o l i v i a

Clothes. Check.

Toiletries. Check.

Electronics. Check. And...

Prenatal vitamins. Check.

All set for my mini trip to my hometown. Parker and the team left for New Jersey early this morning left early this morning. Harrison will be driving me later this afternoon.

I could barely sleep last night. I've been too excited and anxious for dinner with my family. We haven't been on the best terms as of late, and I don't want to ruin whatever's left of our already rocky relationship. Throw Parker into the mix and things will surely be interesting.

When I spoke to my parents last night, they insisted that I stay the night at their house. I was planning to sleep at a hotel, but they called that a ridiculous decision. That's my parents for you. I don't exactly know what fueled my desire to go back home, maybe I'm hoping that I can repair my relationship with my parents and sisters before the baby comes.

I also want to introduce them to Parker, also known as the father of my child. I'm sure my parents will be thrilled about that. When I told them I was bringing someone, they weren't excited like most parents would be, but they weren't displeased either. I'll take it.

They'll be shocked to open the front door to leading center Parker Baylor standing on their porch. To prepare myself for their endless questions about our relationship, I practiced potential conversations in my head, last night.

"How long have you two been dating?" They'd ask.

Funny story! A few days, but you can't forget about our rendezvous night.

"Where'd you meet?"

In a bar...

"Parker, what's your salary?"

I know it might sound crazy to ask someone you just met that, but I wouldn't be surprised if a question like that came out of their mouths.

Even after their interrogation session, they will probably think I convinced or paid Parker to accompany me to dinner to impress them. We'll see what tomorrow has in store for us...

________________________

"Hello, Harrison," I greet him.

He opens the door of the towns car for me and grabs the Louis Vuitton duffel from me as I slide into the back seat. While Harrison drives, I watch as the bright lights of New York City fade into small dots. My parents always ask me how I can live in such a busy city. But that's one of the reasons I love it here—the bustling streets, the unique people I meet every day, the entire atmosphere.

I picture Parker and I enjoying a morning walk through Central Park—him pushing the stroller, while I loop my arm through his. I picture me and our son or daughter wearing jerseys with his name and number on it, cheering him on at every game. I picture us skating outdoors at Rockefeller Center. If only...

During the ride, my stomach grumbles. My thoughts immediately go to a nice slice of pepperoni pizza dipped in Nutella. Pregnancy cravings are most certainly real.

But before I start drooling about pizza, Harrison turns into the driveway of my house. He turns around and smiles at me. "You're home, Miss Olivia."

He assists me with my baggage, carrying it to the front door for me. "Thank you for your service, Harrison."

"Of course. I'm a call away if you need a ride home." With that, he heads back to the car.

I stand on the porch of my parents' three-story house. I take a deep breath and lift my hand to knock but don't get a chance to because the porch light turns on and the door swings open. My mother's caramel brown hair and hazel eyes meet come into view.

"Olivia!" she exclaims and pulls me into a hug.

"Hi, mom." I wrap my arms around her

"Is that our daughter?" My dad's low gruff voice interrupts our embrace.

"Dad," I smile. Like Mom, he pulls me into a hug. I have to admit, this is not the welcome I was expecting.

My parents lead me into the house and into the kitchen. I take a seat on the stool near the counter. "We're glad you're here, Olivia. You hardly visit," my mom says. I wonder why that is, I want to say back.

"It's nice to be back," I reply instead. Despite my strained relationship with my family, I don't hate them. I just wish they encouraged me to follow my heart, or at the very least, support me.

My dad clears his throat. "So, tell me about this fella you're seeing. How did you guys meet?" I inwardly laugh. Oh, you mean your future grandchild's father.

"Well, we met at a bar." My parents give each other wary looks. Cue the disappointment. "You'll love him. He has the most sweet and respectful and kind personality ever."

A small smile forms on my mom's face. "I'm looking forward to meeting him at dinner, tomorrow."

________________________

I say goodnight to my parents and head upstairs to get ready for bed. A whoosh of nostalgia washes over me when I open my bedroom door. The old Vogue magazine pages, slightly tattered at the edges, remain taped to the walls. I drop my bag at the foot of my bed and walk over to my old desk. I'm not surprised to find scraps of magazines and a dried out glue stick sitting there, but I am surprised my
mom didn't throw it all into the trash.

I run my finger along the cover of one of my Vogue magazines that rests on my nightstand. Twelve-year-old me would freak out if she found out that one day it would be her on the cover.

Freshly showered and in my silk pajama set, I slide under the covers and reach for my phone. I mindlessly scroll through Instagram, seeing a picture of Annalise and her adorable puppy, and a video of Hayden dancing. A notification pops up on the top of my screen from the NHL app that I recently downloaded to stay updated on the Blaze.

NJD vs NYB FINAL - Devils 1, Blaze 4

I let out a squeal, but I'm even more excited to find out that two of those goals were scored by none other than their captain. A surge of pride washes over me.

