The Baller's Baby (14 page)

“Me too, but right now I have to go to my first meeting with Michael Kwon. Then, we'll see how soon I'm coming home.”

“Then get to it woman, I miss you,” Cole teased. “Seriously though, I'm crazy about you and can't wait to talk to that little bundle in your womb.”

“I know, right.”

“I love you.”

“I think we're even now,” Stacey said keeping tabs on their inside joke. “I love you, too.”

After hanging up Stacey settled everything at the front desk, made an appointment in case she was still in town, got her medical record just in case and took her ultrasound pictures with her. Sending one to her mother by text, Stacey got an answer back.
OMG! What a tiny blessing. Can't wait to have you home!

Smiling, Stacey drove into downtown Bangkok to meet with Michael, his trainer and his parents. First impressions were imperative, so Stacey took a minute to fix her makeup. She stepped into Bangkok mayhem and scrambled into the Nuk Thai sports agency. Taking the elevator to the top floor, Stacey stepped off into what she could only describe as Thai luxury. Even her office in New York didn't look this good, and she owned it. She'd have to ask the receptionist who did the decorating.

“May I help you?” a pretty girl asked Stacey when she rounded the corner that said, Muay Thai LLC.

“Yes, I'm here to meet with Michael Kwon and his parents and agent.”

“Yes. You're Mrs. Patterson right?”

“That'd be Miss Patterson, but yes.”

“Sorry, my replacement didn't write very legibly.”

“No problem.”

“I'll let them know that you're here.” the young woman said and she hurried off. Stacey took a seat in the waiting area, tapping her foot impatiently on the floor.

When the woman came back she had a young man in tow. “Miss Patterson? I'm Michael Kwon. I wanted to introduce myself before we go and meet everyone else.”

“It's wonderful to meet you Michael,” Stacey said, taking in the young man from head to toe. Korean, was Stacey's best educated guess, but she could definitely be wrong. “Where are you originally from?”

“I was born in Korea, but my parents moved here shortly after my birth. My father was offered a lucrative job that he couldn't pass up.”

“Ah, I know how that is,” Stacey sighed, shaking her head. “So tell me Michael, what other than Muay Thai do you like to do?”

“I pretty much study for school and focus on Muay Thai, but occasionally I'll take a day off and read, or hang at the beach, take my girlfriend out to dinner. Speaking of which, can I get her a visa as well, to travel with me?”

“We can certainly check on that and see what we can do. Now Muay Thai is specialized fighting correct, or at least a style of martial artistry?”

“Yes, although I wouldn't call it a specialty. It's just a form of defensive fighting.” Michael said, escorting Stacey to the conference room where his parents and coach were waiting.

They stood when Stacey entered the room. “Miss Patterson, it's a delight to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Stacey smiled, shaking each other hands. “Michael was just telling me about some of his Muay Thai accomplishments. I think he'll do very well in the United States, both in cage and un-caged matches.”

“Will he be safe?” Mrs. Kwon asked, her concern for her son very apparent.

“Absolutely,” Stacey assured her. She showed the Kwon's the general contract she had all of her athletes sign, the specified contract, stating how much he'd be paid per fight based on winning ratio and how that pay would increase as he gained experience in the ring. Then she handed them a Korean/Thai translated contract, noticing their silent appreciation.

“You seem very smart for a woman,” this comment came from Mr. Kwon. Stacey reminded herself that despite the advancements in Western thinking concerning women, that didn't mean the rest of the world had caught up, not nearly.

“I spent four years studying sports, athletics and management. Then I spent a year learning from the best before I began my own agency. I wanted players that were the best, but I also wanted to bring the best possible to their sports.”

Stacey talked with the Kwon's for another two hours before they wrapped everything up. She then took Michael, his parents and his coach to lunch. “Tell me Miss Patterson, are you expecting?”

Stacey looked up at Sunji Kwon with surprised eyes. “How did you know?”

“It shows in the way you carry yourself. You're protective of your middle, which is where babies nestle.” Sunji smiled, pressing a hand to her own middle. “Mother's experience I guess.”

“Michael is a great young man, you and your husband should be very proud.”

“We are,” Sunji said, another smile gracing her face. “We were blessed to be his parents, especially since so many aren't so lucky.”

“Shall we eat?” Stacey said, stepping up to the buffet of traditional Thai food. “I'm not sure what's what.”

Sunji Kwon helped Stacey figure out the menu and warned her of foods she should avoid due to her pregnancy. The two women bonded over good food and even better conversation. Mr. Kwon talked with his son, although he too took notice of how well Stacey was getting along with his wife. She would be a good fit for their son's career.

