The Consummation: Josh and Kat Part III (The Club Book 7)

by Lauren Rowe

  Kat squeezes my leg under the table.

  “Oh, Kat,” her mom says. “Honey.”

  I look around the table at Kat’s brothers and their facial expressions all convey the same exact sentiment: Holy fucking shit.

  “It’s okay, Mom,” Kat says, coming off as much more composed than I’d be able to manage. “It was definitely an accident, that’s for sure—and I totally freaked out when I first found out—but Josh and I are both starting to adjust to the idea pretty well. In fact, I think we’re both starting to get kind of excited.” She looks at me and half-smiles and I nod in solidarity.

  I steal a quick glance at Kat’s parents and my cheeks blaze. The way they’re looking at me, I’m positive they’re both imagining me boning their daughter right this very minute. I clear my throat. “Please be assured I’m fully committed to Kat and our baby. I’m gonna take care of them both.”

  Kat’s mom breathes a visible sigh of relief. “How far along are you?” she asks.

  “Twelve weeks.”

  “Oh my gosh.”

  “I know—end of the first trimester. The baby’s the size of a lime.”

  “A lime? Ohmigosh.”

  Kat’s father clears his throat but doesn’t speak.

  “Yeah, but no matter how big the baby gets, Josh says it’s still the-kumquat-inside-the-Kumquat. Isn’t that cute?”

  Colby can’t keep himself from smiling at that and Kat’s mom shoots me an adoring look—but Ryan and Kat’s dad both still seem to be processing things.

  “Oh, honey,” Kat’s mom says. She rubs her forehead. “How are you feeling? Have you been to the doctor? Is the baby healthy?”

  “I’m good, Mom. Yes, I went to the doctor—I saw the baby’s heartbeat. So far, so good—knock on wood.” Kat shoots me an anxious look, and I’m pretty sure she’s thinking about the booze and weed she ingested before we knew—something I’ve thought a lot about, too. “I was throwing up nonstop for a while,” Kat continues, “but that’s tapered off a bit. Now it’s mostly late at night and early morning.” Kat squeezes my hand again. “I’m good, Mom. The baby’s good. Josh is good.”

  Kat’s mom sighs with relief, yet again. Wow. If I’m not mistaken, I’m beginning to see a glimmer of excitement in Louise’s eyes—just that fast.

  “So what are your plans?” Kat’s father asks evenly, breaking his silence. My eyes shift away from Louise’s beautiful face—damn, that woman looks so much like her gorgeous daughter it’s truly freaky—and I’m met with two blue chips of steel. Oh, boy. There’s not a hint of excitement on Kat’s father’s face. It’s all fierce protectiveness.

  My stomach clenches.

  Kat squeezes my hand under the table. “The plan?” she says, replying to her father. “The plan is I’m gonna move in with Josh—er, actually, okay, to be honest, I already did. Got the last of my stuff moved in yesterday.”

  Kat’s father glances at his wife and his face quite clearly conveys deep concern.

  “So, you know, we’re gonna live together,” Kat continues. “And have a little tiny human that’s made up of both our DNA. And we’ll raise it together. And be happy. The End.”

  “I meant what are your plans? For the child? For the future?” He motions to Kat and me. “For the two of you?”

  “Oh,” Kat says, like she totally understands—but then after a beat she cocks her head to the side, apparently perplexed. “What do you mean? I just told you. We’re gonna live together and raise our kid. The End.”

  I gently extricate my hand from Kat’s steel claw and wrap my arm around her shoulders. “Mr. Morgan, as far as I’m concerned, the plan is for me to take care of your daughter and our baby in every conceivable way,” I say evenly. “You don’t have to worry about either of them, I promise. They’ll want for nothing. I give you my word on that. I’ll always take care of my baby and the mother of my child, no matter what happens.” I clear my throat. “And not just out of obligation. Because I love Kat, Mr. Morgan. I love your daughter with all my heart and soul.”

  Kat twitches against me and I squeeze tighter.

  There’s a brief beat of silence during which Kat’s mom visibly swoons and then bursts into tears.

  “Mom,” Kat says, holding up her arms.

  Kat’s mom leaps out of her chair and lopes around the table to her daughter, sounds of femaleness gurgling out of her as she goes.

