Page 33 of Her Hat Trick Daddies (Game On Daddies #3)

Andy

W e get the paternity test done not long after that tense visit to Leighton’s office, just before the weekend we’re set to meet Luna. No surprises when the results come back—Shane is the dad.

Knowing for sure somehow makes everything feel a little easier.

Or maybe just different. Either way, we all sat down with Leighton afterward, and honestly?

She’s fucking amazing. Forgiving Shane, giving him the chance to show up and be there…

that takes guts. I joked about her making him sweat it out a bit longer, because if anyone deserves to twist for a while, it’s him, but Leighton’s got a bigger heart than I do, than we all do.

She’s generous in ways I don’t think I could be.

And as much as I don’t know Shane the way David does, I know he’s not a bad person.

We all screw up. One terrible reaction doesn’t mean you’re a terrible person through and through.

I’ve had time to sit with the idea of being part of this baby’s life, and honestly?

I’m just grateful I didn’t freak out the same way when I found out.

I’m pushing forty, and having kids hasn’t been on my radar for a long time. I didn’t think I’d get the chance at this age, so what was the point? But now that there’s a baby already here, already real, it’s kind of… exciting. Well, terrifying as hell, but exciting.

At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

The rest of the week feels…off. Not bad, exactly, just weird.

Some moments fly by, others drag like they’ll never end.

And now that it’s finally time to meet Luna, I’m not even sure what I’m feeling.

I’m usually the most laidback of the three of us, but right now?

I’m a hot mess of nerves and what-ifs, wound tighter than my hamstrings on leg day.

I’m holding it together, barely, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a lot. I guess that’s what a baby does to you.

We pull up to a massive house, the kind that makes David’s place look cozy. Leighton had said she wanted to do this at her friend’s place—less pressure that way, since there’d be another kid around. An easier icebreaker. Made sense.

David’s SUV is packed to the brim with gifts, every inch of space crammed like we’re hauling a toy store across town. He’s behind the wheel, unusually quiet, his jaw clenched tight like he’s psyching himself up for a playoff shootout. Eyes straight ahead. Laser-focused .

Shane’s riding shotgun, but he’s not much better, looking a little green around the gills. He’s fidgety, his fingers keep messing with his baseball cap, twisting it forward, then backward, then forward again.

I get it. We’re all feeling it.

I’m just the one dumb enough to say our thoughts out loud. “Think we’re ready for this?”

“We have to be,” Shane mutters.

“We will be,” David says, firm like always. “If we can’t figure out fatherhood between the three of us, we might as well crawl under a damn rock.”

“I don’t know about y’all, but I think Luna might take one look at us and scream like a banshee.”

“Jesus, Andy.” David shoots me a look. “Why do you always assume the worst?”

“Because it’s easier. Low expectations mean fewer disappointments.” I glance at Shane. “Right?”

Shane doesn’t say a word, just rubs the back of his neck.

“I’m sure the baby will like us,” David tries again. “The kids who recognize us at games do. That’s gotta count for something.”

“Maybe. Guess we’ll find out.” My heart’s doing somersaults.

We pop the doors open and start unloading, our arms full of bags—books, bears, a dollhouse, snacks, clothes, shoes, even a light-up princess dress that Shane had insisted on grabbing. No half-measures today. If we’re going to make an impression, we’re going all in.

I nudge Shane, who’s still adjusting his hat like it’s a security blanket. “Take your hat off,” I murmur. “Luna needs to see you.”

He nods. “Right.”

But as we approach the door, it’s not Leighton who answers.

It’s Sven fucking Hinter. The man is a wall of calm and muscle, and I haven’t seen him since we played his last season together.

“Andy,” he greets, giving me a handshake that could dislocate a shoulder. “Good to see you. Come on in, guys. Kids are in the back with everyone else.”

We follow him inside, and just past the foyer, we’re met with the real greeting—Leighton. Blonde hair up, sun catching the curve of her smile, that soft look in her blue eyes that still manages to gut me.

