Loving Autumn: Unbelievable, #6

By Garnet Davenport

He was my everything for years. I was his coach's daughter.

That all changed when Rocco Ramboli found out he was a father with someone else's baby. Someone showed up one day on Rocco's doorstep with a letter, legal papers and Emilia. He didn't know how to take care of a baby. He needed help. While setting up nanny interviews I told him I could watch her as long as I wasn't in school. I didn't think it was going to go that far, but once you meet a Ramboli you can't just walk away.

It was natural for me to slip into a motherly position. I loved Emilia as if she was my own. I loved Rocco too, but he didn't need to know that. I was positive he had thought of me only as the coach's kid. That's because we met when I was sixteen. We'd become friends just out of proximity since I wanted to be a physical therapist. What better place for me than as an assistant to the team's doctor. I thought we were meant to be. Instead, I was meant to love his little girl who was abandoned by her birth mother.

It wouldn't always stay that way. I became Emilia's mother and I became something to Rocco. It was easy and felt right. Until Emilia's birth mother showed back up on her third birthday wanting to be in her life. I didn't know what to do or how to handle seeing Emilia's birth mother.

We had been happy. I wasn't going to let it go. They were my family. And it turned out Rocco thought the same way. We just had to figure out how to keep our family together.

Contains mature themes. Must be 18+.

As always a Happily Ever After.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Garnet Davenport
• Release date: Nov 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201755805

Book preview

1

ROCCO

I’m a fucking moron. How could I have screwed my life so badly? Yeah, sure I’m on one of the best professional NHL teams in the league—GO Badgers, but I’m still a fucking moron when it comes to life. First, there’s a girl that I’ve gotten close with, and every time I spend time with her, I end up needing to take care of myself in the shower afterward. Second, she was my coach's daughter. Yep. See? Fucking moron. And last, she’s still technically a kid. Not like she’s twelve, but she sure as puck wasn’t eighteen—at least not yet. Her birthday was coming up, and I’d heard Coach talk about doing something special for it. I’d wanted to do something special for her too.

Seriously people, I wish I could have said that was where my moronic ways stopped but nope. I’ve been pucking everything that moved over the last year, trying to forget all about Autumn Porter. No, my dick wasn’t going to fall off because of some infection. I wish. At least, that I could control. I was staring down at a beautiful, blonde baby girl —at least I had figured she was a girl with all the pink—trying to figure out, based on how little she was, who I pucked nine months ago. See the problem now?

Yeah, I’m also an asshole. I’d wedged myself perfectly into Autumn’s life so that, if any guy came sniffing around, I could scare him off. This meant that Coach had been encouraging our friendship. Friendship. Ha! That’s pucking hilarious. I was completely cock-blocking her. I wanted her for myself, but how was she going to want me if I had a kid with another woman?

I started to pace back and forth while she had wailed so loud that I tried to call the only other man who could possibly understand—Kane Winters.

Hello? he answered.

I need help, man, I said, my voice shaking and trying to talk over the screaming little girl.

Ramboli? What the hell is going on? Kane asked.

Someone just dropped off a baby at my house and ran. The note says she’s mine, I explained, starting to panic. Who the fuck just leaves a baby on the doorstep?

Fuck. He hissed out.

Winters, what do I do? She won’t stop crying, I rushed to say.

Sweets, I gotta go out, I heard him call.

Where? I heard Brooklyn’s voice call out at him.

Ramboli just had a kid.

Excuse the fucking hell out of me—what did you say? she snapped. Miss Kay, we’re going out. Will you keep an ear out for the boys?

Sure, is everything okay? she asked.

We’ve got to go find out what the hell is going on.

Well, be right over, Kane said.

Thank God I had decided to buy a house in the same neighborhood as many of my teammates. Having Kane nearby had been great. He was my idol in juniors. I knew it was a good idea when I’d done it, but now it was the best pucking idea I’d ever had. Kane would be at my house within five minutes, and he was bringing that pucking amazing baby-making woman of his. I swear Brooklyn Drayden was meant to be a mother. She just had their fourth baby less than a month ago.

I tried to jiggle her and tried to sway with her in my arms. Nothing. Why wouldn’t she stop crying?

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. I rushed with her to the front door and quickly unlocked and opened it. Brooklyn smiled and came straight for her. She scooped her from my arms and held her to her chest.

It’s okay. Brooklyn cooed as she bounced her a bit and rubbed her back. You’re just hungry. She walked past me and asked, Was there a diaper bag or anything?

