He smiles when he sees us, although that smile morphs as he stands and does a lousy job of covering up the complete surprise on his face.
Not exactly like I can hide just how pregnant I am now.
“Sweetheart, you’re going to have to forgive me, but... you’re pregnant.”
“I am.” I smile, this time not forced because I will never complain about the hormones or the morning sickness that lasts all day even now. I won’t even complain about the fact that my waist is gone and I’ll probably end up with horrible stretch marks. I’ll never complain about being pregnant again. Not when for a few hours, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get to hold my baby. “He’s due in November.”
“He,” Dad repeats, clearly in shock. “And I assume you’re the father?”
Dad’s eyes swing to Jamie, but if I was expecting disappointment, I would have been wrong. He looks thrilled. More than thrilled, he looks relieved.
Emotional even.
He looks like he’s about to be given a second chance.
And who knows . . . maybe he is.
“I am the father, Coach.” He lifts my hand and kisses the finger wearing the diamond solitaire he gave me the day I got home from the hospital. Like I needed a ring to make my love for this man official.
Jamie doesn’t say anything else. He doesn’t announce our engagement or tell my father he’s marrying me. Nope. He just lets his actions speak louder than words ever could.
He’s good at that.
People like to think he’s loud, but really, he’s more intentional than any person I’ve ever known.
Dad nods with an approving respect in his eyes.
Until he turns to Kyrie. Confusion replaces approving pretty fast.
“There’s a baby.” He looks back at me, so many questions lingering between us.
When he reaches his hand out like he might touch my face, I jerk away.
I haven’t seen him in over a year, and I’m definitely not ready to let him touch me yet.
His eyes focus on the bruise I knew I should have worked harder to cover, then skim down my body and study the brace on my knee. “And you’re hurt.”
“We have a lot to catch up on.” I take my seat and wait as Jamie gets Kyrie situated and does the same. “Where would you like to start?”
Dad sits and pours himself a glass of wine, then looks like he wants to offer one to me before realizing that’s a no. “Do you want some, Murphy?’
“No, Coach. I’m good.” Jamie slides his hand behind my back, giving me the strength and protection I crave to get through this. Because I know in my heart I have to get through it. The closure I need to move on only comes from this conversation. And the future I plan depends on what my father has to say.
“Okay, then.” Dad sips his wine and looks at me. “How about we start with the baby asleep right there.”
That baby asleep right there...The one who’s legally going to be my daughter as soon as we go through the system. The one who’s already my daughter in every way that matters.
“I guess that’s basically the beginning...” I tell him and dive into the rollercoaster ride that has been the past nearly seven months.
All the twists and turns.
Meeting Kyrie.
Moving in with the guys.
Falling in love. With her and with Jamie.
Finding out I was pregnant.
