“Hey!” Lacey hugged Jen when she saw her at rugby practice.
“Hi! Look at you!” She smiled.
“What?”
“You… look so happy! I haven’t seen you like this in years!”
“Thank you.” She laced up her cleats.
“So? What’s different? Do we have a man?”
“Sort of.” She smiled brightly. “Joe and I are finally dating.”
“It’s about time!” She squealed. “Is it serious?”
“There’s a potential. It’ll be a while, though. I think Tristan needs me more right now.”
“Honey, Tris wants to see you happy.”
“Well, I am.” She ran to the field and began to warm up.
***
Everyone heard Lacey laughing hysterically from her office. They couldn’t help but laugh themselves, because she was laughing so hard. Kim, the HR manager peeked her head in and saw her reading her e-mail.
“Are you okay?” She smiled.
“Oh my God.” She wiped tears from under her eyes while still laughing. “Joe sent me an e-mail about a prank he and Sav played on Phil last night. The poor guy!” She began to giggle again.
Kim looked over her shoulder and read. She began to laugh as hard as Lacey. Just then, the phone rang.
“This is Lacey.” She tried not to laugh.
“I take it you got the message?” Joe chuckled.
“Yes!” She laughed. “How did you pull that off? Does he sleep like the dead or something?”
“Doesn’t handle shots very well these days.” He smiled to himself. “So?”
“So what?” She finally calmed down.
“Did you read the bottom?”
“I haven’t gotten there yet.” She scrolled down to a line asking her if she and Tris could fly to LA on their Thanksgiving break. “I suppose that could be arranged.”
“Cool. I’ll make the arrangements.”
“It’s a plan.” She sat back into her chair as Kim left her office.
“I miss you.”
“You too.” She sighed. “Where are you?”
“Canada.”
“Bummer. I bet it’s cold there too.”
“Rub it in.” He smiled. “What about Christmas?”
“What about it?”
“Plans?”
“Tris and I do family thing with my parents and then he goes to the other side of the family from Christmas Day until after New Years.”
“Why don’t you go?”
“I never have gotten along with the in-laws very well. What about you?”
“We actually have the holidays off this year.”
“Well… I know of a cozy little place you could stay. That is, of course, if you don’t mind meeting my parents.”
“What are they like?”
“The Reverend and Mrs. McKinzy? They don’t drink and never swear. Other than that they’re a blast.”
“Ya think they’ll even like me?”
She had to laugh at his comment. She never in a million years imagined that Joe would even care.
“Just make it through the night without saying fuck and I think we’ll have a chance.”
“Pretty sassy for a beer wench, aren’t ya?” He closed his eyes and imagined what she looked like.
“Well baby, I need to go.” She sighed. “I have a rodeo to set up for.”
“What did you call me?” He stopped.
“Baby.” She smiled.
“Am I your boyfriend now?” He teased.
“Shut up!”
“C’mon.”
“Joe.” She wined.
“I love you.”
She paused for a long moment before speaking. “Ditto.” She quickly hung up.
***
A few days later, Lacey woke up with the most terrible menstrual cramps she had ever had. She picked up the phone and dialed into work.
“Beer Company, how can I direct your call?”
“This is Lacey. I’m not coming in today.”
“You okay?”
“Nothing a few Midol and a heating pad can’t cure.”
“Damn! It must be bad if you’re missing work. Well, take care. I’ll page you if we need anything.”
“Thanks.” She hung up and rolled her knees into her chest.
Two hours later, she couldn’t take the pain any longer. She dressed into sweats and a T-shirt and drove to the doctor’s office.
“Is Michelle in today?” She referred to one of her rugby teammates who happened to be a doctor there.
“I’m not sure what it could be. I’ve taken everything I can think of and it’s not touching it.”
“Could you be pregnant?” Michelle asked.
“Huh?” The question caught her off guard.
“Is there a possibility that you could be pregnant?”
“I don’t… think so.”
“Have you had sex in the last few months? C’mon, Lace. These aren’t difficult questions.”
“I’ve only been with one man in like a year.”
“It only takes once, ya know.” She opened a drawer and pulled out a kit to perform a blood test.
“Do you really think…” She thought back to all of the conversations with Joe over the years. He said he was sterile due to complications he had with the mumps ages ago. There had to be a mistake.
“We’ll find out.” She tied a tourniquet around her arm and searched for a vein. After the blood was collected, she looked at her and smiled. “Now take a deep breath, lie back and relax. I’ll be back in a few minutes.
“Thanks Shell.”
“No problem.”
A few minutes later Michelle returned and sat on the stool in front of her. “You mind tellin’ me who this guy is?”
“Why?”
“Well, because of him we’ve just lost you for the season.”
“You’re kidding!” She covered her mouth. “Oh my God. A baby.”
“Go home and sit in a warm tub of water. It should relax you a little.”
“Okay.”
“And then go to practice tonight and tell them that you’re their new assistant coach.”
“Yes ma’am.”
She sat in the tub and thought about everything. She was having Joe’s baby. If it got even a small percentage of his looks, she would be happy. She couldn’t wait to tell Joe. Would he be happy? He didn’t really seem like the sort of guy who would want to start a family. He was great with Tristan, but he wasn’t his. Maybe he didn’t want kids of his own.
Would he believe her? What if he was angry? What if he though she did this on purpose? He is on tour and probably would be for a while. What if knowing about the baby just stressed him out and the strain of the tour caused him to burn out?
She went through every scenario in her mind and came to the conclusion that it would best for every one if he didn’t know.
“He’ll have to know eventually, Lace.” Carrie spoke.
“Maybe. But not now.” She picked at her sandwich as she spoke on the phone.
“When then? When he comes home for Christmas and notices that you can’t keep a single thing down?”
“I don’t know!” She began to cry.
“I forgot how hormonal you get when you’re pregnant.” She laughed. “C’mon, Lace. He loves you. Tell him.”
“I can’t.” She sniffed. “Not yet.”
