“Ellis, sweetheart, it’s okay.” I had to interrupt her rambling. She didn’t need to justify herself to me. “You couldn’t be a bad mom if you tried, just let me help you. I’m not going anywhere and I am at your service, I’m done with my training for the day so I’m free to spend time with you and Jack for as long as you need.” I reassure her. Without thinking too deeply, I lean forward and plant a kiss on her forehead.

For a moment I linger close to her. She doesn’t speak as I hold her face in my hands, memorising her from top to bottom. I don’t know if I’m the only one who feels it, but the air feels thick with unspoken words.

“Is there anything you need me to grab apart from painkillers?” I break the silence.

“No, that’s fine,” she replies quietly.

I head to join Jack, who waits patiently for me on a kitchen stool. Even if El doesn’t think I need to stay, I can’t think of where else I would go regardless. I know that I need to work out and I also need to watch game tapes from the season but I can do that tomorrow, what matters right now is making sure they are both okay.

I know me being here takes some weight from her shoulders. She might not ask for the help, but if she can just let me take a small part of that weight from her, I’ll do so happily.

Unlike her, though, I am not too stubborn to ask for help.

If I am going to balance the season and having a pregnant girl and little boy looking up to me, I am going to need help. I can’t imagine the fear I would have if this had happened when I was travelling. Knowing I wouldn’t be here to help sends a shiver down my spine. I can’t help but think about my contract ending and wondering what would be best for our collective future, I have people I need to consider now, it isn’t just me.

I’m sure my team are going to jump at the chance to spend more time with Jack and Ellis. The only obstacle I can foresee is Ellis being willing to accept more of that help. She’s so damn stubborn. I hope she will see it’s for the best.

For the first time since she got pregnant, I question if we can really do any of this alone.

Chapter Twenty

Liam

A week has passed, but the memory isn’t any less scary.

I’m man enough to admit that seeing Ellis’s flare-up worried me. It wasn’t just seeing her in pain, but seeing how scared Jack was, and how hard she was trying to pretend to be okay shook me.