“You should go my son,” Jansung said to Michael as they ate.

“You think so?” Michael said, staring at the contract his father placed in front of him.

“She's a good fit and will do right by you and your contract, wherever your career might take you.”

Michael signed the contract and within three days had a visa for him and his girlfriend. They had plans to save up money from Michael's fights to bring his family to the U.S., for a wedding within the next year. Stacey was ecstatic to be heading home much sooner than she planned. Phoning Cole, she felt light in her spirit in ways she hadn't for days.

                                                                      ***

Cole was blurry eyed with sleep when his phone rang at three in the morning. Without turning on a light Cole answered. “Winslow.”

“Cole?”

“Stacey, what's wrong?” Cole was up and pulling on pants as if someone had popped him in the ass with a paintball or bean bag.

“I'm okay and nothing's wrong. I wanted to tell you that I'm coming home. We leave tomorrow morning!” Stacey squealed, hopping up and down, unable to keep her excitement in.

“Thank God,” Cole breathed. “That's amazing.”

“You don't sound very excited.”

“I am honey. I'm also beat. I had a hard time falling asleep and it's still very early in the morning here.”

“I'm sorry, I should have waited to call,” Stacey said, tears flooding her voice.

“No, no babe. It's alright. I'm just tired, forgive me for being an ass,” Cole said on a yawn. Already he could tell the toll that Stacey's pregnancy was taking on her emotions. They were everywhere. She's elated to be coming home, but as soon as he doesn't show that same level of enthusiasm at three in the damn morning, she starts crying.

“It's alright. Okay so I'm going to go pack and see about transportation to the airport and all. I'll call you later tonight when I have more solid details.”

“Sounds good babe,” Cole said, yawning again. When Stacey hung up, Cole simply fell into bed, phone and all to finish sleeping.

Stacey managed to get return tickets for the next day with no layovers. She knew the one stop to refuel would be a slight delay, but other than that, she was beyond thankful to finally be going home. “Is it nice in the United States?” asked, Nina, Michael's girlfriend.

“It's nice in the United States, like it's nice anywhere,” Stacey answered. “However, there are opportunities there that Michael won't have here, not just monetarily, but also in terms of his overall career.”

“Do you know what the exchange rate is for the dollar?”

“I have no idea to be honest. I always use traveler's checks and turn them into cash once I get back home.”

“I'll have to find that out,” Nina said smiling. “So, Michael mentioned that you're pregnant.”

“Yes, I am,” Stacey said, automatically touching her belly. It was amazing how such a tiny baby had become an instant part of her life.

“Is it your first?”

“It is. It was a total shock at first, you know. I just thought I wasn't feeling well from all the traveling, but I'm ecstatic.”

“What did your husband say when you told him?”

“He was shocked to, of course. At first I thought he'd be ticked off, mad. I was thankful that other than being surprised he was thrilled.”

“That is good, to be so excited.”

Stacey didn't probe, but she sensed a sadness that Nina didn't seem to want to elaborate on. Twenty hours later Stacey, Michael and Nina were airborne. Bound for the United States, Stacey showed them pictures on her phone of places they'd see.

“When we arrive in New York, you'll both have to go through a lengthy customs process to check your visas, luggage and such. Once that's over, I'll get you two settled into my place before we go apartment shopping.”

“How,” Michael paused. “How do we pay for this?”

“As it said in your contract Michael, everything you need will be provided and when your first few fights are successful, I'll collect my standard fee. That reimburses me more than enough. Plus, by letting out my townhouse, I can get you settled right away and we'll all be comfortable.”

“Where will you stay?”

“I'll stay with my boyfriend. He's a minor basketball player for the Crystal Bay Rockets.”

“Oh, I'm sorry, I assumed you were married.”

“It's not a problem. I let your assumption slide. I'm pretty sure when I get back my boyfriend will ask me to marry him, so it's not too far off.”

Stacey, feeling tired, excused herself to stretch her legs as the doctor ordered and then found her own seat, curling up to sleep. Ten incredibly quiet hours had gone by when the flight attendant announced that they'd be landing to refuel, before getting back into the air. “If you'll please stow your trays and place your seats in the upright position. The captain will turn on the seat belt sign. If you're still moving about, now is the time to find your seat and strap in.”

Stacey felt the engagement of the landing gear and absorbed the touchdown, smiling. Landing and takeoff were her favorite parts of flying, and even after all this time it still hadn't changed.

“What do we do now?”

