Prologue

Tyler

Present day

I stare at the text message from my ex-girlfriend Stacey. I haven't heard from her since we split months ago, so I've no idea why she's contacting me out of the blue, or what is so urgent. The message arrived hours ago, but I still haven't responded.

Stacey

Tyler, we really need to talk. I'm sorry it's been so long. There are things to say.

What the hell does that even mean? The time for talking was six months ago, longer, even.

I haven't seen her in just as long. Our breakup wasn't amazing, but it also wasn't terrible.

After we split, it took months for me to consider dating again since our relationship was serious and I hadn't been serious about anyone before her for quite some time.

Prior to Stacey, everyone knew me as the notorious bad-boy defenseman and captain of the Seattle Hawks. When I wasn't causing a stir on the ice with my opponent – my off the ice antics were often front and center stage in the sports pages – I had a reputation as the NHL's ladies' man. The press loves to hate me, they always have. It's nothing new.

There are times you could say I didn't make it easy on myself.

I guess the title came effortlessly, but things changed when I started dating Stacey. I thought I was falling for her. And in some ways, I did love her. I now realize I wasn't in love with her.

That's the thing about me. I know I'm spontaneous, often changing tact on a whim. But I truly desired to be in a relationship when we were together. I didn't have a roving eye, and I was fiercely loyal. And it was great for a while. Unfortunately, she wanted to rush into serious territory. Talking weddings and shit that I wasn't ready for after only a short while. Moving in together felt premature; the timing didn't seem right either.

In my early twenties, right after college, I briefly lived with a woman, Mandy. We were young and thought we were in love, and we had a lot of fun, but it turned out we were just too young to get serious. I haven't lived with anyone since then, so I guess I"ve grown accustomed to solitude.

I was an idiot in some respects. But I knew things with Stacey weren't perfect.

Deep down, I knew it wouldn't last.

The press were all over it when we split. It's stupid what makes headlines when you think about it. Though, thank God for my family. My poor parents, that's all I can say. I'd put them through hell as a youngster. I always attracted trouble, and now I"m bringing it into adulthood.

I admit, I dialed down my wild ways after I became captain. I have an obligation to be cautious with my words and actions for the team"s sake. It's expected. The responsibility is a lot.

This brings me to… Cindy Carter… the coach's daughter.

She's the woman I've had my eye on the past few months, and who I've secretly been seeing.

We've shared a few stolen kisses and it's safe to say I'm crazy about her. With just one look, this captivating woman has me willing to risk it all.

This is uncharted territory for me, and I can't shake the guilt of not feeling the same level of intensity towards Stacey, despite our longer history.

Even before Cindy ever spoke to me, I felt it.

I've never been willing to drop everything. But Cindy Carter has brought me to my knees frequently, and she doesn't even seem to realize it.

Other than being coach Clive Carter's daughter, she works in administration for the Hawks.

It's disappointing that I don't get to see her as often as I thought I would, but when I do, she's a sight to behold. I'd done some of my own research at the beginning. I knew she was single, but I was unsure if she would be interested in dating anyone from the team. It's definitely frowned upon in my contract without prior consultation. Frankly, it's a no-go zone.

Cindy is a different type of woman altogether. She's had a strict upbringing and hasn't had the best relationship with her mother from what she's told me. This, plus her past relationships she's told me about, have certainly influenced her, although none have been too serious.

We're both on a work event in Florida right now where I stepped in at the last minute.

The Hawks' Stanley Cup victory has led a few of us guys to embark on a trip here for a charity game. Cindy's here for work publicity, and I'm here filling in for my teammate, Taylor James. I'm meeting up with another fellow teammate, Ashton River's, and some other guys selected from the NHL. They've managed to recruit another star striker in place of Taylor, and another defenseman pulled out, so I offered to step in.

Cindy and I finally arrive at the hotel. Of course, we have separate rooms booked, but I'm hoping she'll stay with me tonight. After months of secrecy, we realize it's time to confess to her dad and talk to the team officials.

Things have been going well with her, we've just been making leeway, going slow, so I'm looking forward to spending some time with her, away from the team and everyone else.

I decide to text Stacey back while Cindy is taking a shower.

This distraction is unwanted right now, even if it makes me feel like an asshole for thinking it.

Me

Stace, it was a surprise to get your message. What did you want to talk about?

There's no point in sugar-coating it.

A message pings straight back.

Stacey

Today Ty. I need to talk to you today

I shake my head. Not gonna happen since I'm not even in Seattle.

In the end, we both agreed to the split. She wanted all of my time, every second, and she knew I couldn't give her my undivided attention, not with the schedule I have.

I travel a lot. That's how it is.

Me

I can't today, I'm not in Seattle. I'll be back after the weekend

I keep my phone in my hand because the bubble immediately appears.

Stacey

It's urgent

Since it's the first time we've contacted each other since the breakup, I'm more than confused.

Me

How urgent?

Surely it can't be some crazy getting back together thing after all this time?

Why now?

It seems unlikely—but what else could she want?

The bubble text appears again as she types. I'm kinda starting to get a little edgy now.

And I never really get edgy. I'm sure if something bad had happened, she would have just called me?

I watch the bubble as it disappears. Then a few seconds go by and it moves again… For fuck's sake. This is driving me nuts. Just as I'm thinking about leaving the room to call her quickly, two words catch my attention, blurring everything else in my vision.

I hold the phone away, as if distance will somehow improve the contents of her message.

It doesn't.

Everything that could rock me to my core appears in those two little words as my heart hammers in my chest.

Words that shock so much, I feel the blood draining from my face.

Stacey

I'm pregnant