Page 43

Chapter 42

Ainsley

I make my way to the suite and smile as I see the Texas-themed suites. Walking slowly past them all.

Rattlesnake. Scorpion. Stallion.

It’s a little nice to be back here, but as soon as the hot winter breeze hit me, I almost gagged. Don’t get me wrong, I will forever be grateful for the city that formed us, but it just didn’t fit my heart.

I will always feel the pull to the north, my city.

I walk into the suite and gasp. The entire room turns and looks at me. Warm lights, mixed with the sleek black interior of the suite, come into view. My parents, Shawn’s parents, and his sister Sonora are standing in front of me decked out in Toronto Titan’s gear.

“SURPRISE!!!” Rings out around me, shaking my insides as the smell of salty fries hits me.

My brain can’t decide if it wants to laugh or cry right now, so I scurry to take in hugs from everyone. My mom and Shawn’s mom pulling me into a hug together.

“Sweetie, let me see the ring!”

Shawn’s mom looks at me, and my jaw drops.

“You all knew?”

My dad chuckles.

“We’ve known for a while. Did you think Shawn was going to get a ring and not talk to any of us about it?”

I smile, shaking my head.

“That’s why y’all treated him like your own son at Mimi’s,” I say, shaking my head with a smile.

Shawn’s mom pulls me in for a hug as my parents just laugh and nod.

“I’m so sorry, sweetie. Maeve was a wonderful woman. I know she was your person, and Shawn mentioned often how he felt so much love from her.”

I close my eyes and smile. Recalling some of the last conversations we had, clearly obsessed with Shawn as much as the entire city had become. But without fail, she would let me know how much she loved me. I was her favorite, after all.

“She will always be my person, looking over me, but so is your son. He has always been with me. I will cherish him every day.”

She looks at me like I almost said something dumb.

“Pshhh, I know Lee. You think us mamas haven’t seen that since you were kids?”

I laugh. “Well, thanks for letting us figure it out on our own time.”

She shrugs. “You never know how life will play out, but some things happen because they were destined to.”

My mom chimes in, “I couldn’t agree more.”

My dad steps around and pulls me into a side hug.

“We are thrilled for you and excited to officially welcome Shawn into the family.”

He says as he kisses the top of my head.

I feel a bit uneasy from a long day and the smell of the fried food, and Nora must notice.

“Hey Lee, want to run to the restroom with me before the game starts?” I look at her with a thank you shooting from my eyes.

“Great idea!” We head to the washroom, and Nora throws her arm around me.

“I’ve missed you, crazy girl,” I say as I shake her side to side in a long hug.

“You have no idea! I can’t wait to come up to Toronto and let you show me around. Shawn keeps yapping away at how great it is.”

A small chuckle leaves me.

“Well, it is.”

We use the washroom and come out to wash our hands. I inspect my face, looking for signs of over-tiredness.

“You good?” Nora looks over at me.

“I just need a minute. Between the doctor’s appointment, flight, getting engaged, and now the game, I’m already feeling beat.”

She looks at me funny.

“Doctor’s?”

“Ohhhh shit.”

“What? Are you okay? Is Shawn okay?”

“Well, um, yeah, everything is good. Fuck.”

“Oh okay, phew. You scared me, girl.”

I stand there, knowing the photo of our child is in my purse. No one here knows yet.

A smile slowly spreads on my face as I recall the fact that my lovely fiance told my freaking brother about the baby before I did. Should I say something? Should I wait? We never see our families much, let alone get them all in the same room. Now it’s just me and Nora. Ahhhh.

Fuck it.

“Actually, we’re better than good,” I say as I pull the photos from of my jacket and hold them out.

“We’re actually great, all three of us!”

She turns and sees the photos I’m holding. Letting out a scream so loud, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be the first sound my child remembers.

“Shut up, shut up, shut uppppppp!”

She jumps and claps.

“Tell me everything. How did you find out? When are you due? Are you going to find out the gender? Can I move in with you?”

She runs in place before spinning around and then she freezes.

“NOOOO. NOOOO. LEE, I AM ABOUT TO BE A FREAKING AUNTIE! THIS IS MY LIFE CALLING.” She yells as she bursts into the happiest tears while putting a hand to her forehead, trying to take in the news.

I’m laughing so hard. This is the best thing to witness in person. Getting to see how excited those we love most are about our little family. No wonder Shawn told Liam. I bet his reaction was just as good.

“Calm down, girl. You can’t tell anyone back in there. Shawn and I should tell our parents together. But I’m due at the beginning of May. We will find out the gender, and how I found out? Long ass story.”

“Fuck, this is amazing! Auntie Nora is going to be so ready.”

“I’m sure you’ll crush it with all the Auntie duties,” I say, laughing as we head out of the washroom.

“I’m going to need bump updates every week. You’re going to be the best mom!”

“Shhhh.” I smile and hug her as we head back toward the suite. Collecting myself and putting on my best game face to make sure my man sweeps this team.