It’s on the kitchen counter, I replied.

She walked straight to the kitchen.

What’s she doing? I asked.

Her thing, Kane said, walking past me and patting me on the back. Congratulations.

Thanks? I responded, not really knowing how to respond appropriately. Was there a good way to respond to something like this when all you wanted to do was go to bed.

I could hear Brooklyn moving around in my kitchen even before I walked in. She was moving around with ease. Within sixty seconds, I swear she had a bottle of formula ready and in the little girl's mouth.

How’d you do that? I asked.

It’s pretty simple after you’ve had four kids, she said, speaking like the pro she was. There’s an envelope in the bag. She nodded toward the bag that had been dropped off with her.

I went to the diaper bag and dug through it until I found the envelope she had seen. I hadn’t known it was in there. How in the puck had she seen it? I pulled it out and opened it up. The letter inside was thick. I lifted the flap and pulled out everything telling me I was her legal guardian. I flipped through the papers. Her name was Emilia. Then I handed the papers to Kane.

What? he asked.

Her name is Emilia, I replied.

You need a good lawyer, Kane mumbled under his breath at me.

While he looked over everything I gave him, I ran my hands through my hair. It wasn’t going to help anything, but it gave me something to do with my hands.

Emilia, that’s pretty, Brooklyn said, continuing to coo at her while she fed her. You’re making my boobies hurt.

I looked at her and then quickly away after hearing a low growl from Kane.

What? That’s what happens with Hunter and Ace when they cry, she said.

Come on, what am I supposed to do? I’m not a father, I explained.

Looks like you are. I mean you can get a paternity test done, but do you even know who the mother is? Kane said.

I shook my head. No, not a clue.

God, manwhore, did you even get any first names or phone numbers? Brooklyn snapped.

First off, ouch, I said pointing at her then said, and second, no.

She scoffed. Figures.

Thanks, I muttered.

Seriously? Are you surprised this happened? You fucked everything up for us, she pouted.

"Us?" I questioned.

Kane chuckled.

Yes, Chloe, me, Makenna, and Autumn, she said. Did you forget about her?

I rolled my eyes. Come on, Brooklyn, you know as well as I do that I can’t go there with her. She’s the definition of off-limits.

No. You and Autumn were meant to be… just like me and Kane, she said, smiling up at him.

I don’t think Coach would think the same thing, I replied, crossing my arms over my chest.

It’s not like I hadn’t ever thought about what it’d be like to be with Autumn. That’s the only thing I’d thought about for the last two years. I’d forced myself to be with anyone who’d thrown themselves at me. That’s including a few puck bunnies. I’m not even sure how many women I’d been with in the last year. All I know is, right now, I’m staring at the possible outcome from one of those one night stands. Emilia. It was a beautiful name. My mother would have loved it. Ever since my mother had passed, I had been lonely.

You should get a paternity test done, Kane said, looking through the papers.

I looked over at Brooklyn, holding this little bundle of a girl I was scared to death even to be close to. Her little blonde wisps covering her head, her tiny fingers wrapped around Brooklyn’s finger while she sucked down her breakfast, and I stood there realizing how small she really was.

I swallowed through a dry throat and wetted my lips.

I could be a dad.

Yeah man, congratulations, I know it’s scary, but becoming a father was one of the best things that ever happened to me, Kane said, patting me on the shoulder.

I was a father. Fuck my life that was scary thought. Someone else was going to be depending on me for everything. I didn’t even have an idea who this little girl’s mother could even be. I tried thinking back, and I had an idea of when she could have been conceived, but there were still a lot of possibilities. Some of which I knew I hadn’t even gotten their numbers, let alone their first names. How could I have been so stupid and careless?

Any ideas? Brooklyn asked.

About what? I replied.

The mother? She said.

I groaned. No.

How many women did you sleep with? she asked then shook her head and said, nope, never mind. I don’t want to know that much about your sex life.

I looked between her and Kane. He wasn’t looking at either of us, but he was definitely smirking. He knew exactly what I’d been going through. A lot of the guys on the team were married or in committed relationships, but the few that weren’t liked to grab an attractive woman and take them back to their hotel room. Even some of the married guys do that, but I’ve never been all right with that kind of thing. Cheating is a no-go. If you love someone, you won’t cheat on them. It’s just that simple. I’d been good for a long time, but the longer I couldn’t touch or be with Autumn, the more I sought out the attention. Now, I’ve possibly got a daughter.