  “Everything’s gonna be okay, Mom,” Kat says into her mom’s blonde bob.

  Kat’s mom sniffles. “I should be reassuring you, honey. I’ll help you—you know that, right? We’ll do this together.” She kisses Kat’s cheek twenty times, making Kat giggle through her tears.

  “Come here, Josh,” Kat’s mom says, breaking away from her daughter and reaching for me. She hugs me. “Welcome to the family, honey,” she murmurs into my chest, squeezing me tight.

  “Thank you,” I say, my heart racing.

  When Kat’s mom pulls away from our hug, Ryan and Dax are standing behind her, offering handshakes and hugs—but Kat’s father is still sitting in his chair, his face unreadable to me.

  “Daddy?” Kat says when it’s clear he doesn’t plan to get up and join the hug-fest.

  The look on the man’s face makes my hair stand on end.

  “So you’re not planning to marry Kat?” he asks me evenly.

  “Thomas,” Kat’s mom says, obviously mortified. “They’re adults. It’s none of our business.”

  Kat’s father steeples his fingers under his chin and exhales. “Josh, I really appreciate everything you just said, believe me—it’s good to hear. And I’m glad you two are in love. That’s great. But what about ten years from now? Are you gonna draft some sort of support agreement, in case things don’t work out between the two of you—or is this just, you know, we’ll see how it goes and whatever?”

  I feel like he just punched me in the balls.

  “Dad,” Kat says, sounding exactly like her mother did a moment ago.

  Kat’s father shrugs. “It has to be said, honey. If no one else is gonna say it on your behalf, then I sure will. You need some form of commitment about the future, one way or another.”

  I swallow hard. “I’d be happy to sign a support agreement,” I say, my blood whooshing into my ears. “I’ll have my lawyer draft it up. As I say, I’m making a commitment to be a father in every way. My word is my bond, every bit as binding as any written agreement. I have no qualms about memorializing my verbal promise in writing.”

  Kat looks utterly appalled. “Jeez, this isn’t some kind of corporate acquisition, Dad. I’m not chattel.” She turns her gaze on me, her eyes blazing. “You don’t need to call your lawyer, Josh—our relationship is between you and me. We don’t need legal documentation.”

  “I’m not talking about your relationship—I’m talking about the child,” Kat’s dad says. “I’m talking about securing my grandchild’s future and therefore yours.”

  Kat shoots an icy glare at her father. “With all due respect, it’s none of your business, Dad. Josh has promised to take care of the baby and that’s his only obligation as far as I’m concerned. He owes me absolutely nothing. Our relationship will rise or fall, just like anyone else’s, whether we have a piece of paper making us official in the eyes of the government or not.” Oh man, she’s ramping up into full terrorist-mode. “You and mom don’t realize how unique you are. Saying marriage vows doesn’t guarantee anyone a happily ever after, Dad. Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce—did you know that? The piece of paper doesn’t guarantee a damned thing. In fact, the divorce rate’s the highest among couples who married for no other reason than an accidental pregnancy.” She sniffs. “So no thanks to that.”

  “Kat, don’t get all riled up—” Kat’s father begins. But, surely, he must know his words are pointless. Kat’s already riled up and she’s not even close to coming down.

  “Josh and I have talked about it, Dad. We don’t believe in marriage for the sake of marriage. All that matters i
s that Josh is gonna be a father to this baby—which he’s promised to be,” she continues, her head held high. “The rest will take care of itself. We’ll just live in the moment and do our best, which is all anyone can do, anyway, whether they’ve got a piece of paper or not. I don’t even want to get married, to tell you the truth. The idea of it freaks me out. I’d much rather stay because I want to stay and go if I want to go.” She’s practically panting. Damn, apparently her father hit a nerve. Jesus. The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

  “Kat, you’re flying off the handle. I was just—”

  “No, I’m not. You’re butting in where you don’t belong, Dad. I’m twenty-four. And Josh is thirty.”

  I don’t particularly like the way Kat just said my age. She said it like I’m older than the hills.

  “And we’ve decided, after discussing it like reasonable adults, that we don’t want to get married. It’s just not for us. In fact, I wouldn’t even say yes if Josh proposed this very minute at this table—I really wouldn’t.”

  I make a face of surprise. Is she serious?

