The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

|𝙱𝚘𝚗𝚞𝚜 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛: 𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢|

Leia Welsh

Three Years Later!

I turn to the side, glancing at my reflection in the floor-length mirror. A soft smile spreads across my lips as I take in the sight of myself—four months in, and I'm showing so much already. My belly is swollen, round and firm, and my breasts feel heavier, straining against the thin material of my white dress.

It's a simple dress, but it hugs me in all the right places, and for a moment, I feel beautiful.

My gaze shifts to the ring on my finger, glimmering in the light. A warm feeling spreads through me, wrapping around my heart like a cozy blanket. The large emerald stone set in a delicate, floral band never fails to make me smile. It's more than just a ring; it's a promise, a beautiful reminder of how far we've come.

I remember the first time Kohl kissed me—the way his lips felt soft and sweet against mine, his scent filling my senses like my favorite cologne. How is it possible that I never want to be without him? I've never been the kind of girl to dream about marriage or family, but standing here now, knowing we're starting our own, fills me with joy and love I never thought possible. It's like a bright light has ignited inside me, radiating warmth.

"Angel?" His voice is like honey, smooth and inviting, pulling me from my thoughts.

I turn to see Kohl leaning against the doorframe, a lazy smile playing on his lips, and my heart flutters a little. There's just something about him that makes everything feel right. I glance around the room, searching for the little rascal I know is lurking somewhere nearby.

I can't help but grin when I spot him peeking out from behind his daddy, those cheeky blue eyes sparkling with mischief. Jaden Warren, our three-year-old whirlwind, scampers over to Kohl, his tiny hand clasping his father's. It's like watching a mini version of Kohl come to life.

"Daddy," he chirps, his little voice full of energy, "when can we play hockey?"

Kohl chuckles, shaking his head with that affectionate look that always makes me melt. "When Mommy isn't grumpy," he teases, and I can't help but roll my eyes playfully.

It's no surprise that Jaden loves hockey. He's practically absorbed it from the moment he could crawl. We've spent countless evenings talking about the Rangers, his eyes wide with excitement as we recount game highlights. And when we go to the games? Oh, the way he cheers, bouncing in his seat, completely caught up in the moment.

I love watching him and Kohl together, their laughter ringing through the air like music. But a part of me wants to keep him with me forever, to shield him from the world just a little longer.

"Not grumpy, just... busy," I say, watching Kohl lean down to ruffle Jaden's hair. He giggles and swats his hand away, a bright smile lighting up his little face. That smile—the same one that lights up Kohl's face—is infectious.

"Can we play in the garden, then? I want to be just like Daddy!" Jaden's enthusiasm is contagious, and I can't help but laugh.

"Alright," Kohl says, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But only if Mommy joins us. We need our coach."

"Fine, but later!" I declare, my heart swelling with happiness.

I frown when I notice a little redhead clinging onto Kohl's leg, her bright green eyes peeking out from behind him. What on earth?

My eyes widen, and my mouth drops open. "Warren! Tell me you didn't steal Angela? Oh my—oh my god! Your—" I stop myself, frustration bubbling up inside me. I shoot Kohl a glare, cursing under my breath.