Free A Different Christmas (University Park #5) by CM Doporto

Raven was back at practice, preparing for next week’s game.
    Luke sat on the edge of the couch, scrolling through his phone. “Hey, Sis?”
    Stopping mid-way between the living room and kitchen, I turned around. “Yeah?”
    “You okay?” He laid his phone on the coffee table. “You seem sad. Not yourself.”
    I wasn’t sure Luke wanted to hold my basket so I could pour my hormonal issues into it. It was probably best to spare him the agony. “Yeah, I’m good.”
    He rolled his eyes. “You’re a terrible liar, in case you haven’t noticed.”
    I laughed and sat next to him. Leaning my head against his shoulder, I said, “Being pregnant has my hormones in a wreck. But it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
    “Are you sure that’s it?” I met his line of sight as he eyed me suspiciously. “Is everything okay between you and Raven?”
    “Yeah. I guess.” I released a sigh. “I know he’s trying his hardest to do what I want with his busy football schedule, but I seem to be the needy one right now.”
    “That’s understandable.” He draped an arm around me, pulling me close to him. “You’re pregnant.”
    I nodded, agreeing. “I want him to do everything with me, and he can’t.”
    “I know he feels bad about it.”
    I looked at him. “How do you know that?”
    “He told me.”
    “He did?” I cocked a brow. “What did he say?”
    Luke’s eyes softened. “He feels guilty…trying to balance his football career and being there for you. He knows you need him, but also knows what he has to do to stay in the starting position.”
    I rested my hands on my stomach, feeling the babies move. Raven was trying hard to meet all of his obligations and was doing the best he could. I was being demanding and it wasn’t fair to him. “I shouldn’t be placing additional stress on him. He has enough to deal with.”
    “Then don’t be so hard on him. Back off and give him a break.”
    Easier said than done.
    “Yeah, I’ll work on that.” A snarky tone escaped my lips.
    Luke leaned away from me. “That, right there,” he pointed at me, “is totally uncalled for.”
    “What?” I stared at him, unsure what he was referring to.
    “What? Your attitude.”
    Luke was right. Having a shitty attitude wasn’t the answer. I needed to change my disposition before someone else did.
    “Yeah, you’re right. Raven doesn’t deserve for me to treat him this way.”
    “No, he doesn’t. Just keep your eye on the prize — or prizes, in this case. Raven has the opportunity of a lifetime. And you guys are going to be parents soon. You need to ban together. It’s not going to get easier. Be honest with him. Tell him what you need, but don’t make him feel guilty about it. You know his career is demanding. Be glad it’s football and not baseball. He’d be gone a lot more than he is now.” He nudged me and it struck me right in the center of my chest.
    “Wow. Did you have to bring that up?”
    He scratched the back of his neck. “Sorry.”
    “That was a punch in the face,” we both said simultaneously.
    We released a slight laugh and he hugged me tightly. “You’re a strong woman, Sis, don’t let the little things get to you. Remember what the end goal is and focus on that. You guys have been through so much, this just another challenge. Except this one’s a good one. Man, you guys have a lot to be thankful for,” he placed his hand on my stomach, “and these babies are the most important thing right now.”
    “I know they are,” I said with a tight throat, feeling the threat of tears.
    “Then you do what you need to do for them if Raven can’t.”
    I nodded. “I will.”
    “If he could do it, he would. He’s excited about being a father and is dying to be your husband.”
    I gave him a teary smile. “Thanks, Bro. I appreciate your support.”
    “If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, let me know.”
    “I will.”
    “Everything all right?” Delaney asked, folding a piece of a paper and