  “And do you know why?” Kat asks, forging right ahead, breathing hard. “Because I don’t want to get married for the sake of a kid and nothing more. That’s just a recipe for unhappiness and I’m not about to—”

  “Kitty,” Kat’s mom says sharply, shutting Kat up. “Honey, you need to stop now. Please.”

  Kat’s mouth is hanging open. Her chest is heaving. Her eyes are bugging out.

  Kat’s mom strokes Kat’s cheek, obviously trying to calm her batshit crazy daughter down. “Honey, your father and I support you, one hundred percent. Don’t we, Thomas?”

  “Of course.”

  “Now see?” Louise exhales loudly. “Good lord, Kat.”

  Kat takes a seat and so do I.

  “Goodness gracious,” Louise says, moving back to her chair on the other side of the table. “You get so riled up sometimes, honey.”

  Ryan chuckles.

  “I’m sorry,” Kat’s dad says. “You’re right. You’re both adults. It’s none of my business. I was just looking out for you. But it’s your life. I’m sorry.” He sighs and puts his hand on his forehead. “I was just trying to help.”

  Kat lurches around the table and into her father’s arms and he hugs her.

  “You’re sure you’re okay, honey?” he whispers.

  Kat nods into his chest. “I was scared at first but now I’m happy and excited. And Josh is amazing, Dad. You’ll see. I love him so much, Dad.”

  “I was just looking out for you because I love you so much.”

  “I know, Daddy. I know.”

  I clutch my chest. I’ve never seen a father behave like this with his kid. This is straight out of a movie. He told her he loves her—even after she told him she royally fucked up. And now he’s hugging her and kissing her cheek, showering her with fatherly affection? Wow. This is the kind of father I’m gonna be, I think. Just like this.

  “Okay,” Kat’s father says. He kisses his daughter’s cheek again. “I’m glad you’re happy. Just wait. You’re gonna love this baby more than you ever thought possible—and so will we.” He looks at me. “I’m sorry, Josh. I didn’t mean to butt in where I’m not wanted and I certainly didn’t mean to imply you were gonna shirk your obligations as a father. I’m just not used to this new way of doing things, I guess.” He smiles ruefully at his wife and she flashes him a sympathetic face. “I’m too old-fashioned for my own good sometimes.”

  “You don’t have to worry about Josh’s intentions,” Kat says. “Babe, show my dad your arm.” She addresses her dad. “Josh got a girlfriend-tattoo in my honor.”

  I know Kat means well, but, at this particular moment, hearing Kat call my permanent declaration of love for her a “girlfriend-tattoo” feels like she just called me a flop-dick.

  “Show ’em,” Kat says. “Wait ’til you see this, Dad—then you’ll understand how much Josh loves me.”

  I have zero desire to bare my Kat-inspired tattoo to her family, but I obviously can’t leave her hanging. Begrudgingly, I roll up my sleeve to display the full expanse of my bicep—and everyone instantly expresses amazement and amusement all at once.

  “What’s ‘PG’ on her collar?” Ryan asks, leaning in to get a closer look.

  “Party Girl,” I say. “The first night I met Kat, I asked her how a magazine article would label her if they were writing an oversimplified article about her, and she said, ‘They’d call me a Party Girl with a Heart of Gold.’”

  Kat’s entire family expresses agreement with that assessment.

  “I wanted to put K-U-M on the collar, but I figured Kat would kill me if I told the entire world her initials.”

  “Ha!” Ryan says, looking at Kat. “You don’t want the world to know you’re name is semen, Jizz? You see what you did to your poor daughter, Mom? You’ve scarred her for life. She’d rather be known as a party girl than get called Kum Shot everywhere she goes.”

  Kat’s mom rolls her eyes. “Only you guys would even think to call her that. Katherine Ulla is a beautiful name.”

  “Sure it is, Mom,” Ryan retorts. “That wasn’t a cruel thing to do to your one and only daughter at all—was it Kum Shot?”

  “Stop it,” Kat’s mom snaps. “You won’t be able to say that in front of your niece or nephew, you know, so you’d better start cleaning up your act now.”

  “Not gonna happen, Mom,” Ryan says breezily. “That baby will think Kum Shot is Mommy’s given name.”

  Kat’s mom covers her face with her hands.

