Can't Fall in Love Without You (Christian Yelich)

36

Despite her low blood pressure, Elizabeth loved being pregnant. She loved watching her stomach grow. She loved the little flutters she occasionally felt. She loved waking up to Christian rubbing and kissing her tummy.

He was usually up before her . . . Generally because he was too anxious to find restful sleep as of late. The nightmares wouldn't quit, and he had let her know they were actually getting worse – more vivid, more real. She wished she could take all the bad away . . . and only leave him with the good.

This particular morning, she woke up first. She smiled at how peaceful he looked for once, and quietly hoped their son would look just like him.

She moved down his body, pausing at his toned stomach before placing gentle kisses all over his abs. He stirred and mumbled, "Baby," while his hands desperately sought her hair. He loved her hair, and he loved how well she took care of him. He hoped she felt well taken care of, too.

She smiled against him, shimmying lower down his long, lean frame until she reached the bulge in his boxers. She palmed the bulge tenderly before starting to massage him, delicately at first, then gradually applying more pressure. "Good morning, sweetheart," Christian said softly through his light moans, now more alert. His hands continued to fumble with her soft, brown hair.

He raised his hips to help her remove the fabric that separated her from what she wanted and what he wanted her to have. When she suddenly took him deep into her mouth, he didn't stop saying her name until he coated her throat with his load.

He was breathless and happy. So, so happy. "I love you, Ellie," he whispered, urging her to come back up to his arms. "Let me do you," he whispered into her ear, about to scoot down her body and ravish her.

"I have to go to work," she giggled, kissing his cheek before getting out of bed. "Rain check for tonight, though." She winked at him, and he smiled.

God, her little boy better get that stupid, goofy, big smile. She loved it so much.

***

"Congratulations, man. A little Yeli!" Braun slapped Christian on the back. "Is Elizabeth here tonight? I'd like to wish her my best too."

Christian couldn't wipe the grin off his face. He had just told his teammates the news, and they were thrilled for him. Any anxiety he had about them thinking that he was replacing Sloane too early, too soon was completely misguided. They just wanted him to be happy, and they saw how happy Elizabeth made him. He was batting better. He was fielding better. He stayed to chat after games. He was almost himself again. Almost.

When Braun asked about Elizabeth, it pained Christian a little that she wasn't here for the announcement they should have shared together. Sloane was always around after his home games. She came to as many games as she could . . . Elizabeth had her work. Just like he had his work. "Nah, man, she had a delivery tonight."

"Yelich got dirty with a doctor. Who would have thought?" Braun said with a smile, patting his friend on the back one last time before making his way to his own family, all of them waiting for him outside of the clubhouse.

He continued to get flooded with well wishes and hugs. Hernán Pérez even gave him a huge smooch on the forehead.

As thrilled as he was to share his news, he was ready to get home to Elizabeth, Ivy, and the baby. He hoped Elizabeth was home, waiting for him in bed. He hoped she was listening to Kaitin's orders and not pushing herself beyond what she should. It's what was best for the baby. It's what was best for her. It's what was best for their family. Ivy needed her at home, too.

Christian hated leaving Ivy with a nanny as often as they had to use one.

Sloane would have never let a nanny be a possibility.

***

By the time Christian got home, Elizabeth was in bed, and Ivy was asleep in her lap. All the negativity Christian was feeling faded away at the sight of his girls. "Hey, baby," Elizabeth greeted him. Christian immediately leaned in for a kiss. "There's leftover stir fry in the fridge if you're hungry," she added.

"I'll show you what I'm hungry for in a minute," Christian replied, cradling Ivy in his arms and taking her to bed before returning to his beautiful girlfriend. He jumped into bed excitedly and immediately pulled her into his arms. "How are you feeling? How was your day?"

"I'm so tired, but I can't sleep," she pouted. "But my day was good. I got to deliver a healthy, happy baby. What's better than that?"

Christian grinned at her. "I can't wait until we get to do that," he said softly, kissing her lips.

"Did you tell your teammates?" she asked, hopeful that he had shared the news on their behalf.

"Yes, and they're so fucking happy for us," Christian said with a grin. "Seriously, they're thrilled."

"Good . . . Should we make our Instagram announcement on your account now?" she asked.

They had planned to tell the world about their baby boy after they told their families and colleagues. Now was that time.

"All I have to do is hit share. You ready?" He was worried. He didn't want her to get any more hate than she had already suffered on his behalf. She didn't deserve it. She was too good.

"Can we ignore the comments?" she asked.

"We will definitely ignore the comments," he confirmed.

"Ready, set, go," he muttered, hitting share.

Ivy just wants to let you all know she's going to be a big sister to a little brother in November. Mom and babe are both healthy as can be, and we can't wait to grow our family. Thank you for all your love and support – Christian, Elizabeth, and Ivy

Along with the caption was a short, heart-warming clip of Ivy patting Elizabeth's tummy and saying "baby mama bew-wy," which Christian translated to "baby momma belly." His Ivy was going to be the sweetest big sis.

He had replayed the clip over and over again when they first captured the moment. He loved Ivy. He loved Elizabeth. And he couldn't wait to add a perfect baby boy to the picture.

But the dread never fully left him. He knew how quickly everything could be taken away.

***

Christian was jolted awake from his nightmare by the shrill sound of his phone ringing. It was 8:30 am . . . How was he able to sleep in so late? Elizabeth must have had a late start and let him sleep. God, she was incredible.

He picked up his phone, eyes widening when he saw the caller ID. "Hello," he greeted the woman.

"Hi, Christian," the woman replied coldly.

"Hey, Jen," he replied, trying to stay calm. He hadn't spoken to Sloane's mother since the holidays, and he had a feeling this call wasn't going to be sunshine and rainbows. She saw the post. He knew it.

"Don't 'hey, Jen' me," she started. "I just wanted to let you know Dave and I are going to file the paperwork necessary to try to get full custody of our granddaughter."

"On what basis?" Christian asked, trying to sound stoic, but he knew a hint of panic slipped through. His hands were shaking. He couldn't lose his baby.

"Neglect. Ignoring your daughter to fuck some whore. Forgetting that you still have a wife. How could you forget her so fast, Christian? Sloane loved you so very much." Ice cold. Jen was always cold, but she was taking it to a whole new level.

Christian knew better than to stay on the line; he'd say something he'd regret, that they could hold against him, so he hung up.

He could barely breathe.

His first instinct was to call Elizabeth's office, but he knew she'd be taking appointments.

So he called Travis.

No answer.

So he called Collin.

No answer.

And then he succumbed to his fear, curling into a ball of anxiety.

He just wanted to turn it all off.