I smile and shake my head. “Oh, yes, you are the best shotI’ve ever taken.”
“Are you ready to go tell your family? As much as you maywant to keep the pregnancy a secret, they’re going to see the evidence of it.”
In the last two weeks, my once just slightly bloated stomachhas very clearly turned into a baby bump. My office has been amazing about notsaying anything to my face or asking, but it’s clear they’re all aware as well.Still, Cayden and I wanted to tell our families before anyone else, evenco-workers.
“Let’s go.”
We arrive at the beautiful house my father had built for mymother. It sits on the back part of the property and the land is divvied upbetween my uncles. So, we all live fairly close.
“Here goes nothing,” I say as we exit.
The front door is unlocked, as it always is, and I push thedoor open, smiling as my entire family is gathered around in the living room.Dear God, I can’t even ease my way into this. All eyes are focused on me, andthen shift to Cayden. “Everyone, this is Cayden Benson-Hennington. My boyfriend.”
Uncle Sean steps in, reminding us all that he knows aHennington. “I’m Sean Arrowood, Hadley’s uncle and I played ball with your dad.We were good friends and it’s been a while since I talked to him, but he metHadley.”
I grip Cayden’s arm, hoping it comes across as reassuring.“Yes, I was like, eight and we’ve covered that.” I look at my dad, whose jaw isclenched tight and I can see my mother trying to lend him the same support I amgiving Cayden. Might as well get it over with. “Anyway, Cayden, this is my momand dad.”
My mother, who is also a saint, steps forward first. “It’snice to meet you, Cayden. Welcome to our home.”
Cayden looks at ease as he moves to her, giving her a hug.“I really appreciate it. We had talked about going to Tennessee and visiting myparents, but Hadley really wanted to come here first. I know it was last minuteand a surprise.”
Mom gives my dad a stern look. “Well, we’re glad you’rehere, aren’t we?”
My father looks like a statue, a very pissed off statue. Hisbrows furrow as he looks at me, probably wishing he could wring my neck since Ididn’t tell them I was bringing my boyfriend. Then he looks at Cayden. “Yes,welcome. We have guns.”
My mother’s eyes widen and she tweaks his arm. “Ignore him.”
“I was also a SEAL.”
“He was also dropped on his head,” Mom says.
That’s enough. “Daddy!” I really hoped after all this timehe could at least pretend to be nice. I was wrong.
“What? I’m letting your boyfriend know that he’s in a housewith a man who was trained to kill and has firearms. It’s like a disclosureagreement. No one can claim they weren’t aware of the situation.”
Uncle Jacob bursts out laughing and then claps Cayden on theshoulder. “Don’t let him scare you, kid. He wasn’t a very good or scary SEAL.He worked on phone lines or some shit.”
Dad tilts his head with a smirk as he looks at Uncle Jacob.“Want to test that theory?”
“My face is worth millions. I’d like to keep it that way.”
The snicker from the room is enough to ease the tension.“Yeah, millions of nothing.”
“Let me take your coats.” Mom moves forward with her handoutstretched and I panic. Oh, God. No, she can’t take my coat. I am not readyfor this part. Dad already said he had guns and this is going to go over like alead balloon. “Hadley?” Mom urges.
I need to do something outside. Yes, where it’s cold. WhereI can keep my coat on. “Why don’t I grab the bags?”
Cayden’s hand reaches out. “I’ll get them, baby.”
This is not a time for chivalry damn it. “I need some air.”
And to never have to tell my father what’s beneath thiscoat.
“What’s wrong? You’re leaving? If it’s your father, I’llkill him for you!” My mother promises and then shoots daggers at my father.
God, I am screwing this up so bad. I am a grown woman who isin love with the man beside me. We are having a baby and that’s that. I need tostop being a chicken, and face the firing squad…all of them. “Nothing, Mom.It’s fine. I’m not leaving. I’m sorry.”
“Okay,” she says. “Give me your coat and we can get you guyssettled upstairs.”
