“What can we do to help?” Edith chimes in, seeming less shocked and more in control. “How are you feeling, Lark?”
“I’m okay now. I had some nausea at first. Actually, we thought it was a virus. But the doctor confirmed I’m about twelve weeks along and gave me some medicine for the nausea. You’re the first to hear the news, but we’ll be telling the team soon.”
“And thanks for the offer Mom, but we’re good right now. I’m sure we’ll need you later, though. How do you feel about babysitting?” Dan grins.
Edith scoffs. “Do you really think you can keep me away from my grandbaby? I’ll be there as often as you’ll allow me. Whatever you need, both of you.”
“Thank you,” I say softly, feeling a little blown away by their reaction. Their only son is having a baby with a woman he’s only been dating for a few months, and they’re thrilled.
I know, I just know, that my parents wouldnotreact this way. They would likely see it as a personal insult or attack on them. Somehow, it would be a disappointment at worst, and anuisance at best.
I manage to push away the depressing thoughts of how different my family is from Dan’s just in time to hear him agree to send his mom the ultrasound photos after our appointment this week.
“If that’s okay with you, Birdie?” He squeezes my knee gently.
I nod quickly. “Of course. I’m glad you’re as excited as we are.” I smile, but it’s a small one, and Dan gives me a questioning look.
“Hey, Mom, Dad, we better get going. We’ve got a team thing later on.”
It’s a lie, but I’m grateful for it. We say goodbye to his parents, Dan sets the phone down, and he turns to face me. “What happened there?”
I don’t answer right away. Instead, I snuggle into his side, resting my hand on his chest to feel his heartbeat, calm and steady, as always. He kisses the top of my head, seeming to be willing to give me a minute.
“Your parents are so lovely, and I’m glad they’re happy for us. Really. But it made me think about how my parents might react if they find out. And it definitely won’t be the same.”
“What do you mean,if?” Dan asks. “We’re gonna tell them, Birdie. And if they choose to be miserable assholes about it, then I’ll set them straight. But we have to give them a chance.”
I sit upright and twist my hands together in my lap.
“Do we? It’s not like they cared all that much for me, and I was their daughter. Why would they care about a grandchild?”
“They might not,” he says somberly. “But we have to give them a chance. And at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whatthey think. I won’t let them or anyone else hurt you or our baby bird. And I promise you, this child will always know they’re loved. Unconditionally, wholly, and without end. Just like their mama.”
Reaching my hand up, I cup his cheek, then pull him down to meet my kiss.
“And just like their daddy.”
Chapter forty
Lark
I give the waiter a smile of thanks as he sets the water glass down in front of me.
“Will you be wanting anything else to drink?”
Wanting, yes. Having, no.
“Water is fine for me. My friends might have something when they get here.”
He nods and walks away. I run my finger through the condensation on the glass. I don’t know why I’m anxious. Telling Willow and Sadie about the baby should be easy. I honestly can’t imagine them not being happy for us, even if it is unexpected.
But we haven’t told anyone aside from Dan’s parents yet. The plan is to announce it to the team after the home opener tomorrow. Dan wants to be able to focus on the game and not have anyone be distracted by the news. Of course, we didn’t account for how nervous either one of us might be about keeping it a secret until then…
“Hey, Lark!”
I look up to see Willow and Sadie weaving through the tables toward me. Standing, I hug both of them before we sitback down.
“Drinks?” Willow asks, looking at the menu. “I could go for a glass of wine.”