Joe called a few days later and got the answering machine. “Hey, haven’t heard from you in a while. Why aren’t you returning my calls?” He paused. “I hope we’re still on for tomorrow. Call my cell before you take off. I can’t wait to see you. Love you. Bye.”
Lacey listened to the message while on a plane to Chicago.
“Why aren’t we going to LA?” Tristan asked as she hung up.
“Because we’re going to Chicago.” She smiled.
“Are you mad at Joe?”
“No sweetie.” She smiled.
“I like him, Mom.”
“That’s good.” She turned her head.
“And he likes you a lot.”
“I know, Tris.”
“Then why aren’t we there?” He raised his voice.
“I decided to go see Carrie instead, Tris. End of conversation.”
Joe’s heart raced as he waited at the gate. He waited until the last people were off. Lacey and Tristan didn’t come. He called her house and got the answering machine again. He then called Jen and Jim.
“Hello?” Jim answered.
“Hey Jim, its Joe Elliott. You wouldn’t happen to know where Lacey and Tristan are, would you?”
“I thought they were going to LA.” He looked at Jen.
“Is it possible that she made the National team and had to go somewhere?”
“She didn’t try out, mate.”
Jen took the phone away from Jim. “Hi Joe.”
“Have you seen her?” He began to worry. “Is there maybe a game today and she switched to a later flight?”
“She can’t play anymore, Joe. Didn’t she tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Maybe… you should try her parents.”
“What is going on, Jen?”
“I can’t tell you. I’m sorry.” She hung up.
He searched around for his planner and looked up the McKinzy’s phone number.
“Hello?”
“Reverend McKinzy?”
“Yes?”
“This is Joe Elliott.”
“Oh! Hi! I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“I was wondering if you knew where Lacey and Tristan went for Thanksgiving. I was going to surprise her.” He lied.
“They went to Carrie’s house. Said something about needing to relax.”
“Thank you so much.” He hung up and again looked through his planner. Walking through the airport, he dialed again.
“Hello?”
“Carrie, its Joe.”
“Hi.”
“Is she there?”
“Not yet.” She sighed. She knew Lacey would kill her, but she felt like she had to do it. “I think roses would be great. You can send them to 12352 NW Bradley in Ottawa.”
“Thanks.” He hung up and walked to the desk. “One ticket to Chicago on your next flight.”
That night after dinner, Lacey played cards with Carrie, her husband Jeff, her brother Chris, and her Mother Barbara. They were telling jokes and laughing when the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it!” Tristan ran in from watching cartoon. His tiny hands turned the doorknob and he pushed the door open. “Joe!”
“Hey, little man.” He picked him up and hugged him. “How are you?”
“I’m fine. Mom’s acting a little weird, though.”
“Really?” He walked in and looked around.
“Who is it, Tris?” Lacey walked in and stopped dead in her tracks. “What… How…”
“You’re okay.” He looked over her. “What’s goin’ on? I thought we were going to be together for the holiday.”
“I’m sorry, Joe.” She fell into his arms as he held her.
“Do you have any idea how worried I was?” He kissed her hair. “God, Lace. I thought something happened to you.” He blinked away a tear.
“I didn’t know what else to do.” She cried.
“Why?” He pushed her back to look into her eyes. “What happened?”
“I just… got spooked, that’s all.” She lied.
“Then why can’t you play rugby anymore?” He was confused.
“Who told you that?” Her eyes widened.
“Jen.”
“Oh my God.” She pushed away from him and walked back to the room she was staying in. He knew too much. She was going to have to tell him.
“Lacey.” He followed her in and closed the door. “I love you, darlin’. You can tell me anything. I hope you know that.” He knelt in front of her and took her hands.
She looked into his eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant, Joe.”
His eyes widened as a smile formed on his lips. “You’re sure?”
“Oh yeah.” She sighed.
“A baby?” He kissed her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wasn’t sure how you’d react. I mean, we haven’t been together all that long.”
“You are the only one that’s ever been worried of that.” He kissed each of her hands. “I love you so much, Lacey. Marry me.”
“No.” She walked across the room to look out the window. “We don’t have to get married because of this.”
“It’s not. I want you to marry me because I can’t live without you.”
“Joe.” She closed her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his head on her shoulder. “I’m not ready for marriage yet.”
“Fine then. Move in with me and let me take care of you guys.”
“No.” She wined as she turned to face him.
“Please? This is my child too and I want to be there. I think I deserve that.”
“You do.” She pouted.
“Live with me, Lace. There’s plenty of room for you and Tristan.”
“It’s so far away.”
“Dublin? You can come back whenever you want. Just say the word. I promise.”
“I want to stay here until the baby’s born. You can move in with me.” She thought she found a way to push him away.
“Fine. I’ll do anything you want.”
“Really?” She smiled.
“Really.” He kissed her.
“This is a big thing. If you don’t think you can handle it, I’ll understand.”
“Why are you trying to push me away?” He kissed her. “I’m going to be a father. You are having our child. You couldn’t get rid of me now if you tried.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.” She smiled. “Would you like to stay here with us?”
“As long as you come back to LA with me tomorrow. Like we planned.” They heard a noise outside the door. Lacey covered her mouth to keep from laughing. Joe opened the door to see Tristan standing there.
“What are you doing?” She crossed her arms.
“Can we go with Joe, Mom?” He smiled.
“Yes, we’re going.” She smiled. “Come on, you have to meet every body.” She took Joe’s hand and led him into the kitchen.
They played cards and talked until it was very late. Joe noticed how sleepy Lacey was and sat his hand on her knee. “Ready for bed?”
“Yeah.” She yawned.
“C’mon then.” He held his hand out for her.
She smiled and then placed her hand in his.
“Good night.” Carried smiled as she waved at them.
He held her hand as he pulled her through the hallway.
“I need to check on Tris.”
“He’s fine.” He pushed her into the bedroom and closed the door behind him.
“What are you doing?” She smiled as he reached for the button of her jeans.
