"You can't stop that," Ford said to tease him."Kids work on their own timetable.Not yours."
Hudson and Angela exchanged a look.
Then Angela touched her stomach."Speaking of kids, we have an announcement to make."
Aspen covered her mouth, and Maria's eyes filled with tears.
"We're pregnant," Hudson said, his tone thick with emotion as he put his arm around Angela.
Everyone stood and congratulated them.I felt a little out of place.I wasn't part of the family, yet I was experiencing this sweet moment.There were hugs and well wishes, and I stood by awkwardly, wondering where I fit in.
Maverick congratulated them and then stepped back, sliding a hand on my back.
We resumed our seats, and then everyone asked them questions about their plans for the wedding and the baby, when the baby was coming, and if they'd want to find out the gender.Apparently, they'd gotten engaged on Valentine's Day, and wanted to get married soon, before the baby was born.
"Where do you think you'd like to have the wedding?We could do it in the town square or even at the inn?"Maria asked.
"I think we'd like something small in the backyard of our house," Angela said as Hudson pulled her close.
I tuned it out because it felt too personal for me to share.I couldn't help but think that this little announcement would never work with my parents.They would have to approve of my job and any man I was dating first.And I couldn't even imagine them being happy for me.
I never got the impression that they wanted grandkids or were looking forward to having them.I doubted they'd be involved if I got pregnant.
It was an unsettling feeling to see how other families acted, comparing them to mine.I felt out of place.
Is this how Maverick felt when we were teens?He knew my parents would never approve of him, so he removed himself from the equation?
I wondered what that meant for us.
Maverick bumped his thigh against mine."You okay?"
I let out a breath."Yes."
He seemed happier since his brother announced that Angela was pregnant.They were engaged and getting ready to have a baby.Most of his brothers were in serious relationships.Did he want that too?
Maverick stood."I think we're going to head out."
I appreciated that he'd notice my discomfort and put an end to the evening.I needed space from this family.As nice as they were, I could see myself fitting in here, and that was scary.I couldn't adopt his family as if it were my own.Then it was something I could lose.I'd gotten used to my family's shortcomings.I didn't want to raise my expectations only to lose everything in the end.
We said our goodbyes and congratulated Hudson and Angela again.Even Ayla was excited to be a big sister.
In the truck, I let out a breath.
"You were quiet in there."
"It was a family moment."I wasn't sure how I could contribute.I never had a sibling or any nieces or nephews.It was just me.
"I hope you didn't feel like you didn't belong."
"It wasn't that.It was just overwhelming."
"I told you that my family could be a lot."
"It just makes me see how much different my history is than yours.We never had large family gatherings.There won't be any siblings to get married and have babies.It's just me and my parents.With your family, there's no pressure.Your parents don't care what jobs you've chosen or anything else, for that matter."
"I guess we are different."
"Very."It would take some getting used to.Could I hang out with his family and remember that they weren't mine to have?There was no guarantee in relationships or life.I couldn't get too comfortable.Maverick had retreated before and stayed away for years.
