The Hero and the Fat Girl (New Hampshire Bears #3) (23 page)

After Cabel and Leia leave, Arabella and I work on her workbooks for a little bit before her grandparents get here. Remington even comes in and helps as well. We both agreed to treat her as young adult. Neither of us realized how she talked until we paid attention to it. Over the past couple weeks we feel she has been doing better. She goes back to Ella next week. She’s not said anything to us about what she and Ella talked about in their session. Even though we know what happened, she doesn’t know we were watching.

“We’re here,” Claire announces, coming through the front door. Of course, we all go and greet them. It’s great seeing them so much these past couple months. I really love them.

Since it’s already well into the evening, we order take out and catch up. Dinner is good, and we all enjoy each other’s company.

After we get Arabella to bed, we all sit in the living room. Claire hands me a glass of red wine, but it smells off to me. I’ve not had any alcohol since…well…a while. I hadn’t thought about it, but it’s not a big deal.

“Okay, Dad, lay it on us.” Remington puts his arm around me on the couch.

Daniel reaches for one of the two files next to him. “This is what I found out about Rickie. First, there’s no reason your attorney couldn’t get this information. Second, Rickie has been arrested a lot.”

Remington sits up, removing his arm from behind me, and takes the file. I read over his shoulder and see charges of drug possession, intent to sale drugs, prostitution, DUIs, and it keeps going.

“This should really help in your favor,” Claire states.

We both nod in agreement.

“I’ll get this over to him in the morning. Thanks, Dad.”

“Now,” Daniel turns to me. “I have something for you.”

“Me?”

“Remy told us about the private investigator checking you out and your life in Las Vegas.” At Daniel’s words, my stomach drops.

“We wanted to see what they would find,” he continues and now my heart stops.

“Maxima, do you want to know what they found?” Claire asks.

“Part of me does but most of me doesn’t,” I tell them honestly, surprised I’m able to express myself at all. Remington rubs my back, letting me know he’s there for me.

“How about I read it, and if you want me to stop, I will, okay?” Claire suggests, taking the file from Daniel.

I nod and grip Remington’s thigh, hoping my heart doesn’t pound out of my chest. Although, I’m not sure it will keep beating; it might just stop altogether.

“Sarah Miller is your mother, correct?” Claire says
her
real name.

I nod because my tongue is sandpaper right now.

“She died of a heroin overdose eight years ago,” Claire says softly.

She’s dead?

She died?

“You okay?” Remington asks.

I shrug.
Should I feel something?
Sadness? Relief? I’m not feeling anything.

“Sarah was married to Lewis Miller.” Claire says
his
name, and I gasp. My palms begin to sweat, and my ears ring. “He’s in prison, and he’s never getting out. He’s in there for several charges of a rape on a minor, possession of child porn, and human trafficking.”

My stomach grumbles, and I bolt to the downstairs bathroom, barely making it to the toilet to throw up. Remington is right behind me, holding back my hair.

“Here’s a washcloth.” He hands it to me when I remove my head from the toilet.

I wipe my mouth and stand with his help. I rinse my mouth and try my best not to look in the mirror. I know I look horrible.

“I’m here.” He hugs me close, protecting me in his arms. “No one will ever hurt you.”

“I’m okay,” I say into his chest— for his benefit and mine. I need to find my strength because I know they can’t hurt me.

Remington wipes my cheeks with a tissue. “Do you want to go back in?”

“There’s more?” I can’t imagine there is, unless they know about the abortion.

“Just a little bit.” He holds me close again.

“Okay,” I say automatically, even though I am pretty sure I do not want to go in there.

We go back into the living room, and Claire hugs me before I sit back down. I take a couple of deep breaths and get ready for the next blow.

“The last thing we found was your abortion.” Claire holds my hand. “Even though you were a minor, we could still find it.”

The tears run down my cheeks, and I can’t stop them. “
He
and one of his friends raped me before I left for Boston. I couldn’t have the baby.” I blurt it out. I told them without even thinking. I can’t take it back.

“Oh honey,” Claire wraps her arms around my neck. I do the best not to lose it all. “We’re here for you.”

“Thank you.” I can barely say the words because I’m crying.

Claire pulls back a bit. “I believe, in my honest opinion, this will not sway a judge. Rickie has a hell of lot more on her plate. You were a victim.”

I nod and pray she’s right. Now, I have to hope everyone else feels the same way.

The convention has been amazing. We’ve seen all the players and some of their families. Remington thought it was funny for us to stand in his line for his autograph. Claire and I even went to a couple panels while Daniel took Arabella to some kid games they had set up. Claire is a huge hockey fan and we’ve had some great discussions. It’s been such a wonderful experience.

When it’s all over, we head out to grab some food. We decide to wait for Remington. None of us has really eaten, so now we’re waiting by the car.

“It’s super hot.” I feel like I’m sweating everywhere.

“Let’s get in the car and turn the air conditioning,” Daniel suggests.

We agree and as I turn, I sway, as if the ground below me is moving. My vision blurs, and suddenly, I see nothing, but I feel myself falling.

When I open my eyes it is too bright florescent lights. I look over and notice a machine beeping. I’m in a hospital? I remember everything, but then it went black.