“Getting you ready for bed.” He kissed her neck.
“I did miss you.” She closed her eyes as she reached up to run her fingers through his hair.
“Then it’s settled. Don’t ever do anything this crazy again.”
“Joe…”
“Shhh. It’s settled.” He kissed her.
The next morning, the three arrived at Phil’s house in LA. They walked in and looked around. “’Ello!” Joe sat their luggage in the hallway.
“Where’ve you been?” Anita ran in and hugged them.
“Slight detour.” Joe smiled.
“Ay!” Phil walked in and hugged them. “Every one else should be here shortly.”
“Cool.” Joe squeezed Lacey’s hand. “We have an announcement to make.”
“What’s that?” Phil quickly looked at her hand.
“No, not that.” Lacey smiled.
“Not yet.” Joe winked at him.
“Stop it.” She pushed him into the den.
The adults gathered in the den and talked while the kids played in Rory’s room.
“I’m gonna be a big brother.” Tristan spoke proudly. “My Mom’s having a baby.”
“No way!” Lauren watched him. “I asked my Mom for a little sister, but she said no.”
“Is your Mom and Joe married?” Rory asked.
“No. My Aunt Carrie said that she’s scared.”
“Scared of what?” Lauren looked confused.
“Mom stuff. She misses my Dad sometimes.”
“Isn’t Joe your Dad now?” Rory asked.
“Mom said no, but I think I need to talk to him about it.” He sighed.
“What’s that smell?” Lacey looked around.
“Anita and Paige are making curried veggies.” Phil smiled.
“Oh God.” She covered her mouth and ran to the bathroom.
“She alright?” Vivian looked at Joe.
“She will be in a bit.” He ran his fingers through his hair.
“When is she due?” Stacey smiled as she crossed her arms.
“July.” He smiled.
“No!” Sav sat up.
“I’ll go and get her some toast.” Jewels walked to the kitchen.
“What’s up?” Paige asked as she reached into the breadbox.
“Seems as though Lacey has a case of morning sickness.” She smiled. “I’m making some toast for her.”
Paige and Anita quickly stuck their heads out of the kitchen and smiled at Joe. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” He smiled as Lacey returned from the bathroom. “C’mere.” He held his arms out as she sat on his lap.
“I’ll pass on lunch.” She mumbled as she laid her head on his shoulder.
“Julie’s gettin’ some toast.” Vivian smiled.
“Thanks.” She smiled.
“So what does this mean?” Sav watched them.
“We’re ‘aving a baby, mate.” Joe smiled. “Right now plans are for Lace to stay in Oklahoma until the tour wraps up.”
“And then?” He looked at Lacey.
“We’ll take it from there.” She rested her hand on Joe’s chest.
“Cool.” Phil looked at Sav as if to say, “Back off.”
“Well, congratulations you two.”
“Three!” Tristan ran in. “I’m gonna be a big brother!”
“That’s right!” Phil smiled at him.
“’Ere ya go, love.” Jewels handed her a piece of toast.
“Thank you.” She nibbled on the edge.
Lacey took a nap while everyone ate lunch. Joe had strict orders to brush his teeth when he was finished. He did just that and then walked in to check on her.
She looked so beautiful, lying there peacefully. He crawled beside her and watched her sleep. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
“Hi.” He whispered as he ran his thumb down her cheek and neck.
“Hi.” She brought her hand up to rest on his side.
“Feel better?”
“A little.”
“Good.” He ran his fingers through her hair.
“You have that look in your eye.” She smiled.
“What look is that?”
“The look that you would rather spend the rest of the day in bed.”
“I always want to spend the day in bed.” He smiled. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She finally spoke the words he had longed to hear.
He reached to pull her into his arms and caught her lips with his. They were kissing when Phil peeked in. “Haven’t you done enough of that?” He grinned.
“Piss off!” Joe flipped him off.
“’Nita’s made a fruit salad if you’d like some.” He looked at Lacey.
“That sounds good. I’ll be there in a sec.”
“Is that how long it takes these days?” He chuckled as he walked down the hall.
“Okay, maybe he deserved what you and Sav did to him.”
“See? I told you.” He laughed.
Chapter 6
“This is Lacey.” She answered her cell phone.
“Whatcha doin’?” Joe asked.
“Setting up for the Creed concert.”
“Tell me you’re not lifting kegs.”
“I’m not.”
“Good.”
“I’m pushing them around, but not lifting them.”
“Don’t make me have to spank you when I get home.”
“Oh, I can’t wait.” She giggled. “When will that be?”
“When’s your baby appointment?”
“In the morning. Why? Are you here already?”
“Maybe.”
“Don’t tease.”
“I just landed at the airport. I’ll take a cab to the house.”
“I’ll meet you there.” Her heart raced as she hung up. “Mike, it looks like everything’s under control here. I’m going to make a few sales calls and go on home.”
“No prob, Lace. See ya tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. I have an appointment in the morning.”
“Cool.”
She walked in and immediately smelled his cologne. God, what a smell, she thought as a shiver went down her spine. She walked into the bedroom to see him face down across the bed.
“Hey.” She sat next to him.
Without a word, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him.
“Joe!” She squealed as he rolled over onto her. “We can’t do this.”
“Why not?” He frowned.
“I’m going to the doctor tomorrow, baby. We can’t do this.”
“You’re kidding!” He moaned. “I don’t believe you.”
“Call one of the guys and ask.”
“Fine.” He picked up the phone and dialed. “Sav, I have a query.”
“Shoot.”
“When Paige went to the doctor…” Before he could even finish, Sav busted out with laughter.
“No! Ain’t it a bitch?”
“Fuck.” He hung up and looked at her.
“Aw.” She rubbed his cheek. “It’s not so bad.”
“I’d rather pout.”
“Fine.” She looked at her watch. “Tris will be home in a few minutes. I’ll just have to take care of you later.”
“Really?” His eyes widened.
“Later.”
“Fuck.” He sighed.
