“Thanks. That sounds great.”
For the first time in a long time, it feels like I can breathe again.
Mom sends me home early that night, insisting I get plenty of sleep since I have class in the morning. Even though it means not seeing Jordan, I sleep for twelve straight hours and feel a lot better when I wake up. Munching on crackers as soon as I open my eyes helps with the morning sickness, and I can make it through most days without throwing up.
My class gets out early, so I decide to stop by the hospital before I go to work. When I pull into the visitor parking lot, I see Jordan’s familiar truck and frown. He didn’t mention coming to see my dad, and I’m momentarily panicked. If my mom told my dad that I’m pregnant, he could be on the rampage.
And that’s not good for anyone.
Heart in my throat, I hurry into the hospital and up to my dad’s room.
To my surprise, my mother is outside and she puts a finger over her lips when she sees me.
“What’s going on?” I whisper worriedly.
“They’re talking,” she says under her breath. “We should leave them to it. Besides, technically your dad is only supposed to have one visitor at a time.”
Our eyes meet, and she must see the worry in mine because she just smiles.
“It’s okay. Your father and I had a long talk last night. Then he asked me to ask Jordan to come see him.”
“And no one told me?”
“It happened rather quickly. I tracked down your friend Chloe, and she gave me the number. I didn’t want to bother you, in case things went sideways. But I think they’re okay. Now hush, so we can listen.”
We stand next to the half-open door and now their voices are clearer.
“…you don’t know what it’s like to have two daughters.” My father’s voice sounds stronger than it has in a while. “There’s a lot to worry about. But I’ll admit I might have taken things a little too far.”
“I understand.” Jordan sounds calm, like he’s talking to one of his friends.
“I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’d like to start over. Give you a chance. Because I never have. Not four years ago and not now. Would that be okay with you?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I appreciate you giving me the kind of patience and grace I never gave you.”
“I love your daughter. Her happiness is all I care about. If I have to spend the rest of my life trying to win you over, I will.”
I can’t hear what my father says next but tears puddle in my eyes. When I look at my mom, she’s a little teary-eyed as well.
“Everything is going to be okay,” she whispers.
I really hope so.
A few minutes later, Jordan comes out and he smiles when he sees me.
“Hey, baby.” He lightly kisses me.
“Hi.” I wind my arms around his neck. We’ve barely seen each other since Dad’s heart attack and I’ve missed him.
“I’m going to sit with your dad. See you later, honey. Bye, Jordan.” Mom goes into the room, closing the door, and Jordan and I stand in the hallway.
“I heard part of your conversation,” I admit.
“That’s okay. We don’t have secrets, do we?”
“No.”