Sven peels off toward the deck. “I’ll let you guys catch up. Gotta make sure I’m not burning the hot dogs and burgers.”

Leighton ushers us into this gorgeous, spacious home, but none of it—no fancy light fixtures, no art on the walls—captures my attention.

Not even a little. Every ounce of my focus zeroes in on the tiny blonde toddler with soft curls bouncing around her head.

She’s dressed in a pink ruffly dress with Barbie plastered across the front, chubby legs sticking out as she sits on the floor, completely absorbed in The Lion King , Simba mid-belt about love and destiny.

I hang back, just staring at her.

Then my eyes catch movement—a little boy, maybe three or four, but what do I know, with golden-brown hair neatly combed to the side. He’s wearing a crisp button-down shirt and khaki shorts, kneeling in front of the TV, but fully immersed in a mountain of LEGOs next to the little girl.

That’s got to be Sven’s kid, I think.

In the kitchen, Ava is pouring lemonade from a big glass pitcher.

“Andy! How have you been?” Ava calls out, wiping her hands on a dish towel as she hurries over to wrap me in a warm hug. She pulls back, eyes twinkling.

“Miss your magic at the stadium, Ava,” I chuckle. “And… you guys have a nice home. I had no clue this was where we were headed.”

“I know,” she says, smirking with a wink.

She turns her bright smile on Shane and David. “Nice to meet you boys.”

“Pleasure’s all mine,” David says smoothly, flashing that gentlemanly grin. “Thanks for having us.”

Before we can say anything else, the two kids come scampering over, wide-eyed and giggling as they dart behind their moms’ legs, grinning but too shy to speak just yet .

The little boy peeks out first, his hazel eyes curious and bright, while the tiny girl, Luna, presses herself into Leighton’s side, her curls bouncing with every little move she makes.

Shane crouches slightly, eyes soft. “Well, who are these two cute kiddos?”

The kids exchange a look before offering shy little waves and whispering, “Hi.”

Leighton kneels, brushing Luna’s hair back gently. “Sweetheart, these are our new friends. And guess what…” She pinches Luna’s tiny nose, teasing a smile out of her. “They brought you all kinds of gifts! Can you say thank you?”

Luna buries her face in Leighton’s neck for a moment before peeking out again, whispering, “Dank ooo.”

I catch my breath, blinking hard. Well, I’ll be damned. If that isn’t the cutest thing I’ve ever heard. And suddenly, all the nerves I’d worked up about this moment? Gone.

Shane goes first, kneeling and holding out a soft plush doll. “This is for you, Luna.”

She clutches it with both hands, hugging it tight to her chest, her face lighting up like it’s Christmas morning.

David steps in next with a brightly colored book. “And here’s something for you to read at bedtime.”

She beams, and just as she reaches for it, David glances over at the boy still peeking out from behind Ava. “You know what, buddy? I’ve got something for you, too. ”

The boy’s face practically explodes with joy. He races forward, grabs the book, gives David a high-five, and then sprints back to the couch, yelling, “Thank you!” over and over while waving the book in the air.

Now it’s my turn. I crouch down low, suddenly realizing Luna is even smaller than I imagined. She’s clutching her doll, smiling shyly, and damn if it doesn’t make me feel… weirdly vulnerable. I can see it in Shane and David’s faces, too. We’re all a little smitten with this kid.

I hold out a small pink ball, grinning. “This is for you.”

Her eyes light up as she snatches it from my hands. “Bow-zy baw!”

Leighton laughs, covering her mouth. “That’s right, baby. A bouncy ball.”

Then she glances at the three of us, as if deciding. “Wanna show one of them how it bounces?” she asks Luna gently. Luna’s eyes land right on me—probably because of the ball—and she giggles.

“Well, now, that’s a winner, huh?” I say, feeling this odd bubble of pure, unfiltered joy rising in my chest.

“Wanna hold her?” Leighton asks, smiling. She doesn’t pick a name—just tosses the invite into the air like it’s up for grabs. I step forward before I even think about it. Of course I want to.

