I laughed and released him. "I was worried you and Mama would be angry about all this," I confessed. I hadn't talked to my father much since I broke the news to Mom, mostly because I was worried about how he might react.
"I can't say I'm glad you got pregnant so early in your relationship with J.J. but he was a good boy when he came around years ago and he's an even better man. I think y'all might have a rough start, but you'll figure it out."
It seemed he and my mother were of the same mind on this.
"Do you really think we can make it work with everything that's happened?" I asked, studying his face. My father was affectionate, but he was also honest. I don't think he'd ever lied to me, even when it would have made his life easier.
He leaned back and looked at me. "I really think that depends on the two of you, Lee. You're both kind, intelligent, hard-working people. Those are three characteristics that can improve a marriage. If you both apply yourself, I don't see why it couldn't be a nice life, or even a happy one."
"But what about love?" I asked.
He took my hand. "Baby, if that man can't fall in love with you, then you deserve better. I know a lot of men my age would go on and on about what's good for the children in this situation, but I think the best thing for a child is to be in a home with two people that love each other and aren't afraid to show it. But love can take time. Are you willing to give him time?"
I nodded, looking over toward J.J., who was piling two plates high with prime rib, potatoes dauphinoise, and roasted asparagus. He even snagged four rolls and put two on each plate. My eyes bugged out of my head. I couldn't eat even one of those plates in two meals, much less one.
My dad chuckled next to me. "If he doesn't love you yet, Lee, I think he will. It's already obvious how much he cares just based on the amount of food he's going to bring you. It's that hunter instinct. Feed woman. Care for woman."
I nudged him with my elbow and we both laughed. "Well, we have at least six months before the baby comes and he wants to be there to help while he or she is still little, so I think we have some time. I just hope I don't make a mess of things."
"Well, there is one strength you have that your brothers lack," my dad replied. "You are damn good at cleaning up messes."
With that, my dad rose to his feet, removed his cowboy hat, and leaned over to plant a kiss on my forehead. "I love you, baby girl, and I am always here for you if you need me."
"I love you, too, Daddy," I said, sniffling a little. "Now, go away before I start crying again and the boys try to drag J.J. back out in the alley because they think it's his fault."
My dad laughed and sauntered away, heading straight for my mother, who was still trying to get the last bit of the buffet line organized on the row of tables Sierra and Cam had put together.
"What's so funny?" J.J. asked as he came back to our table and put the plate in front of me.
"You," I said. "I hope you're planning to help me eat some of this food because even though I'm pregnant, eating for two is a figure of speech and not what I actually need to do."
J.J. grinned. "Well, I figure we can pack up the leftovers and take them home for a midnight snack."
At the sight of that beautiful smile and the word "home" falling from his lips, my heart stuttered and slipped. He was talking about my home as though it were really ours. As though he were happy that he was going to be there. With me.
"That's a brilliant plan," I replied.
"I'll go get us something to drink. You want tea?"
I nodded. "Can you grab some silverware too?"
He glanced down and realized that he'd brought me a huge plate of food but no fork, knife, or napkin.
"Uh, you want an apron for your dress?" he asked. "So you don't mess it up?"
My heart shifted again, edging toward a drop that would be both painful and exhilarating.
"That would be great," I said. "Thank you."
"Be right back."
12
The drive home was surreal.
The plan had been for a short reception, but by the time we'd eaten the delicious food that my mother and Colette ordered, it was already nearly six. Then, Colette and Cam had wheeled out a two-tier wedding cake. Each tier was wrapped in a pink fondant ribbon and a beautiful fondant bow. A glistening pink candy rhinestone rested in the center of each bow. Just like the ones on my shoes.
I'd teared up again but managed to control the urge to cry.