Another notification pops up on my screen, this time it's from the captain himself.

Parker: Hey, I just wanted to make sure you arrived safely.

Olivia: Thanks for checking up on me. I made it home with all my limbs and baby intact. Congrats on your win, by the way.

Parker: You stalking me, Golden Babe?

Olivia: Totally, and you should know the NHL app is, as well.

Parker: Ahh, I see. I'm headed to a diner with Deacon and Miles to grab a bite to eat. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning.

Olivia: Okay, have fun... but not too much fun. Night, Baby Daddy.

Parker: Sweet dreams, Golden Babe.

If you only knew you're the one that makes my dreams so sweet, I sigh.

________________________

The next morning, my parents head out to the farmer's market to pick up groceries for tonight's dinner. I'm quite relieved I won't have to introduce them to Parker until later this evening. It'll give me time to prepare myself for inevitable chaos that will ensue.

As I finish washing off the bowl I used for breakfast, the doorbell sounds throughout the house. Butterflies flutter in my stomach, making me feel like a teenager lusting over a silly old crush. I open the door and Parker stands there wearing his panty-dropping grin. "Hey, Golden Babe." He winks, then suddenly pulls me into his arms. Before I can register what's happening, his soft lips meet mine.

My eyes flutter closed and my lips move carefully against his. When we pull back for air, I say, "That was quite the hello."

He shrugs nonchalantly. "I couldn't resist your pouty lips." I have to control myself before I grab Parker by his shirt and pull him upstairs to my bed.

He takes my hand in his and leads me to the red Audi that I presume is his rental car.

"Hey." I stop our pace, and Parker furrows his brows. "I was hoping we could pay Mrs. Bronwyn a quick visit."

Parker smiles. "I've been wanting to meet her."

We walk next door, and I knock on the cherry red door. After a few moments, the door slowly creeks open. A head peeps out of the crevice then swings completely open. "My, oh my! If it isn't my little Ollie."

My heart melts when I see her fluffy gray hair and emerald green eyes. Gently, I envelope her tiny, delicate body into a hug. "Mrs. Bronwyn, I missed you!"

"I missed you, too, dear." Her eyebrows fly up when she realizes there's someone standing next to me "And who might this fine specimen be?" She flashes Parker her playful yet devilish grin.

Parker chuckles. "Hello, Mrs. Bronwyn. I'm Parker Baylor." He offers his hand for shake, and Mrs. Bronwyn smiles even larger.

"Such a gentleman. This one is a keeper, Ollie." She winks at me. "Please, come in."

We step into the house and the familiar smell of cookies fill my nose. "There's a fresh batch with your name on it." She motions to the tray sitting on the kitchen counter.

We settle on the soft, beige couch, and Mrs. Bronwyn asks us about how we met and all that jazz. A few times during the conversation, I catch Mrs. Bronwyn scrutinizing my face. Is my lipstick smeared or something?

"So, when are you due?" She suddenly asks, her expression remains neutral.

Parker and I look at each other. "Pardon?"

She gives me a knowing look. "You can't fool me, Ollie. Your cheeks are more plump, your chest is larger than usual, and your skin is glowing so bright, I would be able to see it from the moon."

Mrs. Bronwyn always knew me better than anyone else. I'm glad that hasn't changed.

I let out a chuckle. "Early October."

I look at Parker to find him staring at her like she's some crazy psychic witch.

Mrs. Bronwyn slowly stands from her chair and walks over to me. The second her arms wrap around my body, I start to tear up.

"Congratulations, sweetheart," she whispers into my ear. "There's no doubt in my mind that you will be a fantastic mother."

"Thank you," I murmur through tears.

________________________

After our pleasant time with Mrs. Bronwyn, Parker and I drive to my favorite diner in Edgewater for some food. I convince him to order the banana pudding milkshake. Everyday after school, I'd come here and order it. Something about the drink made all my problems dissipate.

"Mrs. Bronwyn is as lovely as you said she was," he says to me from across the table. "I like her a lot."

"I do too." My heart internally glowing with happiness.

I remember the short conversation Mrs. Bronwyn and I had before we left.

"You got yourself a great man, Ollie. One that seems worthy of your love."

Love.

________________________

"You ready to face the wolves?" We stand on the porch of my parents' house.

He smiles down at me. "I'm ready."

With a shaky hand, I ring the doorbell and my oldest sister Abigail answers. Her brown hair is styled into a clean, low ponytail and her blue eyes glimmer. "Olivia," she greets me.

"Abigail," I mock her welcome. "Good to see you."

Her eyes fly to Parker, recognition immediately registering in her brain. "Oh. My. God! What is Parker Baylor doing on our porch?!"

The rest of the family rushes to the door to see what the commotion is about. I hear more shocked gasps and yells from inside the house.

"Before the interrogation starts, could you at least let us in?" They oblige and move to the side, their eyes following Parker's every move.