They went to dinner with Jen, Jim and Brody that night. When they returned home, Lacey was exhausted.
“Can I stay up and play Sega?” Tristan asked.
“No.” She yawned. “You can when we stay at Mama and Papa’s.”
“That’s two whole days!” He wined.
“You heard your mother.” Joe looked sternly at him.
“Fine.” He walked to his room.
“Not bad.” She smiled.
“Go get ready for bed.” He smiled as he walked into Tristan’s room. “Hey.”
“Hey.” He looked in his dresser for pajamas.
“I brought something.” He handed him a shirt that looked like one of his.
“You remembered!” His face lit up. “Thank you!”
“Now you will look much cooler than Phil and Rory combined.”
“Thanks Joe.” He hugged him.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled. “Now go to bed. You and I can play Sega tomorrow while your Mum’s at work.”
“Why does she have to work if I’m out of school?”
“Just lucky, I guess.” He smiled. “Night.”
“Night.”
Joe walked into the bedroom as Lacey climbed into bed. She was wearing flannel pajama bottoms and a tank top. “Damn, too late!” He sat on the bed and untied his tennis shoes.
“Too bad.” She closed her eyes.
He finished undressing and climbed under the covers to find that she was asleep. “Lacey?” He wined. “Fuck.” He turned out the light and snuggled up to her.
He moved his hand around to find a spot that was comfortable for him. It was then that he noticed the tiny bump that had formed on her tummy. He smiled and kissed her cheek before falling asleep.
“God, I need to pee!” Lacey complained as they waited for the ultrasound technician.
“Shh.” Joe laughed. “You can go when they’re finished.”
“Easy for you to say, you don’t have to pee!” She locked her knees together as she lay back on the table.
The door opened and a young girl in pink surgical scrubs walked in. “Hi, I’m Alyssa.”
“Ello, Alyssa.” Joe smiled.
“I’m going to do a few checks today and we’ll try to figure out how far along you are.”
“Cool.” Lacey raised her shirt.
“This might be a little cold.” She squirted gel onto her tummy.
“Ah!” She again locked her knees.
“Sorry.” She smiled as she pressed onto her belly with a probe. She spent quite a while pressing and rooting, trying to get a view of the baby. “Did you drink enough water? I’m not getting a good view.”
Lacey shot her a look that could freeze water. Joe grabbed her hand and spoke before she could get a chance. “She’s about to leave a puddle, she’s had so much water.”
“Oh! Here we go!” She pointed. There was a tiny speck on the screen that looked like a jellybean. In the middle was a tiny flash. “That’s the heartbeat.” She pointed.
“Oh my God.” Joe watched carefully. “Es so tiny.”
“They usually are.” Lacey smiled as she watched him. He actually had tears in his eyes. The more she learned about him, the deeper the love she felt for him. She never would have imagined that she would ever love Joe Elliott as much as she did. And they were having a baby. They were a family.
“God, I love you.” He kissed her cheek and then returned his attention to the screen.
“Well, that’s it.” Alyssa turned off the machine. “Looks like the doctor was right. You’re due around July 29th.”
“Cool!” Lacey grabbed the towel from her hands, quickly wiped the gel off, jumped up, and ran to the restroom.
“She had to pee.” Joe smiled at Alyssa.
“You look so familiar to me.” She crossed her arms. “Are you from around here?”
“Did the accent give it away?” He said sarcastically.
“You’re funny.” She giggled.
“Thanks.” He held his hand out as she handed him a picture of the baby.
Lacey returned with a huge look of relief on her face. “All better?” Joe smiled at her.
“Hell yeah.” She grabbed her purse. “Let’s go eat, I’m starvin’!”
“Yes, dear.”
***
Lacey sat in the passenger seat as Joe drove to her parent’s house. She was biting her nails while staring out the window.
“Why are you so nervous?”
She sat back and took a deep breath. “I haven’t told them about the baby yet.”
“Why not?”
“They haven’t met you.”
“So we’re telling them tonight? On Christmas Eve?”
“Something like that.” She smiled.
“That’s fine with me.” He kissed her hand.
They sat at the dinner table and ate turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, noodles, cranberry sauce, green beans and rolls. Lacey seemed to be a bottomless pit. She filled her plate three times.
“You certainly do have an appetite.” Her mother, Brenda, spoke.
“That’s ‘cause…” Tristan started.
“Tris, why don’t you go and get dessert?” Joe interrupted him.
“Go on.” The Reverend smiled at him. There was silence as they all stopped eating. “Tristan told us that he was going to be a big brother.”
Joe watched Lacey as she smiled. “He’s excited.”
“So you are pregnant?” Brenda asked.
“Yes.”
“And what are your plans?” The Reverend looked at Joe.
“The baby’s due in July and so far everything’s fine.” Lacey watched him. “There are no wedding plans.”
“Lacey!” Brenda spat.
“Lace.” Joe looked at her. “He just asked a question. Settle down.”
She relaxed a little when she looked at him. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not going to give you the speech again, Lacey. Just calm down.” Her father smiled. “You’re 35 years old, I think you can make your own decisions.”
“Who are you and what did you do with my parents?” She smiled.
Lacey and Joe sat with the lights out and looked at the Christmas tree.
“Your folks seem nice.” He smiled.
“They’re trying to get into heaven now.” She rested her head on his shoulder.
“Are you feelin’ all right?” He rubbed her hand. “You seem tired.”
“I’ve been havin’ headaches the last few days.”
“Come here then.” He pointed to the floor between his feet. She obeyed as he began to run his fingers through her hair. He then rubbed her scalp and neck with his large, muscular hands. She closed her eyes as he concentrated on the tense muscles of her forehead and temples. “Better?”
“Oh yeah.” A small gurgle sound let lose from her throat. She wrapped her arms around his legs and began to rub her hands up and down his shins.
“Good.” He rubbed her shoulders. After spending several moments on her shoulders, he then rubbed his hands to the front of her shoulders and upper chest.
