I run back to grab my own bag that I packed earlier because I wanted to get to Callie right after the game.
We had a plan. We were going to tell him. We were going to do it like adults.
Not in a press room as Hayes’s face went blank.
I exit the clubhouse doors and find everyone there.
Leighton and the kids.
Hayes and Callie’s parents.
And Callie.
She glances up, and my chest tightens from seeing no color in her face. Her mouth parts. Her eyes flick to Hayes, and she steps forward, then she freezes.
We pushed this too long.
It’s all our fault.
Hayes walks right by her as if he doesn’t see her. Leighton follows, Monroe on her hip, Lincoln bouncing beside her, Lake dragging along behind, continuing to look over her shoulder at Callie.
I start toward Callie as she moves in my direction. Then her parents step between us, blocking my path.
“What happened?” Mrs. Carlisle asks me, already panicking. “Why is Hayes so upset?”
Here are more people who won’t be screaming for joy at the news.
How did I forget we haven’t even told her parents? Two people I’ve always respected. Who’ve always been kind to me in a way that now makes me feel like a thief because what should be a joyous moment for them—their daughter is pregnant with her first child, and they’re going to be grandparents—is only going to cause turmoil in their lives.
Why can’t life come with a pause button for moments like this?
My gaze shoots to Callie, and she exhales hard.
“Mom… Dad…” She bites her bottom lip.
Immediately their faces change and fill with matching concern. Mrs. Carlisle’s hand flies to Callie’s arm. Mr. Carlisle’s gaze swings to me.
I’m done with the secrets, the delays. The truth needs to be out there.
“Callie’s pregnant with my baby.” I swallow hard.
Callie gasps and narrows her eyes at me.
Maybe that was the wrong way to tell them. This is not the commercial version where everyone cries and hugs and some acoustic guitar plays in the background.
Mrs. Carlisle shakes her head, apparently refusing to believe it.
Mr. Carlisle stares at his wife, more worried about her reaction than the actual news, I think.
“Are you…” Mrs. Carlisle looks at me. “Together?”
Callie steps forward, her shoulder brushing mine, and the anxiety racing through my veins slows a bit. I press back to let her know I’m here with her. We’re in this together.
“We’re just having the baby.” She raises her chin a bit.
Mr. Carlisle turns his attention on me.
Her mom blinks. “So…”
