Sue’s brow lifted, but her tone was suppressing laughter. “Beth, you’re twenty-six. That’s what had you so nervous to tell us?” Releasing a chuckle, Sue relaxed further into the plush couch, clearly finding humor in her daughter’s overreaction.
“I’m not thrilled you got drunk,” Sue said gently, “but you’re not sixteen. You don’t have to confess it to us—it’s between you and God. Apologize and move on. One mistake doesn’t define you.”
Beth shook her head. “I wish that was all. That would be easier. But the drunk part? That’s just the tip of the iceberg.”
She hesitated, cheeks already flushing. “I didn’t wake up in my room, Mama. I woke up in Dr. Jensen’s hotel room. We were, uh… um…” Her voice trailed off as her face turned bright red.
Sue inhaled sharply.
“We woke up married,” Beth rushed on. “There was a marriage certificate on the desk.”
The words tumbled out faster now.
“Apparently, in Vegas, you can get married while intoxicated. I didn’t know. I—I don’t know what to do.” Her voice cracked on the last word.
Her parents stared at her. The room fell silent.
CHAPTER 4
You are making a joke,” Donald said, tilting his head slightly. “This is a fabricated story constructed to divert our attention from your sister’s announcement. Is that correct?” His expression was unreadable as he tried to reconcile the grounded, steady daughter he’d raised with the impossible thing she’d just confessed.
“No, I’m not joking. I wish I was. But… Wait. What was Lynn’s announcement? Why would you think that?” Beth’s concern momentarily overrode her own crisis as she focused on her younger sister.
“Forget your sister. You’re serious? You’re married?”
“Yes, Mom. I’m serious.”
Sue shook her head. “Oh my. When you mess up, you really go all out, don’t you?”
“Thanks. That’s what I needed. As if I haven’t told myself that all day.”
“Apologies, LizzyBeth,” Donald interjected, recognizing their heightened emotions. His voice remained calm and measured. “Your mother’s comment was not intended to wound. This development, following closely on the heels of your sister’s engagement, has simply produced considerable emotional strain. It is, in all regards, a highly irregular evening.”
“Lynn’s engaged? What? She’s only known the guy a couple weeks! What is she thinking?” Beth exclaimed.
“Really Beth? Are you the pot or the kettle?” Sue asked, putting an end to Beth’s overprotective big sister rant.
“You’re right! What am I thinking? I’m the one who got married after tequila!” Beth dropped her head into her hands.
“We’ll talk about Lynn later,” Sue said. “You can get an annulment.”
Beth nodded. “That’s what I said. But then Bryce—Dr. Jensen—pointed out that I might be... well, there’s a chance I might be... I mean, I’m not taking...”
Sue’s coffee mug hit the coffee table with a thud. “You might be pregnant.”
Beth’s eyes welled up.
Donald registered the shame in Beth’s posture, the tears glistening in his wife’s eyes. He breathed in slowly, said a quiet prayer under his breath, and then moved to sit in front of Beth.His voice was calm, composed.
“If you are with child, it will be all right—with Christ’s help. What does Dr. Jensen have to say about all this?”
“He wanted to come tonight.”
“Why did he not?”
“I told him not to. I couldn’t face telling you with him sitting next to me.”
“Elizabeth, he’s part of this too,” Sue said gently.