“I love the way you touch me.” She whispered as he began to kiss the back of her neck.
“I love to touch you.” He kissed her ear.
She turned to face whim while climbing onto her knees. His lips met hers as he bent over to reach her. Their tongues gently collided as she pulled him to the floor in front of the tree.
He stopped and looked into her eyes as he rubbed his thumb across her cheek. “Marry me, Lacey.”
“Joe…” She stopped when he pressed his fingers against her lips.
“Not because of the baby, but because I’m crazy about you.”
“You are today. But what happens when you change your mind?”
“I haven’t in over 10 years.”
She looked at him for a moment, unsure of what to say next.
“Don’t answer me now.” He had a sly grin on his face. “I’ll ask again.”
“I’m sure of that.” She finally smiled.
“Why don’t… I leave you with something to think about?” He reached into his pocket.
“I thought you already did?” She patted her tummy.
“This is… more easily accessible.” He held a ring between his fingers. It was a ring of white gold that held one large oval-shaped diamond in the center with a smaller one on either side.
“It’s beautiful.” She watched the lights of the tree sparkle within the stones.
“You can wear it on any finger you like. I would just like for you to wear it.”
She held out her right hand to accept the ring. His eyes filled with delight as he slid it proudly onto her finger. “I love you.” He kissed her.
“I know.” She played with the hair resting on the back of his neck as they kissed. They both jumped when they saw the kitchen light come on.
“I just came down for a glass of water.” Brenda smiled as she walked past. “Good night.”
“Night, Mom.” Lacey laughed as Joe actually blushed.
“You’re blushing?” She giggled.
“Shush.” He mimicked her.
After Tristan opened his presents from Santa Claus the next morning, they left for dinner at Jen and Jim’s house. Lacey carried in a pecan pie that she had baked the night before and handed it to Jen.
“Oh my God!” She grabbed her hand. “What the hell is that?”
“It’s a ring, Jen.” She smiled.
“Why isn’t that baby on your left hand?”
“Because… I don’t want it to be yet.”
“You are so stubborn!”
“I agree.” Joe stood in the doorway and smiled.
“Shush.” She pointed for him to leave the room. “Go watch football or somethin’.”
“Nothing’s going to happen, Lace. Just let yourself go.” Jen looked at her. “We all know you love him. It’s pretty obvious to everyone but you.”
“Thank you, Dr. Jen.” She crossed her arms and leaned against the sink. “First you complain that I haven’t dated anyone and now that I am you want me to commit?”
“No, you’re already committed. I think you should marry him. Call me old fashioned, but you are carrying his baby.”
“Old fashioned.” She stuck her tongue out at her. “I’ll do it when I’m ready and not a second before. You know that.”
“Yeah, I know.” She sighed. “I just hope you’re not too late.”
“If he loves me like he says he does, it won’t matter. Right?”
“Is that what this is? You’re fucking testing him?” Her eyes widened.
“Shh!” She stepped toward her. “I have to know, Jen. I don’t want this to be another… fling between us.”
“You need a shrink.” She turned to rinse a dish.
“I love you too.” She placed the palm of her hand on her forehead.
“Headache?”
“I feel like my head’s gonna explode.” Her face turned bright red.
“Lacey, why don’t you sit down.” She led her to the dining room.
Joe looked up from speaking with Jim. Something was terribly wrong. Jim looked at her as well.
“Are you all right?” Joe knelt down in front of her.
“Jen, call Shell.” Jim watched her.
“I’m fine, don’t bother her.”
“I can see your Carotid Artery bulging from your neck, love.” Jim handed her a glass of water. “Take a deep breath.” He lifted her feet and placed them on another chair.
“Michelle said to have her lie down on her left side. She’ll be here in a minute.” Jen yelled from the kitchen.
“Damn, Lace! Your blood pressure’s high.” Michelle rubbed her forehead. “How long have you been havin’ these headaches?”
“About a week.”
“And you didn’t tell me about it at your appointment?”
“I didn’t have one then.”
“You’re such a jock.” She sighed. “I’ll stop by later tonight and drop off your meds. As of right now you’re light duty and on a diet.”
“What kind of diet?” She frowned.
“No salt at all, darlin’.”
“Fine.” She huffed.
“And we’re doing another ultrasound next week.”
“Whatever you say, doc.”
“I like that. Keep it up.” She smiled.
“Under the circumstances, I think I should take her home.” Joe looked at Jim and Jen.
“I think that’s a great idea, mate.” Jim patted his shoulder.
Joe watched as Lacey pouted for the rest of the night. He had taken her home and called Trevor to come and pick Tristan up for the week. She rested on the couch with her arms crossed and glared at the television. He knew that she had a tendency to be stubborn, but her pregnancy seemed to magnify it. Plus, when she pouted she had the cutest little dimple on her forehead…
“What are you smiling about?” She watched him.
“You look so adorable.” He grinned.
“Joe!” She whined. “Stop makin’ fun of me.”
“I’m not!” He fell onto his knees in front of her. “I think you look cute when you pout.”
“I don’t like it when people treat me like a child.” She huffed.
“What’s wrong with a lit’l pampering? That’s what I’m here for! Besides, I told you if I moved in I’d take care of you, didn’t I?” He tried his best to make her smile.
“Yes.” She looked away.
“Then it’s settled.” He kissed her. Without parting his lips from hers, he slid his arms under her and lifted her into the air as he stood. He then carried her to the bedroom and gently sat her on the bed.
They made love until they were exhausted, and then slept while in each other’s arms. Lacey lay on her side with her head on her pillow and watched Joe sleep. What was it about him that was so damn hard to resist? Every time she kissed him she felt as though her heart was going to explode, and yet she couldn’t bring herself to admit it.
Maybe her problem was with the past… she dozed off and dreamt of the first time they met. She had been delivering beer to the arena and caught the eye of a member of the opening act. She couldn’t even remember who he was now. Their face was blurry. He gave her a backstage pass in hopes of getting her in bed, but instead she met Joe and Sav and went to a party with them.
