Bennett (On the Line Book 2)(62)

“Congratulations,” she said softly. “I’m so happy. So proud of you. I love you, Bennett.”

“I love you, too. I hope you’re up for a celebration dinner with the guys.”

“Absolutely. Wouldn’t miss it.”

I touched my forehead down to hers. “It means everything that you’re here with me for this.”

“To me, too,” she said.

A photographer was shooting photos of us. Usually, they weren’t allowed in the tunnel, but Keri must’ve made an exception for this.

Charlotte saw Liam and went to hug him. I soaked in the moment for a few seconds. I knew in my heart that this was probably my last season of hockey. I needed to get a better job now that I had a family.

I was going out on one hell of a note, though.





Charlotte

I waddled into the courtroom with as much dignity as I could muster. The status of my pregnancy was the source of much chatter among the courthouse staff. There was an office pool going to guess my due date and the baby’s weight. The date I was fine with, but having people seriously wager money that I would have a ten-pound baby was a little insulting.

Yes, I was big. But I was two days from my due date, and Bennett had a large frame. Some ladies in the county recorder’s office had felt his shoulders and biceps one day when he came to the courthouse to pick me up for lunch, claiming it was only to estimate my baby’s size. I’d accused him of liking the attention and he hadn’t denied it.

But all in all, he was more supportive than I’d ever hoped a boyfriend would be. He rubbed my back every night he was home and cooked and cleaned so I could rest after work. When he was going out of town, he’d leave small presents hidden in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets for me to find. I’d gotten lots of peanut M&M’s, perfume, fuzzy socks I couldn’t reach my feet to put on, and a kick-ass vibrator. He’d left that one in the fridge inside a bag of cucumbers.

“Miss Holloway,” the judge said from his bench. “Still haven’t delivered that baby, I see.”

“Not yet, Judge.”

“Try for next Tuesday if you can.”

Nice. Even the judges were in on the pool.

We were between calls and some attorneys were talking while the judge finished signing orders. A bailiff came and got my briefcase and carried it to the table for me.

“Thanks, Wayne,” I said, resting a hand on my belly. I was having a strong, persistent cramp.

“You okay, Miss Holloway?” Wayne asked, his white brows drawn together with concern.

“I think . . . ah.” He reached out an arm and I took it.

“I think we need to call an ambulance.”

“That’s oka—holy shit, that hurts.” I managed to whisper the last part when another pain hit.

Wayne smiled. “I’m a father of five and a grandpa of nine. It’s time to get to a hospital.”

“Really?” My heart raced with anticipation.

“Really.”

I nodded and took a deep breath.

“Is it time?” the judge asked. All eyes in the room turned my way.

“I think?” I said uncertainly. “It’s my first, so . . . does anyone know where Wren is?”

We’d talked about her driving me to the hospital if needed.

“She’s in court,” Riley said from across the room. “I’ll take you.”

I wanted to argue, but I wanted to get to the hospital more.

Riley looked at the judge, who nodded and said, “I’ll continue your hearing.”

“Bennett,” I said to no one in particular. “I need my phone so I can reach Bennett.”

“I’ll get it for you,” Riley said. “Wayne can get you to the elevator and I’ll meet you there.”

“Thanks.” I took a step before stopping for another pain. “Ohhhh, my God, this hurts.”

“Just breathe,” Wayne said, wrapping an arm around my back to help me walk. “You’ll be meeting that sweet baby before you know it.”

I followed his advice, focusing on inhaling and exhaling while we walked to the elevator and waited. Riley jogged up to us shortly, my purse in one of his hands and my phone in the other.

On the elevator ride down, I texted Bennett.

Me: It’s time!! On my way to the hospital!!!

He was at practice and I hoped he’d see the message soon. I didn’t want to do any part of this without him.

Riley offered me his arm for support as we stepped off the elevator. I took it, huffing and puffing my way through a deep-breathing exercise to keep myself from swearing. When the contractions hit, they hit hard.

“I hoped I’d be the one in his shoes,” Riley said. “Waiting for you to deliver our baby.”

“Don’t,” I cautioned, cringing. “I am in no mood.”

“I’m just saying.”

“You stole the job I wanted.”

He rolled his eyes. “I didn’t steal anything.”

“No more,” I said through gritted teeth. “I’ll punch you if you say another word about it.”

“Like your roughneck boyfriend?”

“Fuck you,” I said in a low tone. “I’ll drive myself to the hospital.”