Did I faint?

“Mrs. Rosin.” A doctor comes on. “I see you are now awake.”

“How long have I been out?” I ask groggily.

The tall, lanky young man glances at the clock. “About an hour and I just received all of your test results.”

“What’s wrong?” I gasp.

“It’s nothing we can’t fix.” He gives me an awkward smile. “Your blood sugar was low as is your iron. But your family said you hadn’t eaten today. You can’t do that while pregnant. It’s puts a strain on you and the baby.”

“What?” All the air leaves the room, and the blood drains from my face. “Baby? Did you say baby?”

“Mrs. Rosin, did you not know you were pregnant?”

“I can’t have children. You…you must have the wrong information.” I try to find a way to breathe normally, but it’s becoming harder, and the machines beep louder. I can feel my chest tighten. I close my eyes and try to calm down, but I’m not sure it’s working.

“Mrs. Rosin, just relax,” the doctor says.

“Husband,” I manage to say. “I need Remington.” I struggle to get the words out, but the doctor listens, and a moment later Remington is in the room.

“I’m here.”

Instantly, I wrap my arms around his neck and sob.

“Talk to me,” he says in my ear. “We’ll fix it. Whatever it is.”

“I didn’t know. I didn’t know.” I repeat it over and over.

“Hey.” He pulls back and stares in my eyes, cupping my face. “What is it?”

Before I can even form a word, the doctor comes back in with a nurse and an ultrasound machine. Remington looks at it and then at me.

“I didn’t know,” I repeat.

“Are you pregnant? he asks softly.

“They say I am.” I sniff, and the nurse hands me some tissues. “I know I can’t get pregnant.”

“Mrs. Rosin, why do you think you can’t?” the doctor asks.

“I have scarring around my cervix.” I wipe my face.

“Well, let’s see and we’ll figure this out, okay?”

I nod and look at Remington. He isn’t saying anything, but is still holding my hand.

The doctor examines me first. He says there is some scarring, but nothing to hinder a successful pregnancy and delivery. Then he gets the ultrasound machine ready.

I’m shaking as he spreads the gel over my lower stomach. The wand sweeps over, and an image appears on the screen. My eyes land on the peanut shape in a circle of hazy black.

“Oh god,” I gasp.

“You look to be close to six weeks,” the doctor says.

I turn my head, and Remington is smiling. He leans up and kisses me. He’s not mad.

When the doctor finishes everything, he gives us a copy of the pictures. After he leaves, I stare at Remington.

“I’m sorry.” I don’t have anything else to say. “I didn’t know.” I guess repeating myself seems to be the thing to do right now.

“I’m not mad. There’s no reason for you to apologize. I’m happy. Shocked, but happy. This is good.” He kisses me over and over, bringing a calmness over me.

“I love you.” I’m in shock, too.

“Are you happy, Maxima?”

It’s a lot to process in a short amount of time, but I nod. “We’re going to have a baby.” Then, it hits me.

This is real.

I have a family.

I have a life.

Chapter Fourteen

Remington

The doctor gives us some prescriptions for Maxima and tells us to make sure she eats. When we leave, I call Mom, letting her know we’re coming home.

After Maxima fainted, and thank God, Dad had been standing next to her, or she would have cracked her head, I followed the ambulance to the hospital. Keaton took Mom, Dad, and Arabella home. I have never been so scared, not knowing what had happened to her.

Hearing she’s having my baby almost caused me to faint. But now I’m ready to extend my family. I can’t wait to tell everyone.

I stop at the pharmacy to get her medication and see a text from Mom saying she’s cooking. Maxima is resting in the car. She had a sandwich at the hospital, but I need to feed her more.

After I pull up to the house, I rush over to Maxima to help her out of the car. I don’t want her to fall.

“Remington, I can walk.” She giggles.

“I know.” I hold her arm and keep her close to my body. She doesn’t pull away and lets me take her all the way to the door.

“We’re home,” Maxima announces as we cross the threshold.

Arabella comes bounding from the kitchen, and I grab her before she hits Maxima full force.

“Easy, you can’t push on her stomach,” I tell her nicely. I don’t want her to think she’s in trouble.

“Are you okay, Mom?” Arabella’s suddenly concerned.

“I’ll be fine,” she tells her.

“What did they say?” Mom asks as she and Dad come into the living room.

I look at Maxima first. I’m dying to tell them, and it’s not like we can keep it a secret. Maxima smiles.

“They’ll figure it out. Might as well tell them.” Her face is glowing.

“Maxima’s pregnant.” I quickly tell them before she can change her mind.

Mom and Dad gasp with excitement, hugging us both. The shocker is Arabella, who isn’t saying anything. She’s just standing there.

“Arabella, you’re going to be a big sister.” I reach out for her, but she pulls away. She never does that to me.

“I’m going to play.” She runs upstairs without another word.

We all look at each other. Arabella never acts this way. “I’ll go talk to her,” I tell them.

When I walk into her bedroom, Arabella is laying on her bed, crying into her pillow. My heart breaks. Why is she crying?