She and Joe spent the entire night in a corner drinking and talking. She fell for him that night, but kept her distance. After all, he was a rock singer and she was a “beer wench.” She ended up giving him her number and they spoke for a while. Then, there was nothing. He stopped returning her phone calls.
The following year, there was another concert in Oklahoma City. Lacey showed up and Joe acted as if nothing happened. They had a few days off, so she invited them to the women’s rugby match the following day. When Sav, Phil and Joe showed up the next day for the match, Joe had a guest. It was his wife.
Her heart melted as she watched them walk to the bleachers while holding hands. She acknowledged their presence and proceeded to play possibly the worst game in her entire career. Upon finishing, she readily participated in drinking games and flirted with everyone who would let her. That’s when she noticed Sav. He was more than willing to flirt back. So, she made her move.
She led him to the weight room where they had drunken, sweaty, awful sex. Truth is, they laughed most of the time because both were having trouble standing. It was the laughing that drew him to the room. She looked up to see Joe standing in the doorway. He looked angry and hurt. Revenge is a bitch, isn’t it?
He began to yell at Sav and then everything was a blur. She was so drunk that she didn’t really know what was said. All she remembered was waking up at Jen’s the house the next day with a huge tequila hangover.
She woke up the next morning and sat straight up. That’s it. Maybe she needs to find out what was said at the party that night.
“Bad dream?” He yawned.
“Not really.” She looked at him.
“What is it?”
“I had a dream… about when we first met.”
“Really?” He smiled. “What about it?”
“I just remember… we used to call and talk to each other a lot and then you suddenly stopped returning my calls.”
“Oh.” The smile on his face vanished.
“And the next thing I knew was that you showed up with your wife.”
“Is that what the problem’s been all this time?”
“Possibly.”
He looked at her with a seriousness that she had never seen before. “I fell in love with you the first night we met. I was already married and convinced that I was going to leave Karla for you. I talked to Sav about it and he convinced me that I just missed her and that I needed her to tour with me, so I did.”
“And then you caught us…”
“Here he was telling me that what I was feeling wasn’t love but lust and then he shags you. He was trying to get into your knickers the entire time. I should never have listened to him. I feel like it screwed us out of ten years of being together.”
“You’re still mad at him?”
“No.” He kissed her. “I have you now. I actually was ready to take the big step after Karla and I separated. The weekend you told me about Trent. Remember?”
“That’s funny.” She smiled. “I almost didn’t marry Trent. Especially after that weekend.”
“What changed your mind?”
“Dad. He gave me the speech.”
“The one he referred to?”
“Yep. I was 28 and needed to decide what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Loose myself following dreams that would never come true, or marry someone with a solid career and have babies. So I gave in and married Trent. I guess it was meant to be because I found out I was pregnant when we got back from our honeymoon.”
“Is that what you think I am? An unstable gigolo?”
“I don’t know what I think, Joe. I think… you broke my heart once and it’s been really hard to get over that.”
“I’m so sorry. But you have to believe me. We’re together now. And nothing will ever come between us again. I love you.”
“I love you too.” She smiled.
Joe walked in to the sound check on the 2nd of January. He was happy, smiling and joking around with everyone.
“It’s about bloody time you show your face round ‘ere!” Sav huffed.
“And where were you New Year’s Eve?” Phil smiled.
“I was in Oklahoma City with the women’s rugby team.” He smiled as he raised his eyebrows. “What about you blokes?”
“We were in Vegas. Remember? We all agreed to meet there?” Sav angered as Phil watched him.
“Lacey was ill.” The smile on his face disappeared.
“But she was well enough for a rugby party, right?”
“What is your problem?” He stood up.
“My problem is that I’m tired of you disappearin’ and sneakin’ around!”
“You knew exactly where I was! If I’m not here, chances are I’m with her and Tristan!” He raised his voice.
“Why don’t we get on with sound check?” Vivian interrupted.
“I guess I don’t understand, because you’ve never acted like this over a girl before!”
“First of all, it’s Lacey! Second of all, I’ve never been about to become a father before! And finally, it’s none of your fuckin’ business!” He pointed at him. “Now I’m warnin’ ya, mate! If you don’t back off you’re gonna end up with my fist down your bloody throat!”
They stood and stared each other down for a moment before Malvin walked between them. “I think it would be best if you two took a break to cool down.”
“Fuck it.” Joe stormed off the stage.
“What is your fucking problem?” Phil walked up to Sav.
“Just… leave me alone.” He walked toward the dressing room.
Phil walked in to see Joe sitting in the green room. He sat on the sofa with his elbows resting on his knees while holding a beer in his hands.
“Wanna talk?” He sat across from him.
“What the fuck is his problem?”
“I think it’s obvious, mate. He’s jealous.”
“I don’t care! He needs to get over… whatever fascination he has with her!”
“I agree.”
“Fuck!” He rubbed his face. “I have never in my life been so happy and so stressed at the same time!”
“How is Lace?” He smiled.
“She’s ill. Her blood pressure’s too high and the doc put her on medication for it. Now she’s on a diet and can’t lift anything and she had to cut back on work.”
“She’ll be fine.” He patted his arm.
“I’m not sure I will be” He sighed as he looked up at the door. Sav was standing there with his hands in his pockets.
“I’ll see you at sound check.” Phil left the room.
“How long were you standing there?” Joe finished off his beer.
“Long enough to hear about Lace.” He took a deep breath and then slowly let it out before speaking. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that she was so sick.”
“It’s not that… I’m just worried about her. I’ve never cared for anyone this much before, ya know?”
“I know.” He looked at him. “And I think you’re the luckiest son-of-a-bitch I know.”
“That makes two of us.” He smiled.
“We’d better get back to sound check before they give up and hit the bar.”
“Right.” He stood and looked at him. “Thanks.”
“No problem.”
***
“Hello?” Tristan answered the phone a few nights later.
“Hey Tris. How are you?”
