Page 113 of Sweet Oblivion

We both sit up and stare across the suite as my sister grunts in pain. Her black leggings soaked, and she’s doubled over with Jamie’s brother, Finn’s hand in hers.

Oh my God.

Lexie and I look at each other. “She’s having the baby!”

Ryker

We’re barely off the field after the final seconds on the clock wound down when Brady Ryan, our QB coach, grabs Jamie. “Come on, Jamie. You gotta go.”

Maverick and I jog over, not taking any damn chances at this point today. “What’s going on, Coach?”

Doesn’t matter how long we’ve known Brady or his family off the field. The fact that our dads went to high school together means jack shit when we’re at practice or on this field. He’s a Kings coach. It’s just the way it is.

Jamie looks up at us as Coach finishes saying something we can’t hear, and his smile splits his face. “Holy shit. I’m having a baby.”

Damn.

“Well, come on then. Let’s get you to the hospital,” Mav tells him as he slaps his back.

“I mean, Ashton’s the one doing all the work, if we need to get technical,” I bust his balls as we jog into the locker room to grab our stuff.

Maverick grabs his keys and throws his clothes in a bag. “Come on, man. I’ll drive.”

I grab my phone and shoot off a text, knowing if Ashton is in labor, there’s no way my girl stayed behind to wait for me.

Ryker

Hey, Bambi. Are you at the hospital with Ashton?

Delaney

Yes. For now. I’ve got Kyrie. Finn and Dillan are in the room with Ashton. Please tell me you guys are bringing Jamie.

Ryker

Yeah. We’ll be in the car in a minute.

Delaney

Then stop texting and get your cute ass here, Beneventi.

Ryker

You think my ass is cute, Bambi?

Delaney

I think your ass is edible, pretty boy. I also think what you did today in the tunnels may have been the hottest thing you’ve ever done for me.

Oh, and I think if you don’t get my sister’s husband here in time for him to see my nephew being born, she may try to cut off your dick. An appendage I’ve grown quite fond of. So get that pretty boy ass here.

I’ll see you soon.

Jamie jogs ahead of us as Maverick and I walk into the private waiting room of the Labor & Delivery wing of Kroydon Hills Hospital. My eyes immediately find Delaney, tucked into the back corner in a double chair. Her legs are resting across it, with her knees bent and her eyes closed while Kyrie sleeps on her chest, with my best friend sitting sentry in the chair opposite her.

“Hey, man,” I whisper, not wanting to wake Delaney if she’s sleeping. “Thanks for staying with her.”

“You would have done the same... Pretty sure you actually have a time or two. But who’s keeping count?”