I panic a little as Luna reaches for me, but Leighton soothes, “Relax. It’s basically like carrying a squirming bag of potatoes. ”

She’s not wrong. There’s a surprising weight to this little body as she nestles into my arms, her head dropping naturally against my shoulder. She’s real. This tiny, perfect human being.

Leighton steps back once Luna’s situated, giving me a quick nod of approval.

“I’m Andy, Luna,” I murmur, rocking her gently. “Can you say ‘Andy’?”

She babbles, “Aaah… dee.”

I smile. Close enough.

Shane watches, his eyes soft but a little hesitant, like he’s not sure whether to be in awe or have a panic attack.

“Hey, Shane,” Ava calls out. “Why don’t you give me that bag of snacks? I’ll put them up.”

“Oh, right. Thanks.” Shane hands it over, eyes still locked on me and Luna.

I step closer, gently bouncing Luna in my arms. “Hi, Luna,” Shane says softly, his voice tender in a way I’ve never heard before. “I’m so glad I get to finally meet you, baby girl.”

She lifts her tiny hand, touches his cheek, then, without warning, grabs his lips and gives them a little yank.

She giggles. He winces but can't help laughing too.

And there we are—me holding this tiny girl who’s now giggling uncontrollably, her plush doll tucked in one fist, and her new bouncy ball clutched in the other. She peeks up at me with those big eyes, and it hits me. She’s got her mama’s curls and chin… but her eyes and nose? That’s all Shane .

“Okay, my turn,” Shane says suddenly, voice a little unsure.

A part of me doesn’t want to hand her over—we’ve had a moment, me and this kid—but I carefully pass her to Shane. He takes her like she’s made of glass, holding her at arm’s length like he’s terrified she might break.

Leighton quickly steps in, repositioning his hands and arms until Luna is securely cuddled against his chest.

“There you go,” she says, slightly stepping back with a proud smile. “How’s that?”

“Great,” Shane says, though his voice cracks like a kid going through puberty, totally blowing his cool.

“Lu-Lu, this is Shane. He’s very special,” Leighton says softly. “They all are… but this one, baby.” She pauses and caresses the side of her cheek. “He’s your daddy.”

“D…” Luna starts, her little brow furrowing as she focuses.

“Yes, that’s it!” Leighton encourages. “Daddy.”

I’m so caught up watching the two of them that it takes me a second to realize Shane’s gone as red as a tomato. I shoot David a look, silently asking if one of us should step in, but before either of us moves, Shane looks down at Luna, and something shifts.

She beams up at him, pure sunshine in her eyes, drops the ball with a little plop, and brings her chubby hand to her mouth to blow him a kiss. Shane, proud as can be, grins back like he’s just been handed the entire world.

“Hi, Luna,” he whispers. “I’m your daddy.”

“Dada,” she says, clear as day, her little voice ringing out .

Shane twists to look at us, completely floored, his eyes glassy with emotion. Then he turns his attention back to Luna, his voice thick. “That’s right, baby girl. Dada.”

David clears his throat behind me, and I turn just in time to see Leighton glance his way, smiling. “You want a turn too?” she asks softly.

David hesitates, like he’s afraid to want it too much. But then he nods, steps forward, and Shane gently passes Luna to him.

She fits against him like she was always meant to be there, her little arms curling around his neck. David closes his eyes briefly, and when he opens them again, they’re shining.

“Hey there, Luna,” he whispers, voice thick with emotion. “I’m David. I’ve been waiting a long time to meet you.”

She lets out a tiny giggle, pats his chest like she’s claiming him, then presses a drooly kiss to his jaw before settling against him like she’s known him forever.

And just as he starts to blink back tears, she leans back, grins up at him, and blows the wobbliest, most heart-melting kiss with her chubby little hand.

For a long, perfect moment, no one says a word. The room goes still.

And just like that, the world tilts. Everything shifts. This moment is everything we didn’t know we were missing… until she made us whole.