Brooklyn picked her up and started to pat her back while swaying her. Within a few moments, the faintest of baby burps came from her.

Good job, Brooklyn said cooing to her.

How do I do that? I asked.

She blinked upward at me as if she couldn’t understand the question. I’m sorry, I don’t understand. What don’t you know how to do? she asked, looking at me with confusion.

Sweets, Rocco here is not you. He doesn’t understand how you’re just doing your thing and it all works, Kane said.

Rocco, look, Brooklyn sighed, it may look like it’s all natural, but it’s really not. Once you know what to do when she needs something, it will come so naturally just to be there for her.

I sighed. I don’t think that’s ever going to happen.

Sure it will. Now, let’s see if we can get you set up for the night and she can get some sleep because you’ll probably be up in about two or three hours, Brooklyn said, starting to walk toward my bedroom.

Two or three hours? We’ve got practice in the morning.

Yeah, and you’ll need to let Coach know what’s going on, Kane said, looking at his watch. You should call him now.

I’d rather be put to death than to call him tonight, I muttered under my breath.

He’ll put you to death if you’re not on time in the morning.

I’ll figure something out.

Brooklyn started to set Emilia down onto my bed and then said, I’m going to need more pillows and another blanket.

Okay, what for? I asked, going to my closet and pulling down two more pillows and a clean blanket.

I’m creating a little nest for her. That way she won’t fall off of the bed.

My eyes went wide. Is that something that happens?

I mean, yeah, it can. Babies are delicate, Brooklyn said while placing the pillows down and then the blanket to create a smooth place for her to lie. You’re going to need to get a crib. I would recommend a bassinet to stay close to your bed.

I looked at her with confusion. Bassinet what? Crib? What all did I need to buy for her?

I’ll put in an order and have it delivered tomorrow. She sighed. Bring her over in the morning. I’ll watch her with the boys tomorrow, but you’re going to have to find a nanny. Miss Kay might know someone, and I’ve heard of a few agencies that are really highly rated.

B, you’re the best, I said, leaning down to hug her and gave her a peck on the cheek.

Oh! she said, blushing.

Hey? What the puck, Sweets? You’re not allowed to blush like that for another man.

You know it’s all for you, she replied, batting her eyes at him.

I’ve always wanted that fluttering feeling you can get when you know it’s the one. The only time I’ve ever got that feeling was when I was around Autumn Porter—the most unbelievably, untouchable girl I’ve ever met.

2

AUTUMN

I had been working on a paper for my AP Biology class when my dad came home.

We’ve got to get in front of this. Whatever it takes. This story doesn’t need to be headlining any news outlet. At least let’s try to keep it under wraps until the paternity test comes back.

There was a pause. Dad had to be on the phone walking through the door.

I don’t care. Yeah, I know. He’s basically fucked anything that has moved in the last couple of years.

Who the hell was he talking about? There are plenty of men on the team that could qualify.

He snorted. Yeah, I know. He can really fuck shit up, can’t he?

Who was it?

I had stopped typing so I could hear what my dad was saying better.

It’s going to get out. We might as well get in front of it, my dad said. Yeah, okay. Let me know what the results are. Thanks.

It sounded as if he had hung up with whomever he had been speaking. I heard him toss his keys onto the counter, and then I heard his footsteps as he walked around the counter and into the living room.

Oh, hey honey, how was school?

Fine. What was all of that about? I asked.

Nothing to worry about, he said, trying to avoid my question as he leaned down and kissed the top of my head before undoing his tie and walking toward his room.

Come on, Dad, you know I’ll just find out when I work with Doc this weekend.

He made one of the loudest, longest sighs I’d ever heard from him, then he said the words I never expected to hear. A baby was dropped off at Rocco’s house yesterday. He’s got a brand new baby daughter.

I couldn’t say anything. My entire body froze with shock. Rocco had a daughter. I felt the sting of tears starting behind my nose.

I looked up to meet my dad’s eyes. I’m not sure what he had been expecting from me, but I would hold my composure. I couldn’t let him see how much this news upset me.

Honey, are you okay? he asked.

I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be? I started to gather my laptop and notebooks and tucked them into my chest as armor. I’ve really got to get this paper finished. Dinner is in the oven.

Autumn?

I’m fine, really. I’ve just really got to get this paper done. I’ll see you in the morning, I said, walking past him and into my room where I closed and locked the door and then fell to the floor and let all of the tears I had behind the gates go.

