by Lea Coll
I didn’t know how to answer the inevitable questions. Are you together now? Are you raising this baby together? As a couple or just as parents? Where will you live? What will you do?
I wiped my sweaty hands on my thighs as Jack’s truck pulled down the long gravel drive. I stood waiting awkwardly at the railing for them to approach. I wanted to talk to Wyatt before we talked to my parents. He’d seemed so cool and unaffected by the prospect of telling everyone.
Samantha reached me first and pulled me in for a hug. “Morning.”
“Morning sis,” Jack said, pulling me in for a one-armed hug, holding a large bakery box in the other.
“What did you bring?” I asked, nodding toward the box.
“Pastries. You can never have enough baked goods at brunch.”
“So true,” Samantha said, opening the screen door into the house. Jack held it open for me too, but I shook my head.
“I’m waiting for Wyatt.”
“Ah. Protecting him from the parents.”
“Hardly. He doesn’t need protection.” My parents loved him. This wasn’t some new guy I was dating. This is the man who came into my kitchen the first time as a boy. He was as comfortable in our house as Jack was.
Jack arched one brow at me like he knew something was up.
I was positive I was giving off nervous energy. So I smiled, tried to relax, and settled back into the rocker to wait hoping Jack would take the hint and go inside.
“Something you want to tell me, sis?” Jack asked, still holding the screen door open as he leaned against.
“No.”
Jack hesitated as if he was going to pursue it further but Wyatt’s Jeep came rumbling down the driveway drawing our attention.
Wyatt stepped down from his Jeep and made his way to us.
“Interesting,” Jack said, and I knew he was taking in Wyatt’s freshly showered look, his neatly pressed dress pants, blue button-down shirt which brought out his eyes—the ones I couldn’t look away from. He was overdressed compared to Jack, who wore a T-shirt and jeans.
I was sweaty and nervous, my heart beating a mile a minute, but one look at Wyatt’s easy demeanor and I relaxed slightly.
“Wyatt,” Jack said, nodding at him before finally going into the house with a slap of the screen door behind him.
Wyatt nodded at him before turning his attention back to me. I remained in the rocking chair, gripping the seat under my thighs. He squatted down until we were eye-to-eye, placing his large hands on my legs covered by the blue maxi dress I’d worn. “Are you okay?”
I nodded without speaking. I wasn’t okay at all. This was the moment everything would change. My parents would look at me differently—my brother would look at me differently.
“Stop thinking so hard. You’re making everything bigger in your head.”
“Am I?” I let out a breath trying to use the strength and warmth of his hands to settle my nerves.
“You are. I can tell.” He brushed my hair back from my face cupping my chin. “I’m here. I’ll be right next to you the whole time.”
Right. Because that’s who he was—strong, dependable Wyatt. Always making the right choices, doing the right things, whereas I was jobless, living with my parents, and knocked up.
“Hey,” he tilted my chin so I was looking at him. “We’re in this together. You didn’t get pregnant on your own. We’re both in this. You understand?”
“Pregnant?” came my mom’s shrill voice from behind the screen door. She hadn’t opened it yet but her hand rested on the frame as if she was one second away from pushing it open when she’d overheard us.
I stood abruptly, Wyatt’s handing dropping from my face, my heart racing again.
The others must have heard her because before I could respond the door was open, Mom stepped onto the porch, and Jack and Dad stood in the entryway.
“Pregnant?” Mom asked again.
I nodded because I couldn’t speak. I was too afraid of their reaction to say the words out loud myself. Then Wyatt tugged on my hand until we were standing next to each other.
“That’s right. This isn’t how we planned to tell you. We were going to wait until after everyone had eaten but yes, we’re pregnant—expecting a baby in February.” Wyatt’s face broke out into the biggest proudest smile and I couldn’t rip my gaze from his.
I was both riveted by his reaction and afraid to see the disappointment on everyone else’s faces. Samantha was the first to approach and offer a congratulatory hug.