  “I like the two olives in the martini glass,” Dax says, scrutinizing my arm. “Nice touch.”

  Kat kisses her dad on his cheek. “See, Dad? A man doesn’t get a tattoo for his girlfriend lightly.” She smiles broadly. “I’d say it’s pretty serious.”

  Shit. Yet again, I know Kat means well, but every time she uses the word “girlfriend” I feel like she’s calling me flop-dick.

  “Hey, Kumquat,” Colby says, breaking his silence. “What’s a guy with a broken leg gotta do around here to get a hug from his pregnant sister?”

  Kat breaks away from her dad and bounds to the end of the table where Colby’s marooned with his leg in a cast. Gingerly, Kat takes Colby’s face in her hands and kisses him on the cheek and the two of them hug for a long minute.

  “What the hell is ‘chattel,’ by the way?” Colby asks softly into Kat’s hair. “And why the hell do you know that word?”

  Kat laughs. “Sarah always says it. I think it just means, you know, like when a woman used to be a man’s property?”

  “Ah. I see.” Colby locks eyes with me. “Welcome to the family, Josh,” he says. “I think you’ll find it’s a pretty fucking awesome family—excuse my language, Mom.”

  “Oh, well, shit, that’s okay,” Kat’s mom says. “If ever there was an appropriate time to drop an f-bomb, this is it. Speaking of which—holy fuck—I’m gonna be a grandma.”

  Everyone laughs.

  “Welcome to our fucking awesome family, Josh,” Kat’s mom continues. “I for one already love you.”

  My heart explodes in my chest. “Thank you, Lou.”

  “So what do you say we dig into that pie you brought, huh?” Louise says. “I feel the sudden need to eat a very big slice.”

  Chapter 26

  Josh

  I peek through a crack in the door and peer out into the courtyard, scanning the faces of Jonas and Sarah’s wedding guests, all of them seated and patiently awaiting the start of the ceremony. Obviously, ninety percent of the attendees at this wedding are Sarah’s friends and family—which doesn’t surprise me. Jonas and I have no family other than Uncle William—and if Jonas has made any close friends over the years, he’s certainly never introduced them to me.

  “Wow, those flowers are incredible,” I say, surveying the virtual explosion of flowers in the courtyard. “I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s like a gingerbread house made of flowers.”

>   “Sarah saw this ‘wall of flowers’ in some celebrity magazine and lost her shit,” Jonas says behind my back. “So I told her to do whatever her little heart desired.”

  “It’s amazing. Hey, are those the violinist and cellist from my house the other night?” I ask, spotting the two women playing a symphonic piece, along with a third woman playing a large harp.

  “Yeah,” Jonas says from behind me. “Sarah had originally planned to have just the harpist, but when she heard the violin and cello at your house during our ‘romantic dinner for two’—thanks again for that, by the way—she flipped out and hired them for the ceremony on the spot.”

  I chuckle. “Those ladies ought to give me a commission for all the work I’ve indirectly sent their way. Kat’s brother Dax hired them to play on his album, too.”

  “Yeah, I know. I met Dax, remember?”

  “Oh yeah. I forgot.”

  “Have you heard his album?” Jonas asks.

  “Just the first three songs. They’re really good—I sent them to Reed and he absolutely loved them. He’s probably gonna sign Dax’s band. He just wants to watch them play live first.”

  “Awesome,” Jonas says. “I’d love to hear them.”

  “Stay still, Jonas,” Uncle William says from behind me. “Joshua says I have to retie the knot to make it perfect. Stand still, Jonas, for the love of God.”

  “Sorry. I’m bouncing off the walls.”

  “Really? I hadn’t noticed,” Uncle William says, chuckling.

  I continue scanning the faces of the guests, looking for anyone I recognize.

  Well, I see Henn and Hannah in the third row, sitting with their hands clasped tightly together. And there’s Uncle William’s longtime housekeeper (and longtime lover?), Katya, sitting next to my uncle’s vacant chair. I see a handful of familiar faces from Faraday & Sons—the CFO, Jonas’ assistant and her husband, a few people on Jonas’ team. There’s Sarah’s mom Gloria in the front row wearing a corsage and Jonas’ friend Georgia with her boyfriend and son Trey, all of whom I met last night at the rehearsal dinner.