Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers
Page 9

“’Cause you’re sadistic,” she said. Everyone laughed because, really, how silly were they?
“No, it’s ’cause I’m watching you. Everything about you, I love.”
Breathless, she leaned into her father as she swooned completely. For a quiet man, Jayden really knew what to say to make her swoon like a schoolgirl. When Baylor finally reached him, Jayden held his hand out to River, which he quickly took, shaking it hard.
“Thank you for this, Jayden,” her father said, his voice a little rough. Jayden nodded, but her father didn’t let go of his hand. “I should hate you. I mean, you ran off with her, married her before you two’s draft celebration dinner. I had no say, I wasn’t even there, but you know what I felt?”
River’s eyes were locked on his as Jayden said, “No, sir, I don’t.”
River nodded. “I was proud. I was stunned, for obvious reasons, but I wasn’t upset. I was happy. Because not only was my daughter living her dream, she had found the greatest man ever to live it with,” he said sternly, and from behind her, Baylor heard Autumn choke on a sob. “I have considered you a son for a very long time, and I am truly blessed to see the man you have grown into. Lord knows, I thank the big man upstairs for you every day because I don’t worry about her at all. I know my baby is protected and loved. And I know for a fact the baby that is coming is about to have the greatest father in the world. Because of that, I thank you, and I want you to know I love you, son.”
River then let Baylor go, taking Jayden in his arms and hugging him tightly. When he pulled back, they both smacked each other’s biceps before River reached for Baylor’s hand, handing it to Jayden. Choking back her own sob, she turned to her husband and felt nothing but pure wonder for the man who was her forever.
“Ready?” he asked, lacing his fingers with hers.
“I’ll always be ready to marry you,” she said, squeezing his hand.
“Again?”
“Over and over again, I don’t care, as long as it’s you.”
As Jayden grinned back at her, his eyes were misty. But before he could say anything, Jude called out, “Lord, get on with it. Y’all are giving us all a sugar rush!”
“Jude Marshall, shut your mouth!” Autumn yelled, but all Baylor could do was grin back at Jayden.
Her forever.
And just like the day she married him the first time, she remembered her list of goals.
Make it into the NHL. Check.
Make her dad proud. Check. Double check.
Find the love of her life. Check.
Tell him she loved him every day. A billion times checked.
Win the Stanley Cup. No check, but she didn’t need it.
Jayden would always be the biggest trophy of her life.
And even though “Have a baby” was never on that list, it was now, and she couldn’t wait to mark it as checked.
“Well, that was so sugary sweet, I’m pretty sure I got a toothache,” Markus said as he fell back on Baylor’s couch. “Or it was all the cheesecake I ate.”
Baylor giggled as Jayden brought her down onto his lap, his hand resting on her belly. The party was over, and Baylor was convinced it was one of the greatest days of her life. The impromptu wedding was amazing and so romantic. She hadn’t expected it, and she had to admit, she was really starting to love surprises. Well, as long as they included Jayden.
After they redid their vows, they danced as Avery sang “This” by Ed Sheeran. After that, they opened presents, and it was easy to say their child would be set for the first year of its life. It would definitely be ready for its first hockey game in its stylish Number 59 Sinclair Assassins jersey Elli had gotten them. Along with the Assassins blanket, hat, pacifier, and carrier. They had gotten so much stuff—even a stick and puck for the little baby. She just couldn’t wait to find a home for every gift.
But she was more ready for the baby to come.
“Hush, it was amazing,” she gushed, kissing Jayden’s cheek as he peeled off her shoes, rubbing her feet.
“You loved it?”
“I did,” she said, cuddling into him. “Did your mom plan it?”
“Nope, all me,” he said proudly, and she beamed back at him.
“Wow, good move, Sinclair. It was nice,” Markus said with a nod. “Way better than those stupid shower games.”
Baylor laughed. “Right? But it was all perfect, and I can’t wait to put all the stuff away.”
“Do I have to help?” Markus asked, and Jayden scoffed.
“If I have to fold onesies, so do you,” he said, and Markus nodded.
“Figured. Gotta work for the plane ticket, I guess,” he teased, and they all had a good laugh.
Leaning against Jayden, she looked up at the wall that was empty, waiting for what she had thought would be pictures of their child. “I want the pictures there.”
Jayden looked at the spot she was pointing to, his brows coming together. “I thought the baby’s first pictures were going there.”
“Nope, I want pictures of us, with the baby in the middle.”
“Anything you want,” he whispered, kissing her temple, and Markus groaned.
“You guys are mushy. Ew,” he teased, a grin pulling at his lips, and Baylor stuck her tongue out.
“You’re jealous.”
“I am. Can I move in and be the third wheel? I’m lonely.”
“No way,” Jayden laughed, looking over to their friend. “So it’s not going well down in Florida?”
“Hate it. Loathe it. I want to leave. Y’all are up here, and Jace is all the way in Ft. Lauderdale. I don’t have anything in common with my team. I hate it.”
“You’ll be brought up, just give it time. Not everyone goes straight in,” Jayden said, and Markus nodded.
“I know. I’m just impatient and bored.”
“Try being me. I’ve played hockey my whole life, and now that’s all gone. I’m growing a child, and I have no hockey. Things change in an instant. Don’t give up,” Baylor said, a smile on her face, and Markus beamed back at her, leaning into the couch cushions.
“And you’re doing it effortlessly, babe. I wish I had y’all’s life.”
Looking at her husband, Baylor decided she did have a pretty great life. She just wished her best friend did too. He’d almost had it, but he’d thrown that away. Glancing back at Markus, she knew even though it was a sore subject, she had to ask. “You haven’t talked to Mekena at all?”