She gawks at me. “Are you sure? You seem to be a little, I don’t know… edgy? Could it be the sheriff in town is scared of his own parents? What a surprise.” She’s toying with me and feigns shock by bringing her hand to her mouth.
“You’ve been in my shoes, so don’t even go there.” My voice rises a tad in a loud whisper.
“Oh, don’t you dare remind me of telling my parents before I packed a bag and left. Just tell them I’m pregnant.” Her tone matches my own.
The dog whimpers, and his ears perk up as his tail wiggles. Rosie and I stall as the air seems to shift.
“Why is it quiet?” I ask. “Why do I suddenly hear nothing from the other room?”
Rosie’s sight lifts to over my shoulder. “Because I think they’ve been listening.” Her face screws up.
Of course, this is how this is going to play out.
I turn on my heel and make my way back to the room, with Rosie not far behind. She nearly runs into me when I stop as I enter the living room and my mother scurries away from the entrance, clearly having listened in. She goes to sit down then pretends to dust lint off her skirt.
You could hear a pin drop.
My father’s face is resigned, and Oliver smirks to himself and tosses a cube of cheese into his mouth. Hailey and Jane just pretend to be focusing on the ceiling.
“I guess you… might… have heard.” It’s uneven coming out of my mouth.
“What might that be, dear?” My mother is composed yet clearly about to burst, and she never calls me dear.
A laugh bubbles deep in the back of my throat. “Rosie and I are having a baby.”
My mom jumps up and claps her hands together. “This is wonderful news. The best news. You two are back together, and I’m finally going to be a grandma.” She’s nearly skipping to Rosie.
“We’re not back together,” I correct her.
Her festive demeanor is popped. “Don’t be silly. Of course, you are.”
My dad is suddenly rejuvenated. “Now, Carter, this is wonderful news. A great time, too. We can really angle the family man persona for the campaign. It’s only fitting that you two are together if you are having a baby together. It really connects with people in our neck of the woods.”
Rosie’s eyes go bold just like my own; she’s struggling to believe what I’m hearing.
“Oh, Edward, give it a rest… for now.” My mom is holding Rosie’s arms and drops her eyes to her belly. “How far along?”
“You don’t need to do calculations, okay?” I intercept. I’m not going to let her count back in her head to the wedding, even if it is fucking obvious. It’s her fault for dragging Rosie to that day, and it’s her fault that I’m torturing myself by having Rosie sleeping in the bedroom next to mine when she should be with me.
“Wedding. My wedding,” Oliver butts in, and his wife elbows him which causes him to yelp.
Another squeal from my mom, and I wish the floor would swallow me whole. “Perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
Rosie is unsure how to react, but she manages to hold onto an uneasy smile.
Straightening my spine, I bite the inside of my cheek. “Okay, I think this meeting is adjourned.”
“You’re right. I should grab some cigars from home so we can celebrate and talk strategy.” My dad is off his fucking rocker.
I need to get us out of here as soon as possible.
I bring my fingers to the corners of my mouth and whistle to quiet the room. It works, and I even hear Jet let out a woof from down the hall. Everyone stares at me.
“Calm down. You found out. Keep your mouths shut. It’s early still. Yes, Rosie is living with me. No, we’re not back together, and I swear, Oliver…” I point my finger at him with a hardened look. “I could strangle you right now due to your commentary.”
He grabs another cracker from the tray. “Trust me, you will do no such thing, as you’re channeling your inner softer side since you’re going to be dad.” He winks at me, and his wife elbows him again.
In the corner of my eye, I notice Rosie’s face is turning a little red. “Do you think we can get out of here? It feels a little warm.”