“Arabella.” I pick her up and cradle her in my arms. She’s crying uncontrollably, and I hold her tighter, trying to calm her down.

It’s several minutes later before she stops. I take her into her bathroom and wipe her face with a warm washcloth. I attend to her, but she isn’t saying anything. I take her back to the bed and put her on my lap.

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Mom told me if you have a baby, you won’t love me anymore.” I can see her tears building up again. “Then I’ll have to go back to Maine.”

“What? Arabella, my love for you will never change. You will forever be my daughter. No matter how many kids Maxima and I have, you will be my first. I
love
you.”

“But, how can you love another baby?”

“I have a lot of love to give, and you’re not going anywhere. I want you to forget all about whatever your mom said. I love you, and I know Maxima does too.” I kiss her cheek. “Do you feel better?”

“A little.” She shrugs.

“Whenever you feel bad or unloved, you need to find me, because I love you.” I hold her tighter to my chest. I can’t let my daughter think she’s not loved. I don’t care what shit Rickie spouted off to her, she’s my daughter. She’s my first born. She’s my love.

“Okay. I love you too.” She gives me a small smile.

“Let’s go have dinner and then we’ll go watch a movie tonight, just the two of us, in the TV room, okay?”

She gives me a bigger smile. “Okay.”

I kiss her cheek again and we go downstairs.

I wake up with my wife snuggled against my side. It’s a great feeling. I did spend time with Arabella last night and told Maxima I’m going to do it more. Training camp is coming up quickly and then a new season. I won’t fail her. I won’t fail any of them.

I head downstairs to have coffee with Mom and Dad. They’re happy and excited about a new grandchild. I love my parents and can’t wait for them to come back.

When they leave, I head down to the gym to run for a bit before I make my girls breakfast. I have a lot to focus on now. I have to get my priorities together. Making sure my girls are protected and loved is first and above all most important. Everything else is second.

I will be their hero.

“Just lay back and relax,” the nurse tells Maxima. “We have the reports from your first ultrasound, but we’re going to take another look.”

Maxima nods, and I hold her hand.

The nurse rubs the wand all around Maxima’s belly. She doesn’t say anything; she just keeps moving the wand.

“Okay.” The nurse cleans up the machine and Maxima’s belly. “The doctor will be in in a moment.” She smiles and leaves.

“I love you.” I kiss her lips.

“I love you. Do you think everything is okay?”

I smiles. “Yes, it’s going to be fine.” I can see she’s nervous, but she’s trying to hide it.

“Mr. and Mrs. Rosin.” A tall female doctor comes in. “How are we doing?”

“I’m well,” Maxima answers.

“Good.” I say at the same time.

“Great. I looked at everything, and I know your history. There’s no reason why you can’t have a healthy baby. My only concern will be the cervix, but if it comes to it, we’ll do a C-Section.” She’s upfront, and I like it.

“So everything’s okay with the baby?” Maxima’s voice shakes a little.

“Your baby is fine. Be sure you’re eating a balanced diet because we don’t want you to faint again. There’s no reason you can’t have a successful pregnancy.”

“Okay.” I can see the relief in her face, and I can feel it in my body.

I’m going to make sure we have a happy, healthy baby.

I lean against the door frame of Arabella’s room. She and Maxima are reading their chapter of the night. Maxima is having Arabella read more. We also found a group of kids her age at the library. It’s similar to a book club. Arabella seems very pleased with it. I leave them alone and jump in the shower.

When I finish, I grab my iPad and check out the latest hockey news. I’m ready to get this season started, but at the same time, it’s the first time I sort-of don’t want to leave home.

“You all right?” Maxima sits on my side of the bed. “You look upset.”

“I’m good.”

Maxima leans in and kisses me. “We’ve been very distracted these past few days.”

I can see the twinkle in her eye, and immediately, I put the iPad up and grab her face. Maxima giggles, but straddles my hips.

“You’re so beautiful.” I push her hair behind her ears. “I’ve always loved your eyes. I hope our baby has them.”

A slight blush crosses her cheeks. I sit up higher, griping her ass tight, running my tongue between her breasts.

“I want you, baby,” she moans.

“You have me. Always.”

Tonight, I will show her how much she means to me. All night long.

I skate as hard as I can, controlling the puck with my stick. I see Kyson to my right. I do a quick pass and skate faster toward the net. Kyson shoots it back to me, and I slap it into the net.

“The dynamic duo is back,” Keaton yells, and I shake my head.

“Okay guy, I’m done.” I tap my stick on the ice.

The three of us have been on the ice for over three hours. My legs are burning, and I need to get home to Maxima and Arabella.

“Come on and grab a bite with us,” Kyson says as we head toward the locker room. “We’ve not seen you in forever.”

“Aw, do you miss me?” I push out my bottom lip in a pout.

Kyson flips me off. “I’m just saying.”

“Well, I need to tell you why.” I smile. “Maxima’s pregnant.”

Kyson and Keaton both freeze.

“You can say congratulations.” I pull my shirt off.

“Didn’t you say you weren’t having any more kids?” Keaton asks, removing the top of his skates.

“No. I mean, I wanted more kids and with Maxima, but wasn’t sure it could happen,” I explain.