Page 136 of Playing the Game

Adam clocked Tito and Noah head straight for Jonas’ side. They had a rushed conversation before turning to him. Tito nodded and Noah came forward.

“Can I have a hold?” he asked.

“Of course you can.”

It appeared that Jonas’ bodyguards had cleared this. Adam was glad that Jonas had people on his side. Even so, he would be taking care of things on that score.

He gently laid Olive in Noah’s arms. She seemed perfectly content with the swap and stared at the sea of faces gawping at her.

“I suppose we have a new mascot then,” Tito said.

“Reckon we can fit her in the FA Cup?” Jerzy asked.

Adam burst out laughing. “Not by next summer we won’t. You’ve no idea how much this young lady puts away.”

Noah stroked her head. “Be nice to win it in her first season.”

This choked Adam. It would be the perfect tribute to becoming a father.

“I like the sound of that, Noah,” he said. “I like it a lot.”

To his astonishment, the rest of the lads were clamouring for a hold. Noah handed Olive to Alain.

“Elle est belle.”

Adam’s chest swelled. This must be what being a proud father felt like.

I like it.

A lump formed in his throat. Now he might be sharing his news with this lot. He wasn’t about to cry in front of them.

“I think this calls for a bottle of fizz,” he said. “Don’t tell Javier.”

He dashed into the kitchen.

“What’s up?”

Jonas had followed him. Adam wanted to clear everyone out and hold Jonas for the rest of the night.

“I realised that I am the luckiest man in the world.”

“I can see how that would make you run out and look like you’re about to burst into tears.”

“I’m serious.”

Jonas came over to him. He wrapped his arm around Adam’s waist.

“The lads love her,” Jonas said. “I think she’s going to be one spoilt girl. Have you seen how many uncles she has?”

“And you.”

“Definitely me.”

Adam squeezed him. “Who were you on the phone to?”

A smile crept onto Jonas’ face. “I was going to tell you later. Tuva and my father have agreed for Anna to come and live here.”

Adam hugged him tight. “I’m so fucking pleased. I love you, Jonas. And one day I’m going to tell the whole world.”