How could Rocco have a daughter with someone? I had always thought there was something between us, but he couldn’t have wanted to be with me if he was with someone else. I'm just a kid, and now he’s got a kid of his own.

I felt like the world was closing in on me. He had found someone else. Was he in love with her? He had never said anything to me or anyone in my small little circle. Brooklyn and Chloe hadn’t known anything, I was sure of it. They would have told me.

I climbed into my bed, leaving my laptop on the floor, and curled into myself while I sobbed. The only man I’d ever wanted had been with someone else. I’d known he’d been with other women since I’d met him. I just hadn’t liked to think about it. I’d tried to ignore the fact that he looked at me like he had for the last nearly three years but had been with other women during that time to only look at me with that same intensity the next time I had seen him.

I hadn’t blamed him for wanting someone he could have been physical with. Especially after all the bad press that had surrounded Phoenix and Chloe just before he had been transferred to the Badgers’ farm team. New York had let him go at the end of his contract and with all the tabloids calling for his head when it came to the senator’s daughter being just under eighteen when rumors had circulated about the two of them. To today, it was still unclear as to when they had been together, but no one really cares anymore. Nix proposed to Chloe, and they’ve now been married for almost a year. Their new baby boy was adorable. I’d already gone over and gave the baby smooches and coos. Nix and Chloe’s baby was gorgeous. The raven-colored locks that came standard as a Drayden and then the blue eyes. Nix has this little spot of purple in one eye that’s the same color as Brooklyn’s eyes. I don’t know how that color is even an eye color, but I was jealous from day one. Brooklyn and Kane just had another baby boy—big surprise—Hunter Winters. Corny, I know. But he’s the cutest along with his brothers Luca, Joshua, and Ace.

I hated myself for thinking about a baby in a negative way. A baby is a blessing and not something to wish wasn’t there. I forced myself to stop crying. If there was something happening between Rocco and me, he would have told me himself instead of letting my dad come home to tell me. Rocco had to have known I would find out.

I pulled myself together after a couple of hours. I still felt like my heart had broken into a thousand pieces and there was no way to piece it back together. Damn those first loves.

I had gotten my laptop off of my floor and was barely able to finish my paper. It had to have been one of the worst papers I’d ever written, and I hadn’t expected the A I had wanted.

I wore pajamas to school the next day and looked as though I’d been through hell. One of my good friends at school, Elizabeth, had even asked me if I was okay. I couldn’t tell her what had happened. I’d held onto that secret with every molecule of mine.

Are you sure? she had asked.

I’m fine. I had to stay up too late finishing that paper, and I’m pretty sure it’s a solid C minus, I replied, grabbing the last book out of my locker I’d need for my English class. I was ready to go home. Luckily, I was in my senior year, and Christmas was just around the corner. I needed a break from everything. Thank God I’d be able to get it in less than two weeks. Then next semester, I only had two classes. I’d get a half day and still be able to use working with Doc as credit toward my DPT. My plan was to get through it in six years instead of seven. Doc told me I could do it. He wanted to mentor me. I knew I had gotten the best deal out of being the daughter of the coach for the Pittsburgh Badgers. I definitely had a leg up against the competition. But I’d worked hard for all of it.

This was exactly what I needed to focus on—my career. I wanted to become a physical therapist. I was good at it, and I loved the idea of helping athletes work through injuries and pain to heal and perform better. The idea came after Mom had passed away. I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field, but it was when I had sprained my ankle on the ice and she had taken me to see a physical therapist. That was when I had known I wanted to help people do the things they love.

I needed the day to be over. I was supposed to go to the rink after school. Doc expected me there for a three-hour shift to help him get things organized for the next week. The weekend was when I’d actually be working with players. At least I could avoid Rocco and the others. It’d be weird enough dealing with them, but I was sure the entire team knew exactly how I felt about Rocco, thanks to Brooklyn and Chloe with their seasons gang. Lord, I hadn’t thought much about it until Makenna came into the picture, and then there it was: Chloe Summers now Chloe Drayden, Brooklyn Drayden soon to be Brooklyn Winters, Makenna Spring soon to be Makenna Cooper and me, Autumn Porter. It’s just me. I’m not meant to be Autumn Ramboli. No matter how much I wanted it to be.

When I pulled up to the rink, I made sure to park in the lot where my dad had told me to park so he could walk out with me on late nights, and it was the entrance for the staff and players. I grabbed my bag from the