“Now we wait,” Stacey said cheerfully. “Because it's just refueling, we stay on board. I did bring some great snacks, however, if you're hungry,” Stacey offered. “I bought some fish cakes and wontons before I packed my stuff.”

“Bless you,” Nina said, smiling. “Will we get this sort of food there?”

“Absolutely,” Stacey reassured the woman.
It must be something to change your whole life overnight, but then again hadn't she and Cole done just that
, Stacey wondered. Almost overnight their whole world had turned upside down when she'd taken that pregnancy test. “New York boasts some of the best Thai restaurants in the continental United States. If you're missing home, you'll at least be able to get great, authentic Thai food to soothe your heart.”

The refuel took less than an hour and Stacey found herself back in the air, thankful to be on the home stretch, literally. With just under thirteen hours to go, Stacey knew the excitement for her, must be nerve wracking for Nina and Michael.

As the plane cruised over the coast, Stacey leaned out her window, peering down at the wonder that was New York City. “We'll be landing soon,” she informed Michael and Nina. “Just stay with me and we'll get you through customs in no time.”

The plane landed with relative ease and Michael and Nina were ushered through customs. Just as Stacey had told them, they were processed relatively quickly after having their passports and visa's stamped and verified. Stacey had seen to their luggage, as well as her own. She was waiting for them to  arrive on the United States side of the terminal when she heard a lovely sound.

“Hello beautiful.” Turning, Stacey squealed and ran into Cole's ready arms. “Oh god I've missed you.”

                                                                      ***

Michael and Nina entered the U.S., terminal side to quite a site. There was a couple in very passionate embrace if Nina was any judge. Kissing in a way Nina knew led to more intimate activities, she snickered and then looked at Michael, who was nearly as red as the shirt she wore.

“I think they missed each other,” Nina smiled.

“Um, yeah. I would say so.”

When the couple parted and the pair realized that it was Stacey, both of them seemed shocked. “I don't mean to pry, but...is it customary for couples to greet each other so, passionately?”

“Not always, but our passion bubble is huge so we don't mind the PDA,” Stacey said, smiling. “Michael, Nina, this is my boyfriend Cole Winslow. Cole, this is Michael, the athlete I told you about and his girlfriend Nina.”

“Nice to meet you both,” Cole said, wrapping an arm around Stacey's waist. He shook Michael and Nina's hands with his free one. The foursome continued out of the airport, after grabbing Stacey's luggage Cole said, “So your dad and I had an interesting talk a few days ago.”

“Oh yeah?”

“He showed up at my house and punched me in the face. Then I told him that if hitting me made him feel better he'd have to get it out of his system, because I wasn't going anywhere.”

“How's your face?” Stacey asked, not able to hide the smile on her own lips.

“Good now, but damn did that hurt. Your dad can throw a punch,” Cole said, “Probably where you get it.”

“So what happened then?”

“I showed him your ring and asked for permission to ask you to marry me. We talked about the baby and how it'd turn our lives upside down. Then we shot the shit for an hour so your dad could drive home.”

“Why'd my dad need an hour to shoot the shit?”

“I gave him a beer after he decided he didn't want to punch me again.”

“Well that was polite of you.”

“I thought so, too. Apparently he needed it as much as I did.”

“God I'm glad to be home Cole,” Stacey said, squeezing him.

“Same here babe,” Cole said, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Same here. Let's get these two settled in so I can take you home.”

“That sounds even better.” 

Cole drove Michael and Nina to Stacey's townhouse. She wrote down Cole's information, as well as emergency contact info. Stacey taught them how to use the phone and the shower, the coffee maker and the stove. “We'll be back tomorrow morning, probably a little before noon. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call, either our cell phones or Cole's house.”

“Thank you so very much,” Nina said, pulling Stacey into a tight hug. “We'll see you in the morning.”

“Good night and welcome to America!”

                                                                      ***

Cole barely kept the car at the speed limit as he drove the twenty minutes to his house. He scooped Stacey from her seat before she had a moment to think and carried her up the steps. Setting her down, Cole unlocked the front door and let her walk through it. “Welcome home.” Cole said, before scooping her up and twirling her around again.

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome,” Cole said, before claiming Stacey's mouth. The kiss instantly ignited the flames of passion as Stacey worked to remove Cole's jacket. Clothes fell where they were stripped as Cole walked Stacey backwards up the stairs. His hands were gentle, prodding her, stroking her desire so that she was breathless by the time they reached his room.