“I’m fine. Where are you tonight?”
“We are in… Indianapolis. Why? Where are you?”
“I’m at home!” He giggled.
“Really?” He laughed. “You been keepin’ an eye on your Mum?”
“Yup. I even did the dishes tonight.”
“Good boy! Thank you.”
“Joe?”
“Yeah Tris?”
“When the baby comes, you’ll be his Dad, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then, if you’re my brother’s Dad, then what are you to me?”
“I will be anything you want me to be, Tristan.”
“Can I think about it and get back to you?”
“Sure.” He chuckled. “Where’s your Mum?”
“She’s in the bathroom. Hold on.” He walked down the hall and knocked on the door. “Mom! Joe’s on the phone!” He yelled through the door.
“Come on in, Tris.” She sighed.
He opened the door to see her sticking her hand out of the shower curtain. He placed the phone in her hand and ran back out.
“Close the door please!” She yelled as he returned and slammed the door. “Hi.” She spoke into the phone.
“You in the loo?” He laughed.
“I’m in the tub.” She sighed. “What else did he tell you?”
“That he’s havin’ a brother. Did I miss somethin’?”
“He’s allowed to have an opinion just like everyone else.” She smiled as she brushed the sponge across her belly.
“Good.” He sighed. “How’re ya feelin’?”
“Not too bad. I finally got used to the blood pressure pills, so I don’t feel so light-headed now.”
“That’s good to hear.” He lay across his bunk on the bus and looked at the ceiling while speaking with her. He closed his eyes and imagined what she looked like, sitting in a cozy bath filled with bubbles, resting her head on the back while talking to the phone.
She was in the midst of telling him about her day at work when he interrupted her. “I miss you.”
“You do? How much?”
“Enough to beg you to retire and come tour with me.” He smiled.
“Every pregnant woman’s dream. To travel around the country on a bus.” She smiled.
“Okay, maybe the timing’s bad.” He chuckled.
“I wish I could.” She whispered.
“Why can’t you?”
“Dr. Shell has me on a short leash these days.”
“Ah, I see.” He sat and thought for a moment. “When is Tristan’s next break from school?”
“March. Around St. Pat’s day.”
“Let’s see…” He walked around the bus and rummaged through papers. Sav and Vivian watched him.
“What are you lookin’ for?” Viv asked.
“Tour schedule.” He lowered the phone.
“In the loo.” Sav sat back and watched the television.
He walked into the bathroom and closed the door to see the tour schedule taped to the back of the door. “We’ll be in… Florida.”
“How convenient.” She smiled. “I should be nice and plump by then.”
“So?”
“We’ll be there. But what about the meantime?”
“What about it?” He turned the light out in the bathroom and walked out to the sofa.
“I kinda… miss you.”
“Kinda?” He smiled. “I’ll have to do somethin’ about that.”
“Such as?”
“You’ll see…”
***
She slept on the plane ride to Virginia. She was so sleepy lately that she was taking a nap in the afternoons. She gathered her bags and jumped into the taxi. She became more excited with every mile they crossed.
She arrived at the hotel and followed the directions that Mal had given her. She checked in under Joe’s alias and went up to the room. There waiting was candles and a bottle of champagne. There was also a note:
“I’ll get him there as soon a possible, love. Mal.”
She took a shower and dressed in a lacy red nightgown before popping the cork on the bottle and lighting the candles. She smiled when she heard the door open.
“Ooh.” He stopped and placed the do not disturb sign on the door.
“Happy Valentine’s Day.” She smiled.
“And to you.” He pulled her close to him as he kissed her. “You smell great.”
“Considering you’ve been with a bunch of sweaty men all day?” She giggled.
“No…” He nibbled on her neck just behind her ear. “Vanilla.”
“Yeah.” She closed her eyes as he took her earlobe into his mouth. “Joe.”
“Yes dear?” He smiled.
“Let’s go to the bed.”
“Yes dear.” He repeated.
“I hope to hell that’s Lacey.” Phil laughed as he spoke to Sav over the phone. They could hear her moaning, as their rooms were to either side of Joe’s.
“It is. Mal told me she was coming.” He smiled.
“Well, why don’t we go down to the bar? I’ll buy you a drink.”
“It is Valentine’s Day, ya know.”
“It’s a date then.” He laughed.
Joe woke up later when he felt the baby move under his hand. He smiled to himself and snuggled up to its mother.
“Go to sleep.” She mumbled in her sleep as she placed her hand on Joe’s.
“We must have woken ‘im up.” He kissed her cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Trent.” She grumbled. “And Tristan too.”
Joe froze as he watched her sleep. Was she dreaming? Reliving a time when she was pregnant with Tristan? Did she miss her husband? He quietly got up, threw a shirt and warm-up pants on, and went down to the bar.
“Hay!” Phil raised his glass. “Where’s Lace?”
“Sleepin’.” He sat next to Sav and looked up at the bartender. “Double scotch on the rocks.”
“Woah! What’s up with that?” Sav frowned as he watched his best friend.
He starred at the bar before speaking. “Phil, Anita was married before, right?”
“Yeah.” He suddenly knew where the conversation was headed.
“How do you handle talking about the ex?”
“God, Joe. It’s so bloody complicated.” He looked at Sav. “It’s hard to compete with a guy that had more experience with the person you love.”
“What about when you’re competing with a bloody ghost?” He finished off most of his drink with one gulp.
Both men were silent as they searched for words to comfort him. There were none.
“He’s not even here and he’s still competition.” Joe finished off his drink and ordered another.
“I guess that it’s just something that you and she need to talk about.” Phil struggled.
“I don’t see how that’s possible.” He took the glass before the bartender could set it on the bar. “I can’t upset her. And I know talking about him will.”
“If she doesn’t talk about him then why are you so upset?” Sav looked confused.
“Because, mate.” He sighed. “My darling Lacey talks in her sleep.” He raised his eyebrows. “And she called me Trent tonight.”
“Ooh.” Phil and Sav both felt sorry for their friend.