We settle into the couch in the living room. Abigail and her husband Jacob sit across from us. Sophia, my other sister and her husband Daniel take a seat to my right. Emma, who's a year older than me and perhaps the sister I'm closest to, sits on Parker's left with her fiancé Colton.

I hear movement in the kitchen, so I'm guessing my mom is still preparing the meal, and I see my dad playing with his grandchildren outside. They probably didn't hear Abi's scream.

"Spill, Olivia," Sophia demands.

"I don't know why this is such a big deal to everyone," I shrug, trying to play down the situation.

Sophia and Abi scoff. "Do you not realize the man sitting next to you is a professional athlete?"

I stifle a remark. "I'm well aware."

Knowing they won't be satisfied until I give them an answer, I say, "We met at a bar in New York and started seeing each."

My family waits for me to continue. "That's it," I tell them.

"You guys do realize our sister is famous, too, right?" Emma points out.

"think I read an article about you dating a model," Jacob says to Parker. "But, I didn't realize it was my own sister-in-law."

"No wonder I didn't know! I don't read that tabloid trash," Sophia says in a condescending tone. My jaw clenches from her remark and Parker squeezes my thigh for comfort.

"Sophia," Emma warns her.

The glass doors slide open and in walks my father, my nieces and nephews trailing behind him. "What is all the commotion?"

Parker stands up and walks over to him. "Hi, Mr. Windsor. I'm Parker Baylor, Olivia's boyfriend." He holds out his hand. Boyfriend? We never discussed labels, but I can't help the big smile that appears on my face.

I notice how my father has yet to shake Parker's hand. He shakes his head in disbelief, his eyes wide with surprise. After a few passing moments, he turns to me. "Olivia, you failed to mention that your date was Parker Baylor."

My mother enters the living room, removing her apron. Her mouth drops when she spots Parker next to Dad. "What is Parker Baylor doing in my living room?"

"Hi, Mrs. Windsor. I'm your daughter's boyfriend. I hope you don't mind my coming here," he says.

"Not at all," she says flustered. "Please, call me Grace." My mom points to my dad. "And Henry." Parker smiles and nods.

"Olivia, why didn't you tell us he was your boyfriend?" Abi asks. In all honesty, I didn't realize he was my boyfriend.

"Would it have made a difference if my boyfriend was a professional hockey player or a normal guy from New York?" I challenge. Don't get me wrong, Parker being an NHL player for the Blaze was definitely a turn on, but that's not the reason I'm so attracted to him.

My family seems baffled by my question. "I'm starving, let's eat dinner!" Emma breaks the awkwardness.

As the bowls and plates of food are passed around the table, I grab an appropriate serving of each. "Glad to see you took our advice on eating better," Abigail says in a condescending tone.

My mouth presses into a thin line to stop myself from saying something that I know I'll regret. "You're not worried about becoming a Size 4?" Sophia joins in.

"Would you please stop patronizing me?" I ask in the most stern voice that I can conjure. "I know you are doctors, but I can take care of myself."

Under the table, Parker's left hand finds my right thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. The movement helps to calm my rapidly increasing blood pressure.

"Oh, Ollie! You know we didn't mean it like that," Sophia says. Daniel shoots her a just-stop look, but she continues to speak. "I'm just surprised you're listening to our eating suggestions. Your used to be all, 'I can't gain any more weight, I won't be able to fit into my dress.' And you're right, we are doctors. We're trying to help you."

"It's always about being doctors, huh? I'm inferior to you because I don't have M.D. next to my name," I state.

Abi rolls her eyes. "No, it's because you pose for a camera and walk in heels, all day."

"When will you all realize that modeling is a real job—one I take very seriously," I exclaim.

Before they can come up with a retort, Parker interjects. "Olivia might not perform life saving procedures, but she's worked just as hard to get where she is. She's inspiring millions of people, everyday."

I bite my bottom lip to suppress the big smile that wants to break out. Parker somehow managers to make me forget all about my sisters' imperious remarks. My anger dissipates in a matter of seconds.

The rest of the dinner is silent and quite awkward. But, I'd take that over another hour of criticism. After the meal, we help to clean up the dining room and kitchen. Then, I go upstairs to gather my belongings. I say a brief goodbye to my family and leave with Parker.

We drop the rental car off, and I call Harrison to pick us up. As he drives back to New York, my thoughts drift back to my family. They pride themselves on being well-mannered, yet they disrespected me at dinner. And aren't doctors supposed to be sympathetic and compassionate? I'm so upset with how they've treated me. I'm so angry that my parents didn't say a word to back me up. I'm so sick of feeling like a failure. The start of this trip was going so well, but my sisters made it end on a sour note.

Parker's hand grabs mine and intertwines our fingers. I lay my head on his shoulder and bask in his comforting presence. "Thank you," I murmur.

"For what?" he asks.

I breathe in his woodsy scent.  "For spending the day with me, putting up with my family, standing up for me... For being you."