It All Started With a Lima Bean (40 page)

Once they parked and walked through the stadium, they picked up the normal junk food you get at such an event, nasty beer and all. Searching for their seats, Caleb couldn’t contain his excitement. Rene never shared this one passion with him. He only hoped that Abby would fall in love with the sport like he had. Smirking, he pictured her sitting next to him at another game, wearing her own hockey jersey. Now THAT would be awesome.

Hockey fans were a whole other creature and exhilaration hummed throughout the place. Caleb saw a huge smile break out on Abby’s face before taking her seat next to him. “Wow, these are some pretty passionate fans.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet.” Caleb promised just as the lights dimmed, and the home team hit the ice. Cheers erupted all around them. The Star Spangled Banner was sung, and it was game time.

“This is a lot faster paced than I thought it would be.” Abby grinned from ear to ear. She looked like a kid on Christmas morning, the very first year that kid actually understood what all the hoopla was about. A fight broke out on the ice. This was it. This was where he would discover how she really felt about the game. Abby gripped his hand tight as fans all around them yelled. “Oh my gosh, Caleb, that guy took the other’s helmet off, and he’s hitting his face.” Launching onto her feet, like Stefen and others around them had, she held her hands to the sides of her head squeezing her face a little. Thinking she might be panicking, Caleb rose next to her and wrapped his arm her shoulder. “Why isn’t the referee stopping it?” He barely heard her speak because her eyes never left the ice.
Crap.
She was freaking out.

Leaning down close to her ear, Caleb explained. “Well they don’t actually stop it until one of them hits the ice, or when it’s safe for the referee.” She shivered as his breathe hit her skin. He would never get tired of that.

Checking for his daughter’s reaction on the other side of him, he noticed that Madison was still seated, eating her pretzel. This was not her first hockey game, and she was aware of what was going on. The player finally hit the ice with a bloody nose.
Yeah Abby was not going to dig that at all.
She sat down once the hostile duo went into their penalty boxes. “You okay Babe?” Caleb wondered.

“Are you kidding me?” A massive smile spread across her face as she giggle-laughed. “That was freaking awesome.”

He snapped his head toward her. “Are you serious?” He let out a loud laugh.

“Yeah, my blood is still pumping. What a rush. Why did they fight anyway?” Speaking a mile a minute, she definitely was on an adrenaline rush.

Caleb started to explain when Madison placed her tiny hand on his forearm and with wide eyes, interrupted. “NOBODY messes with the goalie, right Daddy?”

“You’ve got that right, Sweetie.” He couldn’t contain his joy in that moment. His daughter and soon to be wife joined in his enthusiasm for this sport.

Peering past Madison, Caleb watched Stefen mouth, “You lucky Bastard” to which Caleb nodded, put his arms around his girls on each side of him and pulled them toward his body.

“Don’t I know it.”

While heading up to their rooms, Caleb couldn’t tear his eyes off Abby. She’d noticed too. He probably looked like he was ready to pounce.

Before leaving the game, she’d asked if they could go into the pro shop to buy a jersey that fit a little better. His primitive hormones may have kicked up a notch once she replaced his jersey with her own. He needed to pull himself together. His daughter was standing right there beside him.

As if to remind him she was there, Madison begged. “Daddy, can I stay with Abby tonight? Girls should stay together. You can stay in the boy’s room.”

Raising his eyebrows, he glanced over to Abby questioning if she was up for that. “Of course you can stay with me. Your daddy can hang out in the stinky boy room, and we can sleep in the pretty princess room.”

Pretending to be wounded, Caleb held his hand over his heart. “Daddy you’re so funny and silly.” Madison covered her mouth trying to contain a laugh.

“Fine, I’ll go get the princess’s bag and meet you back in your room.” Purposely staring Abby in the eye when he said it, he was still on fire for her.

Caleb returned a few minutes later and told Madison to go take a bath. He needed a minute alone with his woman. After the bathroom door closed, he grabbed Abby by the waist and pulled her to him. Looking intently into her eyes he growled, “I knew it was a bad idea to stay last night. I don’t know how I am ever going to get any sleep without you in my arms.” It was a good thing they weren’t alone. This was one evening he could see them going down a road he hadn’t planned yet.

Her breath caught before she offered her suggestive promise. “Get all the rest you can now Mr. Hunter because soon you won’t be getting ANY sleep when I’m in your arms.”

Caleb’s eyes widened at the thought. “NOW I’m definitely not getting any sleep. I better get out of here.” Holding the back of her head with his palm and leaning toward her, he slowly ran his lips across hers before kissing them. Opening her mouth, he deepened their kiss. Her hands began to wander down his back until she reached his behind. He needed this. The love this woman had to offer him was overpowering. They had to stop before he pulled her into the next room while Madison bathed. Withdrawing from their fiery kiss, he vowed. “Soon, I will not be leaving you for the night.”

