p a r k e r

The pastel walls give the waiting room a pleasant, homey feel. "Windsor," a nurse with light pink scrubs calls out with a clipboard in hand.

Olivia and I finally get to see our baby. When Olivia asked me to help her choose an OB/GYN, we chose the most private clinic. We wanted as much privacy and discretion as possible. We discussed with our lawyers about the doctors and nurses signing non-disclosure agreements.

We stand from our seats in the waiting room and follow the nurse into one of the exam rooms. My eyebrows lift as I see the examination chair with metal bars attached to the seat. Shit just got real.

The nurse hands Olivia a changing gown. "Could you, um, turn around so I can change?" She asks shyly.

"Nothing I haven't seen before." I smirk. She rolls her eyes, but I can sense the small grin on her face as I turn to face the opposite wall.

"Okay, all done." Olivia looks absolutely adorable, her body drowning in the oversized attire.

She slides onto the chair and drapes a white sheet over her lap. I notice her heels are on the floor beside the seat. I'm impressed by her ability to walk in heels—while pregnant.

There's a knock at the door, then a woman in a white coat enters the room. "Hi, Olivia! I'm Dr. O'Hara. Before we begin the exam, I want you to know I'm a huge fan of your work."

A rosy tint creeps onto her cheeks. "Thank you." Olivia points to me. "This is Parker, my baby daddy."

Dr. O'Hara tries to contain her smile. "Oh, I know! I hate to fan girl but I love the Blaze."

After the preliminary checks are done, Dr. O'Hara tells us her hCG levels are strong and prescribed anti nausea medication to combat Olivia's morning sickness.

"Okay, now onto the baby's heartbeat. I'm going to insert this internal monitor inside, so you may feel some discomfort," she says.

She pulls out a device that's oddly shaped like a dildo. "Holy shit," I mutter under my breath.

Olivia turns pale. "Does it have to be a transvaginal ultrasound?"

Dr. O'Hara offers a sincere smile. "The fetus is only six weeks, so yes, a transvaginal ultrasound would be the more efficient and accurate option."

"I can leave if you'd feel more comfortable." While Olivia and I have been undoubtedly closer since our time in New Jersey a little over a week ago, I want to respect her privacy if she'd rather me wait in the hallway.

She seems hesitant for a second. "No, I want you here." I nod content with her answer and place a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Olivia adjust her position on the chair, while Dr. O'Hara lubricates the monitor. "You might feel a little discomfort," she says before inserting the device.

Tha-thump. Tha-thump. Tha-thump. The rhythmic noise sounds like horses galloping. Our baby's heartbeat. Olivia and I both stare at the black and white image of our baby. The tiny fetus barely visible on the screen. Immediately, my chest constricts and a terrified feeling washes over me. Without realizing my doing, I grab onto Olivia's hand and she squeezes it in return. When I look at her, tears are streaming down her face. "It's the hormones." She shrugs.

Something about the beautiful woman beside me and the swishing-galloping sound is so fulfilling. So perfect. A single tear escapes my eye. When Olivia sees my expression, more tears stream down her cheeks. Leaning down, I place a soft kiss onto her forehead. Fuck masculinity, I'm a dad.

"I'm glad to report that the baby is healthy," Dr. O'Hara says, observing the monitor.

"We made a baby." Olivia says in a soft voice and stares into my eyes with the most awestruck expression.

"Our baby." I say, overcome with emotion. Nothing can beat this pure, enthralling moment.

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Staring at the pictures Dr. O'Hara printed out, I imagine a mini Olivia running around the house as Olivia and I cuddle on the couch. I never used to think about the future, let alone one with me as a father. But, Olivia and our baby has completely changed my outlook on the life. Although this baby was quite the surprise, they say the best things about life are unexpected. And that's proving to be one thousand percent true.

Every time I look into Olivia's golden eyes, I see a determined woman who chased after her heart. I see the mother of my child who radiate beauty, inside and out. And most importantly, I see my future.

My trance is interrupted by the buzzing of my phone. "I'll be right back," I tell Olivia, as she schedules the upcoming appointment. My mood is dampens when I see five missed calls and a text from Bianca. This woman is relentless! I already know, if I block her contact or change my number, she'll find another way to reach me.

Bianca: Congrats on the win, yesterday. I'm sad I couldn't be there in person, but I'll make up for it this Saturday ;).

Saturday? Dear Lord, please tell me she isn't coming to the game!

I don't want to lead her on or fuel her desire to be with me, so I don't respond, but I'll be praying to God that she doesn't come to the game this Saturday.

Olivia appears on my side with a big smile on her face. "I have practice at 10:30, but I wish we could've gotten something to eat together," I glumly explain.

She nestles the side of her face into my arm. "No worries. I have a meeting at eleven with Prada."

"Prada, huh?" She lets out a chuckle.

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After dropping off Olivia to her apartment, I drive to the hockey arena. I want to ask her if she'd consider moving in with me, but I don't want to scare her off. I know we've only been in a relationship—as I clearly established at her parent's house—for about two weeks, but I like having Olivia near me. I don't want to overwhelm her, so I remind myself to take things slow and propose the idea somewhere down the line.

Still on a high from the ultrasound, I stroll into the locker room with a giddy smile on my face. "There he is!" Andrew's voice sounds the locker room as I walk in. If you look up the definition of annoying, his face pops up.

Deacon nudges me on the shoulder. "Hey man, Coach Matthew came in looking for you. Jasper and Sandra want to meet with you in the conference room before you change."

"Uh oh," I mutter under my breath. A meeting with the team coach, manager, and publicist does not sound good.

Deacon and Miles laugh. "Good luck, Parks."

I head down the hall and enter the conference room. Jasper McCullen, the team manager, Sandra Mitchell, the team publicist, and Coach Matthew sit on one side of the glass table. I take a seat across from both them, fearing the serious expressions painted on their face.

"Parker, we need to discuss your personal relationship." Sandra states. "At recent games, your love life has been the main topic of conversation. You haven't spoken about it in any of your interviews, but the media has spotted you with Miss Olivia Windsor on several occasions. If you are seeing her, you have to let us know. Especially, considering her high-profile status. Remember, we're talking in confidence."

"Yes," I reply hesitantly. "We're seeing each other." The drama with Bianca has made me fear the public finding out about my relationship with Olivia, but I know Sandra wouldn't release any details about it.

"Thank you." The corners of her mouth lift. "I must say, I do 'ship' it," she says with air quotes.

"I do, as well." Jasper sends me a sly smirk.

"Same, here," Coach adds. "Well, that is, as long as it doesn't affect your performance." Everyone let's out a laugh, and I'm relieved by the nature of this conversation.

"Before you head into practice, I want you to know there will be zero press releases about your relationship. However, the media has been talking about you two, as of recent. The public seems to be following your every move. I'm sure this will come up in interviews tomorrow at the game," Sandra warns

"Remember, you are not only representing yourself, but the entire Blaze team. I don't want you to lose sight of your responsibility as team captain," Coach Matthew states.

"Of course, Coach," I say.

He gives me a firm nod. "Now, go changed and get your ass on the ice."