Holiday Hockey Tale The Icebreaker's Impasse (By Ivory Row) novel Chapter 124

Easton

A few months later, we’re playing our first away game of the season. Jackson steals my phone and dials Luci’s number after showing me his phone. She answers and I can already hear the guilt.

“Sweetness, what are you up to?” I roll my eyes as Jackson sighs loudly.

“Nothing…” She says over the phone.

“Uh huh. Are you driving somewhere?”

“I’m not driving….”

Suddenly, I hear Cole’s voice.

“And you brought Cole. Are you here already?” I shake my head waiting for her answer.

“Maybe.”

“Sweetness, you can’t lie for s**t. I know you’re here and you’re not alone.”

“That app…” She mumbles.

I chuckle. “Comes in handy.”

“I brought several someones with me.” Jackson stands up, nodding ruefully.

“Yeah, well, that doesn’t reassure me. You are very pregnant, Luci, and I don’t like you driving long distances without me. Now where are you? I’m coming to see you. There’s about to be a herd of hockey players headed for you.” I’m already walking.

“The box with your dad, but you can’t come up here.”

“Who’s going to stop me from seeing my son and my very pregnant wife? Your beautiful ass had better be in a chair when I get there.” I growl playfully.

I race up there with the others following me. When I step in, I see Dad fussing at them, but he’s laughing. Luci stands there making a plate, probably for Cole, who is happily staring out of the glass. They all laugh harder when I stomp over to her and take the plate away. Setting it on the table before I lift her up and march her over to a chair. “I think I told you where I expected that perfect ass to be.” I growl and she shivers. “If you weren’t so pregnant, I’d punish you later,

Mrs. Reed.” I nip her earlobe and she tilts her head back to stare up at me, those big brown eyes glowing.

“I am fine to be here. The doctor cleared me. I have four weeks to go, Easton. And we wanted to come watch your first away game this season.”

“You scare me when you do things like that. I can’t handle it if something happens to you. Just tell me sweetness, please. A quick text to your obsessively protective husband.” I put my hand on her stomach and the excited kicking starts immediately. “Han Anakin Reed seems to agree you are in trouble.” She scowls at that. “You don’t like my newest name idea. Cole would love it.”

She snorts. “He wants Darth Spiderman Reed as of today. You two will be the death of me. I’ll text you next time. I know you worry about us.”

I lean down to kiss her, slow and deep. “What do you want to eat? I will make your plate and you will sit there. I’ll make Cole’s too.”

“I can stand for ten minutes, Easton.” She retorts pertly.

I narrow my eyes at her and lean down to make sure she gets the full effect in her ear. “You are getting punished after all. But I’ll tell you what sweetness. If you’re a very good girl for me, I’ll take your name suggestions under consideration.” I watch her clamp her thighs together.”

That’s my girl. You know exactly who you belong to. And tonight you’re all mine sweetness. Sit a lot and rest.”

I go to make her plate as she bites her lip. I already know all her favorite names and without a doubt, she’ll get what she wants, but I like to tease her. She is well aware of that.

Dad laughs as I make plates. “You turned your back on them.”

“I know. Might have to find a way to lock her in the house. She’ll be in labor trying to come watch me play.” I shake my head ruefully.

A week later, she’s grimacing painfully at breakfast. “Cole, go get your backpack for me and grab your shoes. I’m going to see if Grandpappy can run you to school or Uncle Jackson.” I pick up my phone and send an SOS message in our family group I created for this purpose. It’s my brothers, Banning, Baker and Dad.

Need someone to take Cole to school. I have a suspicion my wife is in labor.

Jackson responds immediately. Already driving over to get him. I’ll pick him up today if she is.

“Sweetness, are you having contractions?” I walk over to massage her shoulders gently.

“I think so. My back is so tight.” Her face is contorted with pain.

“Jackson is on his way for Cole. Feel better to sit or stand?”

“Sit on the ball.” Her voice is pained.

“Let me get it. Then I’ll grab your bag and as soon as Jackson drives up, we’re going to the hospital.” I roll it back from the living room.

Jackson is already opening the front door. “Coconut….Uncle Jackson’s Millenium Falcon is here to take you to school.” Cole races to hug Luci and then me before launching himself at Jackson. He gives me a serious look after he takes in Luci hunched over in pain. “Go East. I’ll lock up the house.” He moves to the kitchen and checks the stove, turning off lights.

I grab her bag and then lift her up, running toward the garage. “Getting worse.” She says tightly.

I race to the hospital. She’s writhing in pain by the time we arrive. “My wife’s in labor.” I tell them as I rush her inside.

They get us in quickly and I lay her gently on the bed. She’s biting her lip with the pain. “You want the epidural if they ask?”

“Yes.” She pants out.

I hold her hand and help her breathe through the next two contractions as the nurse comes in and begins placing her IV, starting fluids and checking her and baby boy’s vitals. Our doctor comes in and starts talking. I don’t hear a word, focused on her. “Breathe sweetness.” I whisper.

“Luci, you want the epidural?” Dr. Brown asks quickly after examining her. “You are dilating nicely, but we have time if you want it.”

She nods. Ten minutes later, the anesthesiologist places it. After half an hour, she’s still crying with the pain and I page the nurse.

“Oh honey, I think it failed.” She frowns sympathetically at Luci. “I’ll call Dr. Brown.”

He comes in explaining epidural failure. They can’t replace it either. I hold onto my temper and concentrate on distracting her as best I can. Two hours later, she says she feels funny. I hurry to page the nurse again. Dr. Brown comes instead and checks her again. “She’s pretty much ready to push. Luci, you ready to have this baby?”

“Yes.” She cries.

It all passes in a blur after that. Helping encourage her and her face is all I remember. An hour later, she cries out the loudest as she pushes. “Here he comes!” Dr. Brown exclaims.

I turn toward the loud wailing. “Those are some healthy lungs.” Dr. Brown says gladly. I look over, drinking in my newest baby boy screaming his head off. “He looks perfect Mom.” He says before handing him off to a nurse. “Easton, you can come cut the cord in a few minutes.” I nod and kiss Luci’s forehead.

“He’s beautiful, sweetness. You did great.” I take the cool rag the nurse holds out and wipe her face. “I’ll be right back.” She nods weakly, her eyes locked on our baby boy. I cut the cord and hover as they take his vitals before diapering him. I curb my impatience to hold him. He’s got such pale blonde hair, a whole head full of it. “Here Dad, he’s ready for some skin to skin time with his momma.” I take him and can’t stop the tears as I smile down at him.

“Been waiting to meet you little man. I’m your daddy. You’re gonna be more loved than you can handle.” I warn him and walk to Luci’s side. She holds her arms up for him and the nurse moves her gown so he can eat and be on her bare skin. He latches instinctively and begins eating.

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