“Congrats, sis. You know how to do things, don’t you?” Jack’s face was light and happy as he hugged me. Then he slapped Wyatt on the back. “It’s about time.”
Wyatt nodded in thanks.
“It’s about time for what?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking.
“It’s about time you guys got back together. You’ve been dancing around each other since you came back,” Jack said.
I felt Wyatt visibly relax that Jack wasn’t angry with him but I had to set Jack straight. “Oh, no, we’re not together. We’ll co-parent.”
My mom’s hands were in front of her mouth and I couldn’t tell if she was shocked, happy, surprised? Then I saw tears in her eyes. “I’m going to be a grandmother.”
I was surprised she’d taken it so well, but then I was twenty-five, not sixteen.
Then Jack ruffled my hair. “Way to steal our thunder. We’re getting married in two weeks, you know?”
“Oh, I didn’t want to do that. I would have waited, but Wyatt’s sister’s in town and he wanted to tell them. I won’t be able to hide it anymore.” I covered my stomach with my hand.
Dad looked unsure but he hugged and congratulated us. Were they genuinely happy for me—for us? Or just putting on a brave front? I saw the way my mom’s face fell a little when I’d insisted we weren’t together.
Mom put her arm around me and ushered us inside. “Come inside. I have so many questions.”
I exchanged a look with Wyatt over my shoulder. I bet she did. How does one raise a child when you’re not with the father?
When we settled around the large farm table with the food in bowls and platters in the center, I said, “I don’t want you to worry. I plan to move out, find a job, and support the baby. You’re retired. I don’t expect you guys to help.”
“Nonsense. There’s no need to move,” Mom said.
“No. I couldn’t impose on you guys. I’ll move out.” Samantha’s mom paid me a deposit, but the final check wouldn’t come until the wedding. The itch to get a job, to plan my future, was back now that I was staring into everyone’s disbelieving eyes. The bubble I’d spent with Wyatt was over. Reality was back.
“You can move in with me,” Wyatt said and my eyes shot to his.
He’d mentioned this when I told him I was pregnant but I wasn’t sure he was serious and I didn’t want to make the decision in front of my parents. “It’s one of the many things we’ll need to figure out.”
Dad’s eyes were on Wyatt’s. “What are your plans?”
“I’m in this one-hundred percent. I have the means to take care of this baby. She can move in with me, I’ll support her and the baby any way I can.”
“I can support the baby too.” It was important that I provide for the baby.
“Honey, you know you’re going to be showing soon if you’re due in February. Wrong or not, you’ll have trouble getting a job if you are pregnant. That’s just reality,” Mom said.
“You know what happened to Grace. I want to be prepared.”
My mom nodded because it was a big deal when Grace got pregnant in college. Her parents were upset but they were mollified slightly when her boyfriend said he’d get a job so Grace would be able to stay in school.
“Who’s Grace?” Wyatt asked, shifting in his chair to see my face.
“She’s my cousin who got pregnant in college. Her boyfriend was supportive until the baby came and then he walked away—said he wasn’t ready to be a father. He gave her fu
ll custody and doesn’t see the baby. She had to drop out of school for awhile.”
Understanding flashed over Wyatt’s face and then disappointment. “So, you think I’ll walk away?”
“Not exactly, but I want to do my part.” This was why I didn’t want to tell anyone. I knew the happiness I felt the last few weeks would be gone the minute the news was out. Wyatt was saying all of the right things but how could I explain his words sounded wrong to my ears? I didn’t want to be taken care of. I didn’t want Wyatt or my parents to pay my bills. I wanted to provide for this life inside me. I wanted the baby to depend on me—the mother.
And that’s when I felt it—even stronger than at the eight-week ultrasound. My hand went to my belly. I was a mother. The overwhelming need to support this baby—to be everything for this baby was all-encompassing.
