where the after-party is being held.”
“Hum,” I moan in complaint, “When are you getting there?”
“It depends!” She lets out a nervous giggle as she stands up and leaves me without the warmth of her body. “If nothing explodes, an hour or two.”
“Alright,” I take her hand to stand up with her, “Is that enough time to put Senna in bed?”
“Uh…” she searches around for Senna and finds him among the many voices squealing inside the bounce house. “The way he’s spending energy, I think it is!”
“Oh, you’d be surprised!” I touch her stomach and leave her to go back to work.
I think she’s still getting used to the idea of having a child in her life. Hell, I’m getting used to the idea of a second one in mine.
At first, it is cutesy noses, hands, and toes, and cutesy crying to keep you awake at night. But then they start to figure out the world, and you’re there to show it to them, and it’s the most wonderful feeling I have ever felt.
I’m looking forward to experiencing it all with Mia.
Chapter Thirty-One
MIA
Aweek later, we’re back in Detroit. The team is playing a series of home games, so Ethan decides to throw a party, much to my chagrin.
Given, he said I didn’t have to lift a finger, but then he hired the worst event planners in town, who just happen to be my business rivals.
Thankfully, Gloria, the owner, isn’t here. Otherwise, I’d be making a scene over the buffet set all wrong—hot dishes mixed with cold ones, drinks precariously placed over food. I catch myself correcting everything behind Ethan’s back just to salvage the night.
Ethan’s house is one of the largest in Detroit, perched atop a secluded hill fifteen minutes from the nearest neighborhood. Raising a kid here could be nice, I think, though it could definitely use a feminine touch. His decor leans heavily towards hockey and Formula 1 memorabilia—signed photos of legends, racing helmets, NHL jerseys, and hockey sticks adorn the walls.
“Mia!” I’m caught red-handed by Ethan. “I told you not to work today!”
“I’m sorry!” I cringe as he grabs me, but looking at the setup now, I’m happier. “So… The kids aren’t coming?”
“Nope,” he embraces me from behind, now rubbing my belly. “The whole team needs a break, so today’s for grandparents, uncles, and nannies!”
I smile, turning to wrap my arms around his neck. “What about the visiting teams?”