Attempting to catch her breath Abby replied, “I can’t wait.” The next couple of months were going to be torture.

Stepping away, he proceeded to say goodnight to Madison. After reminding her to brush her teeth before bed, he exited the bathroom. Needing to touch Abby one last time tonight, he gave her a crooked smile before capturing her in his arms again. “You are giving me a lot to look forward to.” He kissed her again and struggled, not wanting to let her go. “I love you and will see you in the morning.” Releasing her, Caleb left the room.

Abby was dressed for bed when Madison got out of the bathroom wearing princess PJs. “Can you help me with the toothpaste?”

“Sure. We can brush at the same time.” Abby followed her soon to be daughter back into the bathroom.

Madison used a toothbrush that blinked on and off for a couple of minutes, letting her know how long to brush. When the light stayed off, Madison rinsed her mouth and spit out the water. “All done.”
Well that was nifty
. They didn’t have toothbrushes like that when Abby was little.

They walked over to the bed and Madison got under the covers before admitting, “Abby, I’m really glad that I get to share my daddy with you.” Her innocent brown eyes dug deep and cuddled into Abby’s soul. The thought never occurred to Abby that Caleb belonged to Madison first. This sweet being in front of her had such a giving spirit and happily shared her most treasured possession, her father. Abby almost lost it, then the little girl added, “And I’m glad I can share you with my daddy.” Abby would tell anyone with complete confidence that you can actually feel your heart grow. Madison seeped into another void Abby hadn’t realized she needed filled. She’d lost her child and this little girl fit perfectly into that gaping hole, making her heart complete once again. Madison timidly continued, “Since my mommy is in heaven, and you and daddy are getting married…” Still hesitant, she asked the question Abby could not have prepared herself for. “Can I call you Mama?”

Without warning, Abby’s eyes filled with tears. Overcome with emotions, her voice cracked when she confirmed without a doubt. “Sweet baby girl, I would be honored if you called me Mama.” Madison gave her a huge smile that melted her already expanded heart.

Abby leaned down and kissed the baby soft cheek on her angelic face. “Goodnight Mama. I love you.”

“I love you too. Have a good night’s sleep.” Abby moved up and kissed her on the forehead before joining her under the covers. There was no way she would be able to go to sleep yet. Reaching for her phone, she sent Caleb a text.

Abby ~
Madison asked if she could call me Mama

Caleb ~
How do you feel about that?

Abby ~
Overwhelmed with joy

Caleb ~
Wondered if she would ask you 2night

Abby ~
Thanks 4 the heads up

Caleb ~
LOL…didn’t want 2 take away from your moment

Abby ~
Have I told you how much I love you?

Caleb ~
Yes but I could never get tired of hearing it.

Abby ~
Good night:) I <3 U!

Caleb ~
<3 U 2. See you in the morning. BTW can’t stop thinking bout what you said 8^/

Abby ~
;)

“Look at this mess. I don’t know how I’m ever going to get this ready in time.” Abby stood with her hands on her paint stained, yoga pant covered hips, looking around at the disaster of a bedroom she was in the midst of redecorating. All the furniture had been removed, and the sandalwood color she and Caleb had just finished painting on the walls was still wet. Ladders, paintbrushes, rollers, and buckets were still scattered all over the floor as well as the drop cloths that protected the exquisite hard wood flooring.

The master bathroom was already completely revamped in a neutral light forest green with glossy white cabinetry and two pedestal sinks side by side. Abby had never shared a bathroom with a man before, so she was really thankful theirs had a separate small room with a door where the toilet was located. She couldn’t help but make that room the size of a closet a little girlie by adding a small chandelier. She’d also added another chandelier that was just a little bigger over the new extra-large bathtub that fit two. Although, she had a feeling Madison might get more use out of the tub than the newlyweds would. Caleb told her he didn’t enjoy baths.
Who knows, maybe I can change his mind on that matter.

“I still can’t believe Caleb asked you to redo the entire house while you are planning a wedding. You know you can always hire someone to do all of this for you.” Leah had stopped by to check on their progress before heading out to pick Madison up from her Grammy’s house.

“And you know that’s not me. He wanted to hire people, but I enjoy doing everything for our home myself. Well, myself and my bestest gal of course.” Abby placed her arm around Leah’s shoulder. She’d already suckered Leah into doing a few of the larger projects with her.

“I know, I know. I’d do the same.” Leah confirmed what Abby already knew.

“Are you sure you don’t mind taking Madison today?” They needed to do some work on the gift Abby was planning on giving to her new daughter. They’d figured out a way to hide it from her, but it was difficult hiding while she worked on it.

“Of course not, she’s my little chica. I tried calling her chicita the other day, and she said that was a banana, and she was not a banana, so I guess that’s out.” Leah started to cackle.

“Well it’s better than what Stefen calls her.” That got Leah’s attention.

“Stefen? Caleb’s cousin, Stefen?” Her expression was comical.