“I know we've said this A LOT, but Sweet Mary I've missed you,” Cole said, breathing her in. Wrapping her in a tight hug, Cole sank his face into her hair and inhaled, gulping in air as if to fill himself forever on the feel, smell, sight and taste of her. His lips found her neck, teasing her until her body started to respond. Tiny goose bumps peppered her skin and Cole felt her nipples grow tight under the delicate covering of her teal colored bra. Pulling the strap down Cole took her breast, running his warm tongue over that peaked nipple. Suckling, he heard Stacey moan.

“They're a little tender,” Stacey whispered, her hands running through Cole's thick hair. She longed to see those blue eyes blaze with passion. They were so damn sexy when he was turned on. Hell, they were sexy all the time, but when Cole was aroused they were like the hottest flame imaginable.

“Come here then,” Cole said, pulling Stacey into his arms. Taking her mouth again, Cole pressed them under that first heady wave of lustful bliss. She met him thoroughly, her tongue inviting him to come deeper with her. Sinking Cole laid her gently on his bed. It occurred to him then that she'd be the first woman he'd brought here. While it was true he wasn't a virgin and hadn't been when they'd been together that first time, he'd never taken anyone to his bed. He'd been the one to leave women sleeping, sneaking out before dawn.

What he had with Stacey though required something he'd never given to another; his complete and unashamed trust. “I want to take you here, in my bed. I want you to know how much I love you, how much you mean to me. I've never brought a woman to my bed before. I need you to know that you're the first and only woman who'll share this bed with me, if you'll have me.” Cole said, sitting up he pulled the ring box from under the pillow that had been sitting on the bed, accidentally bumping a control that bathed the room in soft light. Stacey looked around to see snapshots of their time together. Pictures she didn't even know Cole had of them were hanging on strings around his bedroom and on the wall written on what looked like a giant basketball court was the question,
Will you marry me?

“How,
when
did you do this?”

“I had some help, but I started yesterday when you said you were coming home. I wanted it to be special, something that just you and I could experience together. Here, in the one place I've never shared with anyone,” Cole said, feeling a new level of love for the woman sitting across from him. “Stacey I know it must seem like our lives are changing at a crazy pace. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared, but being with you, knowing you, loving you has made all those terrifying moments not so scary. When I think I'm messing up, all I have to do is think about you, think about our baby and I know I've been blessed beyond measure. I want everyone in our lives to know just how blessed I am to have you in my life. Sliding off the bed Cole bent one knee and finally asked, “Will you marry me, Stacey Joy Patterson?”

“Huh, you found out my middle name,” Stacey said, completely flabbergasted. She looked around the room again, seeing her life with Cole in a whole new light. Memories were everywhere it seemed and in that moment, Stacey realized she'd found the one thing she couldn't plan in her life. There was no school, scholarship, degree or certificate for love and she'd found her happily ever after in a man who knew not just who he was, but who he was because of her. “God, yes I'll marry you Cole Andrew Winslow.”

“I'm not the only sneaky one,” Cole laughed. He slid the ring onto Stacey's finger, pleased that it fit well enough. Cole came to her then, pressing a kiss to her waiting lips. Resting a hand over her abdomen, Cole rubbed her body there, mindful of the life she carried in her womb. “When is our little baby due?”

“The doctor said I'm still really early in the pregnancy. I called a midwife close to here and she said I wouldn't need to come in for an exam and consultation until closer to ten weeks, so we've got some time before we have to start planning. However, their best estimate for our baby's due date right now is August of next year.”

“That's forever away,” Cole said, almost as if he couldn't wait that long.

“Babies do take time, you know,” Stacey laughed. “We can micro process these little ones.”

“I know, but man. August is forever away.”

“Then I guess we're going to have to find something to do to occupy our time,” Stacey said, leaning over and running a hand suggestively over the crotch of Cole's jeans.

                                                                      ***

Stacey felt Cole's hand under her chin, tipping her face up. He ran his thumb over her bottom lip and with one long look into those electrifying eyes, Stacey was swept up in the hurricane of hormones that overwhelmed her body, making her a very willing slave to sexual pleasure. Wrapping lean arms around Cole's neck Stacey lay back, pulling Cole with her. Laughing, she felt Cole trying to strip his jeans and boxers off. Kicking forcefully, Cole finally managed to rid his ankle of his jeans before lying next to Stacey who looked like a goddess in matching bra and panties in a deep, silky teal color. Cole touched her womb again, running a hand lovingly over her body. Bending he kissed her there, pressing his ear against her body. Stacey sank slender fingers into his hair, loving the way it flowed through her fingers.