“Are you serious?” I ask, setting the mug down and wrapping my arms aroundher.
She nods excitedly. “How do you want to celebrate,Daddy?”
My lips crash with hers, absolutely thrilled by thenews.
* * *
Mackenzie
“How’s my new son-in-law doing?”Mom asks giving Connor a hug when we enter her house later thatnight.
“I’m great. How could I not be with her by my side?” he responds and turns to me,winking.
“Can I get you anything todrink?”
In the kitchen, Connor and I sit at the breakfast bar and my mom gets a beer from the fridge for Connor and offers me a glass ofchardonnay.
I glance at Connor, grinning from ear toear.
He laughs. “You better tell her before youexplode.”
“Is Dad here?” Iask.
“I’m here,” he announces, appearing from the hallway. “Hi, sweetheart.” He embraces me in the same hug I’ve always gotten, one that offers comfort and safety in hisarms.
We move to the living room, and I take a seat on their couch, turning to Connor before bringing in a deep breath and saying, “I’m pregnant!” Connor reaches out to hold myhand.
“You’re what?” Mom asks, not in the tone I expected atall.
“I’m only a few weeks, but can you believe it? We’re going to have a baby.” I try to keep up my joy, but the look on my parents’ faces is killingit.
“Mackenzie….” Dad isshocked.
“Have you spoken to your doctor yet?” Momasks.
“Well, no. I wanted to tell you guys first. We just found out today,” I say,deflated.
“Did you not take precautions? Did you actually… plan this?” sheaccuses.
“Jean,” Connor starts, but I place a hand on his knee, quieting him so I canspeak.
“Yes, we did. We want thischild.”
“How could you possibly say that? Kenzie, you’re sick. How could you bring a baby into this world, knowing you won’t be here to raiseit?”
I’m stunned into silence. I look at my dad, hoping he has a different reaction, but he’s just standing there, stone cold silent and lookingscared.
“You’re being selfish, can’t you see that? How is that fair to this baby? How is that fair toConnor?”
“I want this child,” Connor says, standing up for his feelings. “It was my idea, not hers. We thought you would be happy forus.”
“Happy? Why would I be happy, knowing my grandchild is going to be motherless?” Tears start to fall and she excuses herself, leaving us staring at eachother.
“Daddy?” Iplead.
“Baby girl”—he lets out a long sigh—“I have to say I agree with your mom on this. I don’t think it’s right that you bring a child into this world in your condition. And Connor, I admire your love for my daughter, but you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. You’ll be alone. How will you work? Who will watch the baby? Is it even safe for you to be pregnant,Mackenzie?”
“Single dads do it every day. I’m not concerned one bit,” Connor says with no hesitation. “If I don't get to spend the rest of my life with her, I’m honored she would give me this gift as myforever.”
