Ballers: His Game (Ballers Series Book 1)(60)
Sam nods. “Give me the details and we will have my brothers workout the contracts. My family is big on protecting our women and I admire what you are willing to sacrifice,” he replies.
“I think I see where you are going. I like this idea already. I’m in,” Nico says with the first smile I have seen on the man’s face since the day I first met him.
I feel a weight lift off my shoulders that I hadn’t known was there. I am genuinely excited about this possibility now. This is going to be big and I don’t know how Tam will feel, but I know I am doing what is best for us right now.
Chapter 26
My stomach is in knots and it has nothing to do with this pregnancy. It is the day of the big game and my new husband will be out on that field today giving his all for a championship. He and Ellerie deserve it.
I could tell Brad was reluctant to leave last night to fly out for the game. We both agreed that I would stay home. Our house is still filled with guests from the wedding. Because of the timing we made a weekend of it. However, family and friends have been rolling in and out of the house for about a week now.
I have to admit I am happy to have everyone here around me. Something just feels off. I don’t know if it is the way Brad left, or the feeling of not having my husband here with me so soon after our wedding, or just game day jitters. I know all too well that Brad puts his life in danger every time he steps out on that field. So does my brother for that matter.
As quarterback and receiver they might as well have targets strapped to their backs. I cringe just thinking about it. My stomach rolls and this time it is from the baby. Boy, I don’t remember being this sick with Bri. Ann and Gloria have teased that it is because I am carrying twins.
I gave them both a death glare for uttering such words. The thought has nervously crossed my mind a few times now that I know Brad’s family history. Everyone was excited to find out I am expecting. We announced it at the rehearsal dinner.
Trevor cornered me after a few drinks at the wedding to tell me how sorry he was for his soon to be ex-wife. Oh yeah, after the engagement party Trevor filed for a divorce. Donna wouldn’t leave without kicking and screaming, so Trevor and the kids have been staying at the family ranch.
He thought it best for the kids not to drag them in the middle of the drama as much as he could help it. Donna on the other hand could care less about the kids. She has still put them in the middle anyway she can, showing up at their schools and rehearsals, dropping by their friend’s houses to cry victim. I feel so bad for Trevor, but he is handling it all like a boss.
I hate to call on Nico and his family and friends since Reese is still missing, but Val insisted Trevor contact Mairettie and Mairettie for the divorce. Obviously Donna rubbed a few people the wrong way. I know Trevor is in good hands.
I pat my queasy stomach and smile. I hadn’t realized how big my support team has grown over the years. I guess that is why what should have been a small intimate wedding still turned out to be over a hundred people. Heck my extended family, through Reese and Nico alone, could have filled an entire section.
I am grateful to have them all here right now. I think Brielle is overjoyed as well, as all her real cousins and cousins through close parental relationships storm the house with her. I shake my head to think that I am having another little monster. With all these kids here I really think I have gone crazy.
“Here you look like you could use this,” Stacey runs a hand over my hair and hands me a pack of crackers and some ginger ale.
“You’re the best,” I smile as I take the crackers and tear into them, “Didn’t think we’d be doing this again.”
We both fall into a fit of giggles. “Yeah I know, and certainly not with your husband of all people. I’m so happy for you Tamara.”
“I’m still pinching myself,” I admit as I look around at the people in our home laughing and enjoying themselves.
“So does that mean you’re finally ready to thank me for making you go out that night,” Stacey says with a toothy grin.
“No heifer, you left me with a stranger to chase down the D,” I grumble playfully.
“Ah, oh yes, Troy. I remember that fine man. I still don’t remember why I stopped taking his calls,” Stacey frowns in thought. Blowing out a breath and waving the thought off she moves on. “This has to be bittersweet for you guys. I mean with the team and the drama they tried to cause you guys. This all must suck for Brad.”
“Yeah, pretty much. He and Ellerie want and deserve a ring, but winning means giving the club a win. What are you going to do,” I shrug.
This is a thought that has been on my mind, but I would never ask Brad to not play or to not win for his team just to spite a bunch of spiteful people. I guess we have to pick and choose our battles. I won’t lie though, a part of me wishes he and Ellerie gave the team the finger and walked away.
“Well I’m proud of you for hanging in there. I know this has been tough. Add on the wedding and the baby, I have no idea how you pulled this all off,” Stacey shakes her head.
“I didn’t do it alone. All of you guys have been so helpful. I just wish Reese were here,” I sigh as I think of my friend.
Stacey makes a face and starts to fidget in her seat. I narrow my eyes at her. Oh no these heifers don’t. My mouth falls open and I snatch Stacey by the collar pulling her closer to me. “You know where she is,” I hiss in her face.