It’s a lot of information to take in at once, so I just nod and hope Asher is listening. My mind is on the human inside me, and maybe I’m also a little lost to the man tucking his photo into his shirt pocket like it’s his most prized possession, still firmly holding my hand and looking down at me like the proudest dad ever.
The rest of the day passes in a blur. Asher brings me back to my cabin before he heads down to the police station to discuss an accident he was present at this morning. Once inside, I pin my ultrasound to the fridge; Dr. Allen printed one for each of us, and as I make myself a grilled cheese sandwich and heat up some of Glenda’s homemade minestrone soup, I get lost in the little black-and-white peanut stuck to the stainless steel, in the hundreds of visions of our future, allowing myself to imagine who he or she will be. I’m still in my bliss when a text comes through from my mother, reminding me of our planned dinner. The one where I’m supposed to tell them I’m pregnant.
I think about Asher’s words, that he wanted to come with me. I know he’s off tomorrow, and the idea of him being there makes me feel a little stronger.
ME
Did you mean what you said? About coming with me to tell my parents?
A
Of course.
ME
What if I told you that they want us to go out for dinner tomorrow and that they will ask you a hundred questions, probably stare at you and make you entirely uncomfortable, and it’s highly likely my dad will ask if you’re planning to marry me.
A
Stop spiraling, Liv. I can almost feel your nervous energy through the phone.
ME
They want to go to Dolcetto’s.
A
I love Italian.
He’s not even slightly nervous, but I am here sweating with the thought of telling them.
ME
They won’t be expecting you is all.
A
A man?
ME
Noyou.The mysterious and rather intimidating town fire chief.
A
It will be fine, Liv.
A
Just tell me what time and I’ll be there.
I close out his chat and pull up my mom’s, chewing my bottom lip as I type. Once I send this text, there is no going back.
ME
Dolcetto’s it is.
ME
