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Chapter Thirty-Two

Jemma

A chill runs down my arms, causing my teeth to chatter. Even after months of watching Trent play hockey, I still haven’t gotten used to the cold. With two lives growing inside me, I’m always hot, but not when I’m this close to the ice.

My stomach is expanding by the day, along with my breasts. Every part of me feels slightly larger or swollen. Take your pick. I’m having twins, and I’m not prepared for two babies.

Sitting on the bench next to Bex, Taylor, and Shannon, I’ve never been more physically uncomfortable. Some days walking feels like a chore, and with how big my stomach is now, my boobs practically sit on top of it. I couldn’t feel more unattractive.

Trent skates to the Plexiglas before me and flattens his gloved hand against it.

He smiles, and I no longer have a care in the world.

He makes me feel like our babies, and I are the center of his universe.

Every day, I feel worshiped and adored by him.

And every day, I consider myself lucky to have him in my life.

He removes his mouthguard and says, “I love you.”

I mouth the words. He gives me one of his boyish smirks and a quick wink before taking off the ice toward his teammates in the opposite direction.

The game hasn’t started yet. As students find their seats, a sea of navy and white jerseys surrounds us.

Taylor taps me on the arm to gain my attention. “You guys are so cute together. I still can’t believe you two are having twins.”

“I know,” I confess. “It was unexpected.”

None of this feels real. I haven’t come to terms with my life changing.

I came to Strickland University because I was running away from commitment and what I saw as the end of my former life, only to find something I had least expected with Trent.

They say the right person can change your mind and make you want things you never knew you desired or needed.

That’s how I feel when I’m with Trent. I want it all with him.

“Are you still going to finish school?” Bex leans forward, her elbows on her thighs, staring down the row at me. “You want to be a reporter, right?”

“Yes,” I say. “Trent knows how important it is for me to finish school. After he graduates, we will move in with his parents. His mom will help me with the babies so I can commute to Strick U.”

Bex nods. “But what if he gets drafted?”

“It will not be easy for us, but I’ll stay with his parents and try to expedite my degree, if possible.”

“What about your parents?”

I shrug. “My mom would watch the kids for us, but she can’t abandon the farm and come live with us forever. I guess it all depends on where Trent ends up playing hockey.”

Shannon is on my left, tapping me on the arm with her elbow. “I asked the girls to make you a special shirt for Greek Week. Since the old one doesn’t fit.”

I laugh and peek down at my stomach for a second. “Thanks. Nothing fits anymore. But I don’t know how much good I will be during Greek Week. Unless you want me to waddle my way through the obstacle course.”

Shannon chuckles. “You can still be part of the events. But maybe you should sit out for flag football.”

Every April, all the sororities and fraternities on campus get together to raise money for local charities and organizations.

The week comprises various games between the Greeks where we compete against each other.

Football, volleyball, and even a dance competition are among the many events we must attend together.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’ll be useful on a football field.”

Shannon smiles and then rubs my arm with her icy fingers.

“Drake looks so hot in full gear,” Taylor says, licking her lips and focusing on Drake Donovan.

Bex rolls her eyes at Taylor. “Stop denying that you like him.”

Taylor straightens in her seat and gives Bex a strange look. “I don’t like him. He’s hot but?—”

“But nothing,” Bex interjects. “You know you like him. I didn’t see you run away when he kissed you at the Delta Sig party.”

Taylor blushes and turns her head away from Bex. “Don’t start on me again. It was just a kiss. I don’t see why everyone keeps making a big deal out of it.”

“You should give him a chance,” Shannon says. “Drake is such a sweetie when he’s not acting like a pig.”

Taylor laughs. “Oh, he’s a pig. And if he wants me, he has to work for it.”

Bex shakes her head. “You’re so dramatic.”

“It’s called standards,” Taylor says with a wicked smirk. “Drake has to meet them before I’ll give in to him. He thinks he can smile in my direction, and I will swoon.”

She hasn’t stopped looking at Drake since the guys stepped onto the ice for practice.

I enjoy hanging out with his teammates’ girlfriends.

It helps that Shannon is one of them. She’s a good Big Sister and has been an enormous help since I told her I was pregnant.

This transition is hard enough, and with my new circle of friends, I don’t feel as alone as I did in the beginning.

Still, nothing can prepare you for one child, let alone two—especially when you hadn’t planned it.

The game starts with all of our men now on the ice for a face-off at center ice, cutting off our conversation.

Trent lines up his stick with the player across from him on the opposing team, and when the referee drops the puck between them, Trent gains possession.

I still know very little about hockey, even with all of Trent’s coaching, but it’s growing on me.

Jordan and I never played sports. Our mother wanted us to be cheerleaders.

I had zero interest while Jordan was the captain of her team in high school.

By the time the third period starts, Bex gives me the play-by-play.

While I’m not clueless, I don’t understand all the penalties and line changes.

From my vantage point, and with how fast everything plays out before me, it’s hard to see which player is on the ice.

Someone on the Strickland Senators has possession of the puck and is dodging a player on the opposing team as he fakes him out to take the shot.

The puck sails into the net, and the entire arena goes wild. Everyone around us rises to their feet to clap and cheer. Not until he turns around do I realize Trent was the one who scored the goal. His teammates surround him, all of them huddling together to celebrate.

Even though I have a lot to learn, I can’t deny that hockey is a sexy sport. I get so turned on when Trent is out there doing his thing. Maybe some of it is from my hormones, which have been insane lately, but damn, he sure looks hot in his uniform.

“Regionals, here we come,” Bex yells, high-fiving each of us. She’s such a tomboy, a lover of sports.

Trent hasn’t stopped talking about making it to Regionals and the Frozen Four. He’s determined to win another championship before he graduates, and I know his team will bring another win home for Strick U.

I look over at the Senators’ bench, where Trent is already staring at me.

He’s holding his helmet in his right hand.

Sweat drips from his brows, which he wipes away with his hand.

I smile so wide my cheeks hurt, and he does the same.

There’s an unspoken bond between us, one I can feel from a distance.

I’m the mother of his children.

He’s the man of my dreams.

Life couldn’t be more perfect.