Page 98 of Coach Sully
She smiles with shining eyes. “You and I both know that the last 3D ultrasound photo made her look like a lasagna.” She laughs through a sob. “It was a fifty-fifty shot whether we were having a baby or a Stouffer’s dinner. I had no idea what was going to come out.”
Planting a second kiss to her temple, my shoulders tremble with laughter.
“She looks like you,” Kendra says, glancing up at me, then back to our precious baby. “You put me through all that nausea and exhaustion and have the audacity to come out looking like your daddy.”
“Those eyes are all yours,” I say.
Kendra runs the tip of her finger gently down the center of her tiny nose.
“They remind me of my mom’s,” she says. “I kind of want to keep the name Bo.”
“She’ll always be Bo to me.” Calling her by any other name would feel weird.
She nods. “Bo Shiloh?”
“Bo Shiloh Ames?” I ask.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Sully. Bo Shiloh Sullivan.”
My heart clenches. “I love it.”
Ever since feeling those little kicks, and now seeing her with our child, our relationship has shifted. Kendra is more than just my girl, more than my future wife, she’s the mother of my child—someday children—and there’s something profoundly soul-stirring about that. It strengthens our relationship and the bondwe share. I always wanted a partner, someone who walks at my side, not behind. My equal. I’ve never known a love like this.
This is an adventure we’ll be on for the rest of our lives, and I can’t imagine a better person to do that with.
8 Weeks Later
Leaning on the doorjamb of the nursery, I stay silent watching Kendra snuggle Bo in her arms while Tina Turner plays softly in the background. The light is low, and it’s warm in the room. She glances up and smiles big. I can’t believe I get to come home to this every day. This is our home, a place where we will grow and make memories. Kendra and Bo brighten the space, both metaphorically and materially. They are my home.
“My girls,” I say.
“She’s out like a light,” Kendra whispers. I take our daughter into my arms.
I hear the noise before I can stop it, and spit-up covers my suit jacket.
“Aww, look, it’s her overwhelming happiness that you’re her father!” Kendra coos.
“I’m sure she’ll change her tune when she’s a teenager.”
“She better change her tune within the next four months. Our laundry is seriously out of hand.” Miraculously, Bo got none on her onesie—lucky me. She’s looking much more comfortable now, and I’m able to gently place her into the crib while Kendra stands and helps me slip off my blazer.
“Is this a bad time to mention I brought home Mexican? It’s on the counter.”
“Oooh!” Kendra does her little food dance. “Si, papi. I’m going to rinse this off and get it set aside for dry cleaning.”
“Thanks, baby.”
My fingers brush over Bo’s forehead. I could stare at our child for hours. Sometimes I do. Seeing our shared features in the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen makes my chest fill with warmth. I give myself a few minutes to stare in wonder at how Bo brought us together much sooner than expected. I always knew I would end up with Kendra, but I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on this time together.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
Kendra appears behind me and rests her palm on my back. I lean in to give Bo a kiss and then reach around to squeeze Kendra’s hand. I have the family I’ve always dreamed of.
“How was your day today?” she asks as we slink out of the nursery and close the door, leaving it open a small crack.
“Good. The team says they want you to bring Bo by sometime this week.” They get to see all the photos Kendra and I share with them, but every player on the team is eager to hold the first Rogues baby.
She chuckles. “I’d love to… but final edits aren’t finished on episode four. I’m going to be swamped this week, which means….”