p a r k e r

"ANOTHER WIN, BABY!" Deacon yells in the locker room.

"Let's go!" Miles rejoices. "Bar, TONIGHT!"

With high and mighty spirits fresh off a win, we head into the showers. Over the running water, we all continue to cheer and sing.

As we gather our things from our stall, Deacon turns to me. "You were the fucking MVP tonight with the hat trick, Captain B." He slaps me on the back.

"Thanks man," I smile. I have to admit, seeing all the hats fly onto the ice was a really good feeling.

Once my suit is on, I exit the locker room still elated from the victory. When I turn the corner to head to the parking lot with Deacon and Miles, a beautiful long-legged brunette near the wall catches my attention. Not just any brunette—my Golden Babe. Did I just claim her?

While most people are wearing red and gold, Olivia is dressed in a white pants suit and a beige coat. Her hair is styled in a low bun. A bit fancy for a hockey game but super hot nonetheless.

"Look who couldn't resist. Only took you four weeks," I tease.

She snaps her head up at me and her expression turns panicked. There's a red tint to her normal glow. "Hey," she whispers. "I need to talk to you."

"Okay, I can drive us to my place." I suggest.

"Sure, let me just text Harrison to let him know I don't need a ride home." I briefly remember Olivia telling me about her personal driver.

Deacon and Miles wait a few feet away with smug smirks on their face. "I'll catch you guys later," I tell them.

"Someone is getting lucky, tonight," I hear Miles say. Fingers crossed for a repeat of that night.

As Olivia and I walk toward the exit, she say, "What's that smell?" Her nose is scrunched up and she looks a tad green.

"That would be hot dogs, popcorn, and french fries," I point to the concession stands.

"I'm going to be sick," Olivia slaps a hand over her mouth and frantically searches for what I assume is a trash can. Next thing I know, she's running past me and over to the one next to the gift shop. I promptly follow her but have to take a step back as she pukes into the trash.

When she's done hurling, I rub gentle circles on her back. Olivia turns her head to face me with an embarrassed expression. "I'm sorry," she says softly.

"No need to apologize. Are you okay?" I caress up and down her arms worriedly.

She stares into my eyes for a moment then exhales a deep breath like she's preparing for something big. "I'm pregnant."

What? Did I hear that right? "Pregnant?"

"I said the same thing when I found out," she chuckles humorlessly.

I stare at her incredulously, searching her face for any sign that she's messing with me. Olivia just looks terrified. The first question to pop into my head is, "It's mine?" You already know the answer to that one, bud.

"It's yours. And just so you know, you were the first person I slept with in a year," she tells me. "I found out I was pregnant yesterday. I was distraught and hysterical—still am. I would've called you, but breaking the news on the phone didn't seem like a good idea. Neither did telling you before the game, so I decided to wait until after and here I am," she shrugs.

I nod, still trying to comprehend that I impregnated Olivia. Without giving it a second thought, I abruptly say, "I'm going to be there for you and the baby. Whatever you need."

Her eyebrows furrow, clearly not expecting me to utter those words. "Parker, let's be realistic," she starts. "You're the captain of an NHL team. Your job is already so demanding. I don't want to bombard you."

"Bombard? Olivia, you and this baby aren't some burden," I say firmly.

She sighs. "You say that now but can you seriously picture yourself taking care of a crying newborn at three in the morning right before a big game? And what about when the rest of your team is out at that bar, but you're stuck at home. Would you be willing to sacrifice that?"

I start to get a little angry. "You're making assumptions. You obviously don't think I have it in me to take on the role as father."

"I'm not assuming. I'm being realistic," she says. Her big brown eyes are full of fear.

I cup her cheeks. "Olivia, I'll admit I wasn't expecting you to come here tonight and tell me I'm going to be a dad, but you're mistaken if you think I'm going to let you do this alone."

Her bottom lip quivers but she remains silent. "May I remind you that it takes two to tango," I tease.

She laughs causing the tears brimming her eyes to fall. Instinctively, I wrap my arms around her and place a hand on the back of her head as she shakes with silent cries. A few moments later, she tilts her head up to look at me. "You're taking this so well," she mutters. "Too well."

"Believe me, I'm scared shitless." She stills in my arms. "But I'm also going to take care of you and our baby," I quickly add.

"Our baby," she says, more to herself, I think.

________________________

The entire drive back to my place, I was in a daze. My mind was running a mile a minute but simultaneously stoic. A few times I caught Olivia fidgeting with the Cartier bracelet again—must be a nervous habit.

When we arrive at my condo, we get comfortable on the couch. I tried to get her to eat, especially after vomiting, but she insisted that she was not hungry. Just to be sure, I put a granola bar from my pantry onto the coffee table in front of us.

"How'd you find out that you're pregnant? Did you take a test?" I ask her.

She flashes me a guilty look. "Actually, I fainted and took a trip to the hospital."

My eyes bulge. "Fainted?"

She bites her bottom and nods. "I had really bad morning sickness, plus I refused to eat and didn't drink enough water."

I quickly grab the granola bar and tear the packaging. "Please eat," I beg. Olivia giggles but grabs it from my hand and takes a bite.

As she chews, I use it as an opportunity to admire her features. Pregnancy glow is real and Olivia is living proof. "Are you free Saturday night?" I ask.

"I'd have to check my schedule but most likely. Why?" She lifts a brow at me.

"Can I take you out to dinner?" And before she can protest, I say, "This has nothing to do with the baby. I've wanted to take you out for another date for weeks now."

She frowns, "Dating would complicate this already complicated situation."

"Don't think of it as a date then. It's just two friends, who happen to be having a baby together, going for a nice dinner to get to know each other better," I propose.

"Getting to know each other, huh?" She smiles unconvinced.

"Yup," I smile back.

"Pick me up at seven thirty, sharp," she says and flashes her pearly whites at me.