The Way We Score: A small-town, accidental pregnancy, sports romance. (The Bradford Boys)

We step out of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop into the crisp fall air. I’m holding a cup of Cherry Garcia, and Garrett has an Americone Dream.

“I’m moving back to Newhope.” It’s the first thing I’ve said since we left Dr. Anderson’s office. “I need to be home now.”

Hearing the baby’s heartbeat then going to the doctor’s office and getting an estimated delivery date made it all seem very real, and I decided it was time to make the changes I’ve been turning over in my mind like pages in a book.

“How can I help?” Garrett doesn’t miss a beat.

Reaching out, I squeeze his arm. “I’ll hire movers, so it shouldn’t be a lot of work. I didn’t take much with me when I left Warner’s.”

“I’ll like you being at your mom’s better than at your tiny apartment.” He frowns, thinking about it. “Or would you get your own place in Newhope?”

“I’ll start off at Mom’s.”

Looking down, I stab my spoon into the ice cream, thinking about the things I’ve dreamed of doing and about changing course, what that would look like with a baby.

“What about being made partner?” Concern laces his tone, and I almost lean my head against his shoulder.

He’s being so good, so supportive. I hoped he would be this way, and having him actually do it, fly down here for the ultrasound, hold my hand the way he did… I’m pretty sure hearing that strong, determined heartbeat changed us both.

“I’m not interested in working for anyone now. I want to have my own practice.” I do a quick mental inventory of my open cases. “I can probably keep a lot of my clients, since I’m not leaving the state, but we’ll have to send a letter and give them the choice.”

He nods, lifting his eyebrows. “It sounds like you’ve been thinking about this a while.”

We’re at the car, and I stop, finally scooping out a bite of ice cream and putting it in my mouth. The sweet vanilla mixes with the chocolate covered cherries, and it’s so good.

“I started thinking about it after Mom’s fall.” I squint up at him. “It’s just her and me now, and when I was driving home, I felt how far away she was if something happened.”

His lips tighten, and he hasn’t eaten his ice cream either. “I know what you mean.”

He hesitates as if he’ll say more, but when I look up, he only smiles. It’s a tight smile, and my stomach knots. We’re both acting weird, like we’ve been shaken awake from a fuzzy dream.

“I think I’ll wait to tell her about the baby until thirteen weeks. It’s just a little longer.”

“The book said it’s common practice.” He nods. “Once you’re in the second trimester, there’s a lot less chance of anything going wrong. Not that anything’s going to go wrong.”

“That was a really strong heartbeat.” Warmth moves through my chest.

A real smile curls his lips, and he nods. “Strong and steady.”

He finally takes a bite of ice cream. “What’s this book you’re reading?”

“It’s called A Dad’s Guide to Pregnancy. I got it on audiobook so I could listen to it while I’m training.”

More warmth. “You’re listening to it while you train?”

“I’m listening to it all the time. It says you’d appreciate compliments.”

“I don’t think a person has to be pregnant to appreciate compliments.”

“Yes, but it says you might be especially sensitive about your changing body.”

I take another bite of ice cream and inspect my torso. “I haven’t changed much yet.”

“Not true. You’re really glowing since I knocked you up.”

A laugh snorts through my nose as I eat more ice cream. “Is that so?”

“And your boobs have gotten bigger.”

“Garrett!” I push his arm with my elbow.

“I mean, you’ve always had a hot body.” He points his spoon at me. “But you look especially good growing our baby.”

Hesitating, I chew my bottom lip before saying it. “They’re going to think we’re back together… But of course, we’re not,” I quickly add. “It was just one night.”

“Technically it was two if you count the kiss.” His voice is thoughtful, and I dare to glance up at him.

Our eyes meet, and his are serious, studying me like he’s considering it. Energy flashes from my chest to my stomach, and my ears get hot. The baby is too small for me to feel, but I wonder if strawberry-sized he or she can tell—something happens when I look at Daddy.

“We’ve changed a lot since we were teenagers,” he continues. “We’re different people now.”

“Are we?” My nose wrinkles.

“I know I am.”

My lips twist, and I toss my ice cream cup into a nearby trash can. “We’re not the type to get back together just because we’re pregnant. Those relationships never last.”

“I guess not.” He walks over and tosses his cup as well.

Is it possible he seems a little disappointed? It’s time to drive him to the airport, and my emotions have been on a roller-coaster ride since he got here.

It’s not a long drive from here to the airport, and I don’t get out at the Departures gate.

He only has a carry-on bag, but before he gets out, he pauses. “About what you said earlier, you’re not alone, Liv. You never will be. I told you I’d be there, and I will.”

“We hate to lose a good lawyer like you.” Bob Semple sits behind his massive, mahogany desk situated at an angle in the back of his oversized, corner office.

“You do?” I can’t help the surprise in my voice.

“Of course, Olivia.” He has the nerve to act offended. “You’ve brought in a lot of revenue. I was actually telling the boys we should consider making you a partner in a few years.”

Nodding, I hold back from asking him why. I already know why. I’m single, unmarried, and as far as he knows, not pregnant.

Instead, I manage a smile. No point in burning bridges. “I appreciate the consideration, Bob, but my mother isn’t getting any younger. She’s having some health issues, and well, I’ve just decided it’s time I got closer to home.”

“I can understand that.” Graham pipes up like a good little lap dog.

I’m standing at the door, but he sits in a small, leather armchair situated in front of Bob’s desk. I can’t help noticing it puts him at a level much lower than Bob.

My nose wrinkles picturing myself sitting there, looking up at this guy who might, in a few years, consider making me a partner.

“I’ve learned a lot working here,” I continue. “I’ll work remotely from Newhope while we make the transition.”

“How soon are you leaving?” He sits up straighter in his chair.

“I’m packing up my office this afternoon.” My tone doesn’t leave an opening for discussion. “Let’s say in three weeks, we can send letters to my existing clients giving them the option to remain with the firm or come with me.”

Bob leans back in his chair, steepling his long fingers in front of his lips and nodding. “It appears you’ve worked out all the details.”

“Yes, I have.” I take a step back. “If you need anything, you have my mobile number, and I can access my email from my laptop. Have a good afternoon.”

I smile, thinking about Bob’s shocked expression, as if anyone would consider not working there.

My breath catches, and I realize in that moment I really do.

That makes me snort, and I shake my head. No matter what, Garrett Bradford always finds a way to make me laugh.

My eyes heat, and I wonder when I turned into such a cry baby.

Another big grin splits my cheeks.

Heat floods my veins, and I study my phone, wondering how much more and what more he might mean.

How is it possible, after all this time and everything that has happened, the first boy to break my heart turns into the one vying to be my hero? Although, to be fair, the first man to break my heart was my father.

My mind slips back to middle-school me, working so hard to be seen, going to dance camps, determined to be the best. Thinking if I made it to the very top, he’d have to see me. Then he’d love us again. Then he’d come home.

I was so focused, so controlled. I’ve always been in control. Until now.

My phone hums, and I turn it over to see another text from Garrett.

Another little puff of laughter slips through my lips.