“It’s me. Open up. It’s freezing out here,” my mother replies, and I laugh. And sigh. Of course my mother is here.
When I open the door, I discover it’s not just my mother, but Aston’s mother too. “Surprise!” Halle sings out, racing in to give me a giant hug because that’s Halle. “We were going to brunch and then thought it would be fun if everyone came.”
“Grandma!” Zoey cries and races over to Halle, who scoops her up into a big hug.
“My girl.” Halle drops kisses on her head. “Are you feeling better after last night?”
Zoey nods, and I wonder what happened last night that she wasn’t feeling well. She seems fine now.
“Good. It smells like Daddy is already making you breakfast.”
“I was,” Aston confirms.
“But you can join us,” my mom states, talking to me. “I’m positive there’s a mimosa with your name on it.”
Ohhh. Yeah, that’s a toughie.
I twist my fingers. “Uh. Well.”
“What is that on your hand?” Halle puts Zoey down and yanks my left hand up to her face.
“Skylar Fritz Davenport, why do you have a massive diamond on your hand along with a wedding band?” my mother practically shrieks.
Oh shit. I forgot I was wearing them. I throw a panicked look at Aston, who calmly turns off the stove, makes Zoey a plate of food, sets it on the table, and walks over to us. This was not how my mom, or even his mom, was supposed to find out. I was planning a sit-down over dinner, and after they’d already had copious amounts of wine or maybe a martini or six, then I’d tell them.
Aston comes straight to Zoey. “Your breakfast is ready for you. Go eat while I talk to Grandma and Aunt Rina.”
“Can I watch on my iPad?”
“Yes. But only for a little.”
“Why are Grandma and Aunt Rina so upset?”
“Because they like to over grown-up sometimes.” He scrunches his nose and ruffles the top of her head. “Don’t let your food get cold, kiddo.”
Zoey simply shrugs in anadult problemsway and scampers over to the table to eat.
“Why do you have a gigantic diamond on your hand?” my mother yells again.
“Shhh,” I hush her and nod toward Zoey, who’s now in the kitchen eating and watching on her iPad.
“Don’t shush me. Tell me.”
“So… weird story… I got married last night.”
“Married?! As inmarried? To whom?” She looks at Aston. “Did you know about this?”
“Aston Oliver Hughes, why do you have a wedding band on your left hand?!” Now his mother is shrieking. “Was that there last night when you picked up Zoey?”
“Explain this now,” my mother demands, her gaze snapping back and forth between me and Aston.
“I’m pregnant with Josh’s baby, and Aston and I are married.”
“What?!” she cries, and I pat the air, indicating she should calm down and lower her voice since Zoey isn’t far. “How did this happen?” she asks, tempering her voice.
I sigh. Why is that everyone’s first question? “How do you think it happened?”
She rolls her eyes at me. “I’m not askingthat,and you know it. I’m asking for more details. A timeline. Anything, because I’m freaking out right now.”