“I can’t wait to be an aunt,” Samantha said softly when I reached the table. “I’m going to spoil this baby.”
I smiled gratefully at her for taking the pressure off of us.
“Yes, we’re so happy for you guys. I can’t wait to have a grandbaby,” Mom said.
I could hear the unrestrained excitement in her voice. Watching my dad’s face carefully, he seemed unsure how to take the news and I couldn’t blame him. I was too at first. Hopefully, he’d come around. I sat and filled my plate with the egg potato casserole my mom had baked and a croissant that Samantha brought.
No one asked any more questions, thankfully. They must have sensed my discomfort with all of the questions and concerns. If they were concerned I was a billion times more worried. I was the one carrying this baby and would be birthing it in six months.
After breakfast with my parents, I walked Wyatt out to his Jeep. We still had to meet with his family tonight. He leaned against the door of his Jeep.
“I think this was a bad idea,” I said.
“What, telling them? I don’t think a difference of a few weeks would change anything.”
I sighed. “That’s true. I wish we could have kept it between us longer.”
“We have to tell people before you start to show. Our moms would be hurt if they found out that way and not from us personally.”
“Ugh. You’re right. I guess it would be different if we were married already. People would expect it. It would be happy news.”
“It is happy news. I’ll pick you up at six for dinner. I’ll do the talking this time.”
“Okay, but I didn’t do much of the talking this time. They overheard us.”
His jaw was tense.
“Are you upset by something I said?” I asked.
“I get that you want to care for the baby, but I think you forget that being a mom is more than financial. It’s taking care of yourself so the baby thrives, it’s taking care of the baby when they’re here. And everything I read says it will be challenging. Why don’t you let me handle the financial and shelter aspect and you focus on the other stuff?”
“It’s not just stuff to me. It’s important.”
He sighed. “I get it. I get that you’re worried about what happened with your cousin. I’m sure it was shocking for her and her family, but they were younger than us. I’m more than capable of supporting you and I won’t leave you. I want to take this burden from you. I don’t want you to be stressed.”
He tugged my hand until I fell into his body, his arms wrapping around me. “Six, okay?”
I nodded and stepped back to watch him get into the Jeep.
I went back inside saying goodbye to Jack and Samantha, who told me to let them know if I needed anything. The mood was light and happy until they left and I went to my room to search for jobs. I couldn’t get the conversation with April out of my mind. Should I email Carl and see what happened? I’d wanted to hear from him that they made a mistake, but did I want my old job back?
I looked up when I heard a soft knock on my bedroom door. “Come in.”
My dad opened the door and stepped inside. “Can we talk?”
“Of course.” I closed my laptop and waited for him to take a seat at my desk. I was a little surprised he wanted to talk. I couldn’t remember us ever having a heart to heart when I was a child. Was he going to say he was disappointed in me?
“I wanted to tell you that we’re very proud of you.”
I laughed. “For losing my job, my apartment, and getting knocked up by my high school sweetheart?”
“Those things don’t define you. It’s how you react to those important life events that define you. You’re here now. You helped Samantha and Jack plan their wedding.” He was silent for a few seconds watching me. “More importantly, you want this baby more than anything and I know you’re going to be an amazing mother.”
“You think so?” A tear fell down my face. That was my deepest and darkest worry in all of this. That I wasn’t ready to be a mother—that I wouldn’t be good enough. And this baby deserved the very best I had to offer.
“I know so. But there’s nothing wrong with accepting help. Wyatt is just as responsible for this baby as you are. Let him help you. You don’t have to move in with him but allow him to help financially and cover the baby’s medical insurance. You have no idea what a baby will cost.”
Would accepting his help be such a bad idea? Yeah, it went against my independent nature, but Dad was right. We were both parents. “I’ll try, but it won’t be easy for me.”
“You’ve always been stubborn. And it’s not a bad thing. Being stubborn is what will get you back on top again doing whatever it is you want to do—whether you want to be a graphic designer again or the best mom you can be.”