“None of this leaves the bar, got it?” He downed the rest of his drink as his cell phone rang. “Hello?”
“Hey.” Lacey spoke quietly. “Where are you?”
“The bar downstairs. Would you care to join us?”
“Not really.” She sighed. “But I’d be forever grateful if you could bring up some cheese fries.”
“You can’t eat those!” He smiled.
“But I’m so hungry! I worked up an appetite earlier.”
“What else do you want? Something you’re allowed to eat.”
“Food run.” Phil smiled at Sav.
“What part of no salt don’t you understand?” Joe laughed. “I’ll bring up somethin’. Bye.” He hung up.
“She seems to be in a good mood.” Sav smiled at him. “Maybe it was just a fluke?”
“Maybe.” He sighed. “I can’t get her drunk to talk about things like I used to.”
“That’s a healthy relationship.” Phil laughed.
“How long are you here for?” Joe asked from the bathroom as he brushed his teeth the next morning.
“A few days? Why? Do you want me to leave already?” She tied her tennis shoes.
“Will ya?” He peeked out and smiled at her. “I can’t very well hit on chicks with you hangin’ on my arm.”
“You’re so romantic.” She threw a sock at him. “I’m gonna take my bags on down to the bus.”
“I’ll do it, I’m almost ready.” He quickly walked out and whipped off the towel he had around his waist and threw it at her.
“I’m not an invalid, Joe. I can handle taking my things down.” She huffed.
“Fine.” He sighed. “I’ll be down in a bit.”
“Like that?” She flirted.
“No, but I’ll go commando if ya like.” He kissed her.
“I wouldn’t want you pull anything.” She giggled.
“Go!” He slapped her ass.
She quietly walked onto the bus and looked around. How on Earth could three grown men be such pigs? If he ever does this at home… she stopped when she heard voices. It sounded like Phil and Sav.
“Can you believe Joe and Lacey?” Sav sighed. She quickly became interested as she stepped into the rest room.
“You gotta feel for the guy. I mean, it’s bad enough to be with someone who’s been married before.”
“I’ve never been with anyone who’s called out their ex’s name in the night. That would just be devastating.”
Lacey sat down and covered her mouth. There’s no way… did she really do that? Joe was in such a good mood, though. Why would they talk about it if it weren’t true?
“I really think it’s worse than that, though.” Phil took a drink of his bottled water. “I mean, think about it. Trent was his competition before, and he still is now.”
Competition? What the hell is he talking about? She thought about the conversation when she heard another voice.
“Mornin’ lads!” Joe belted out. “Where’s Lace?”
“Hasn’t been…” Sav began.
“Right here.” She walked out of the restroom.
Sav looked at Phil as their eyes widened. “Have… you two had breakfast yet?” Sav watched her.
“She has.” Joe smiled.
“But I could eat again if you’re hungry.” She walked past him and sat at the table.
“My treat.” Phil finally smiled.
“Great.” She returned his smile. “Can you excuse us for a minute? Seems as though I need to talk to Joe.”
“Lace…” Sav started.
“I’ve heard enough. Give us a minute.” She gave him the look. The same look she gives her opponent on the rugby pitch before tackling them straight to the ground. “Please.”
Phil and Sav both hung their heads as they headed for the front of the bus.
“What was that?” Joe looked at her.
“Let’s talk.” She took his hand.
“About?” He grew increasingly suspicious.
“Is something bothering you?”
He looked out the window as in thought, and then looked back to her. “No. You?”
“I have a feeling like I did something to hurt your feelings. Please tell me what it was.” She looked into his eyes.
“Lacey.” His eyes moved to her hands. “I don’t want to upset you.”
“Apparently it’s upsetting you and I can’t let that happen.” She smiled. “I love you, ya know. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
He smiled slightly and then took a deep breath. “Last night, in your sleep, you told Trent that you loved him. Then, you patted your belly and said that you loved Tris too.”
“And that’s why you went down to the bar.” She closed her eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me? I had to hear it from the guys.”
“They told you?”
“No. I overheard them.” She tucked her hands under his arms and rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. You were dreaming.” He kissed her hair.
“I don’t ever want you to feel like you’re competing with anyone, got it?” She squeezed him. “You’ve already won.”
“And what if Trent walked through the door tomorrow? It was a mistake. He’s been a prisoner of war for a few years and is back home? What then?”
She pulled away and looked at him. “As hard as it would be? I’d tell him that I’m with the man that I should have been with all along.” A tiny tear fell down her cheek.
“Don’t tease me, Lace.” He grabbed her neck with his huge, strong hands.
“I’m not.” She smiled as he kissed her.
“I don’t hear any yelling.” Sav sat quietly.
“Maybe she isn’t as upset as Joe thought?” Phil listened also.
“Or she passed out from the stress?”
“He’d call out for help, wouldn’t he?”
“You’d think.”
“Would you please talk to me when shit like this is bothering you?” She sniffed.
“I’m sorry.” He cleared his throat. “I honestly didn’t want to upset you.”
“It won’t.” She again kissed him. “I do have an idea that I want to pass by you, though.”
“What’s that?”
“Well… never mind.” She blushed as she looked away.
“No.” He pulled her chin to make her look at him. “You started. You have to finish it.”
“I was just wondering…” She held out her right hand and looked at the ring on her finger. “I’m no where near being ready to say yes.”
“Okay.” His heart pounded.
“But, what if I were to start wearing it on the finger it was meant for?”
“Really?” He quickly took her hand. “I’d like that very much.”
“So would I.” She whispered as he pulled the ring off and slid it back onto her left hand.
“Are we engaged?” He smiled.
“I guess we are.” She coughed as he quickly took her into his arms.
“I don’t hear anything now.” Phil ran his fingers through his hair.
“This can’t be good. Let’s go check.” Sav lead the way.
Halfway back, they heard Lacey moan. They suddenly stopped and turned back.
“Well, I think they’re all right.” Phil laughed.