Romeo On and Off the Court

Chapter 39 – Another 76er

Trust the Process.

Edward

After watching hundreds of NBA games in person and on ESPN, it was an experience stepping onto the hardwood for my first professional game. Fans were on their feet, cheering as each player was announced. The biggest cheer seemed to be for me, not that I was going to let it go to me head.

My gaze drifted around the arena, taking in the fans, many in my number, looking for my wife and family. A smile lit my face as I found Bella about six or seven rows behind the home bench. Beside her was Seth, a huge smile on his face. It was his first time at an NBA. I was going to make sure the Forks high school girls' and boys' basketball teams received tickets to the game when we played in Portland.

Taking a calming breath, I took my position at center court.

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

The game was a blur. It was close game and we won by the skin of our teeth. I collapsed in a chair the moment I entered the locker room, not what I normally did in college. Things were different. I planned harder, ran more, and I loved every minute of it.

"We met them point for point. That's how we succeed. Forty-eight minutes. One play, one score at a time. It's one game, we're on to the next one. One game at a time." Coach Garrison paused and appeared to be thinking. "Shower, celebrate, rest, whatever you want, but be prepared to practice tomorrow."

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

"Hey, Cullen!" I turned and found Emmett jogged after me. "You coming to the bar to celebrate."

I shook my head. "Not tonight. My family is in town and I want to spend some time with them."

Paul Tucker turned from his car and yelled over. "He's a newlywed, too. He wants to get home to his beautiful bride."

Chuckling, I again shook my head. "Yes, Bella did asked me to come home after the game tonight."

"Just as long as she doesn't expect it after every home game," Tucker yelled before getting into his SUV.

Bella

The drive from the stadium home was long, even if I had VIP parking, thanks to a generous gift from Edward. I didn't mind walking and parking further away, but he wanted me safe. I couldn't blame him. If our roles were reversed, I'd want the same for him.

I paced my small home office. Our families were downstairs waiting, and I really should be down there with them, but I needed a bit of time alone.

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

Sue came up and found me sitting at my desk, staring at the wall. I didn't even recall sitting down, but I must have.

"Bella, are you okay?"

"Yes." That wasn't the truth. Something was on my mind and I wasn't sure how to express it, or if I wanted others to know yet.

I heard the door open and close downstairs. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath.

"Are you sure?" Sue asked, touching my shoulder. "You look a bit pale."

I nodded, standing. "I sure. It's been a long week. I'll be fine in the morning."

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

Three hours later, Edward and I headed up for bed. Though we had the room, our families opted to stay at a nearby hotel.

It was now or never, I thought walking over to my night table. I had placed a gift bag in it before leaving for the game. Drawing in a deep breath, I released it as I made my way around the bed and sat next to Edward.

"What's this?" he asked, accepting the bag.

"A little souvenir from our honeymoon I'd thought you would like to open tonight."

He turned to look at me. "How did you manage to buy me something in Bora Bora without me knowing?"

I just smiled. He'd find out soon enough that I didn't buy it in Bora Bora.

His face scrunched up as he pulled out a small 76ers bodysuit with his number on it.

"I don't think this will fit me."

I lifted my right hand and lowered all but my index finger before twirling it, indicating he should look at the back.

The bodysuit fell from his hands and a second later, he was pulling me into his arms, kissing me. "The perfect souvenir."

I laughed, it was not the reaction I was expecting. Honestly, I didn't know how Edward was going to react. Glancing at the floor, the words Baby Cullen stared up at me.

~~~ Romeo On and Off the Court ~~~

I had afternoon classes Friday. My one morning class was canceled as the professor was speaking at a forensic conference in Chicago, so I was able to go with Edward to meet our families for breakfast. I had gift for each member, each a clue, if looked at together.

Edward and I had discussed who to begin with and my dad was it.

Once everyone had ordered, I stood and placed one of the giftbags in front of Dad. He looked up at me.

"Humor me," I said to his unspoken question.

He opened it and revealed a small, yellow fishing pole.

"Hmmm… this is interesting, Bells."

I said nothing as Edward stood and set a bag in front of Carlisle.

Everyone looked on as Carlisle pulled out a red bag with a white cross and the words First Aid. He opened the red bag and brought out a stethoscope.

"I'm going to agree with Charlie. This is interesting."

Next was Seth and Leah. Seth's bag had small basketball in it and Leah's had novelty Converse sneakers.

Seth had only shrugged.

Leah glanced over at me with a knowing smile. "Key chains, just what I wanted."

Everyone laughed.

Last were Sue and Esme, only because their gifts were identical and would give away the game.

Edward, as discussed, raised three fingers and slowly lowered them. Sue and Esme watched, waiting patiently until the last finger dropped. They opened their bags and pulled out white bodysuits. Both dad and Carlisle, leaned and read what was on the onesies… First Grandchild Coming Soon.

A/N: Just the Prologue left.