“Thanks Dad.” Having my parents support was everything.
Wyatt
I couldn’t wait to tell my parents about our baby. I knew they’d be excited and happy for us. I knew my mom would offer us help, babysitting, supplies, whatever we needed. She’d been pressuring Sutton for a baby, so she was ready for grandchildren. She wouldn’t think it was too soon. And I knew she’d love that I was having a baby with Lucy. She always wanted me to get back together with her. When we broke up in high school she was sure it was only temporary.
I picked up Lucy for dinner and I could tell she was nervous. She hadn’t seen my parents since we’d broken up. “You okay over there?”
“Not really. Facing your family is scarier than mine.”
“Why?”
“Because I hurt you back then. I can’t imagine they like me very much.” Her voice was soft.
“They didn’t like seeing me hurt but you had a great opportunity to go to college on a full ride and you wanted to do it solo. I think my mom respected that. You’re strong, brave. You did something that most people wouldn’t. My parents don’t talk negatively about you at all. If anything, my mom is excited to see you again.” I didn’t tell her my mom always wanted us to get back together.
“What about Sutton? You guys were always protective of each other.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “She took it the hardest when you left. If I hurt, she hurt.”
“I have to face them at some point. We’ll deal with it and in the end, we’re having this baby so she’ll have to deal with me being around.”
“She’ll worry you’re going to leave again.”
“Is that what you expected? Me to run after I told you I was pregnant?”
“I’m in a tenuous position. You can leave at any time. I’d have to follow you to see my baby. I’m prepared to do that, but my life is here—my job is here.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
I pulled into my parents’ driveway. Their house was a colonial home backing to woods in a sprawling neighborhood. “It’s fine.”
“It’s obviously not.”
We needed to discuss this more but now was not the time. Not when I wanted to tell my family happy news. I didn’t want to be upset and worried that she’d leave even if it was always in the back of my mind. “We need to go inside.”
We walked up the steps
to the porch and I raised my hand to knock when she touched my arm to stop me. “Listen—I’m sorry. I never thought about it from your perspective.”
The door opened before I had a chance to respond and my mom stood in the doorway. “Lucy! I’m so glad you could make it.”
Mom pulled Lucy in for a tight hug. “Even more beautiful than in high school.”
Lucy smiled. “Thank you.”
“Come on in,” Mom said.
Mom went inside first so I leaned over and whispered, “I told you she’d be fine seeing you.”
Lucy gave me a look and I knew what she was thinking—Sutton was the one we had to worry about.
We followed Mom inside where everyone was gathered in the kitchen around a large gourmet island with bowls of guacamole, salsa, and chips. It was larger than when we were kids since they’d put on an addition.
“Your kitchen looks amazing, Mrs. Carter,” Lucy said.
“Thank you. We just renovated last year,” Mom said, bustling about the kitchen, gathering plates, and silverware. “We added on this morning room,” she gestured at the extra space near the kitchen surrounded by windows and one long gray farm table that looked custom made for the space with metal chairs and one long bench for seating, “hoping our family will expand in the future.”
It was too early to reveal we would be expanding the family. Unlike at the Perry’s house, I wanted to wait until after dinner. Dad walked into the kitchen from the family room.
“Good to see you, Mr. Carter,” Lucy said.
“We’re all adults now. I think you can call me Todd.” Dad winked as he dipped a chip into the salsa popping it into his mouth.
“Oh, yes, call me Jean, dear. I should have said that when you first came in,” Mom said.
“How are things?” Dad asked.
“Good.” Lucy glanced at me nervously.
“How’s Jack and Samantha’s wedding coming along?” Mom asked.
“It’s great. Everything’s been ordered so it’s just a matter of making sure everything arrives on time and setting it up on the day.”
“I think it’s great you’re helping them out,” my mother said, pulling a steaming casserole dish out of the oven. “I hope you like enchiladas.”