Mom walks out first and makes a big show. “Look who I found out front!”
Dad laughs. “What are the odds? You’ve only been staring out the window for ten minutes.”
Yeah, that doesn’t surprise me.
“Hi, darling, you look beautiful today.”
“Thank you.” A small bit of my stress eases in his hug, but I pull back and turn to Adam. “Dad, this is?—”
“Adam Reyer,” my dad finishes for me as he steps up to shake Adam’s hand. “I’ve been a Blues fan since I was a kid, but I have to admit I haven’t seen games as enjoyable as this last season in a long while.”
“Thank you, sir.” Adam nods. “That’s good to hear. Olsson’s really turned the whole program around.”
“I can tell.” My dad turns as my mom comes to his side. “And please, call me Patrick. We’re so glad you both could make brunch.”
Boy, are we about to make him regret those words.
My mom leans into my dad—they are the epitome of a perfect couple. “We really are. It’s so nice to see our Mia so happy. She has this glow to her.”
Bile climbs up my throat. I don’t know if I can actually do this. I thought telling our friends first would help, but I was wrong. Of course, they were supportive—it’s Adam; his team ishis family. But this is mine, and I’m about to burst their bubble of the daughter who was taught all things socially acceptable and the weight of responsibility.
Adam’s hand comes to the small of my back. I’m not even sure I have the capacity to make it to my seat.
“I’m pregnant.”
Silence.
We got it with the team too, but an argument could be made that I’ve shocked the birds in our backyard into silence as well.
My mom sputters a weak laugh. “Ta-ha, Mia, dear, you’ve never really been one for pranks, so if this is your first, I don’t think it’s your style.”
“No, I’m not kidding. I’m having a baby.” I look from my stunned parents to Adam. “I’m sorry, it just came out. I don’t think I’ve ever just blurted something out before…”
Especially something this big.
Adam gives me a sympathetic smile. “Nothing to be sorry for.”
“So, you’re having a baby?” my dad parrots, then slowly points to Adam. “His baby?”
“Yes.”
Dad nods with a click of his tongue. “Okay, liking you less now.”
“That’s fair,” Adam agrees, but I sure as hell don’t.
“No, it’s not. Adam and I are both adults. Yes, this is big news, but please let me explain. I had a much better way of telling you, but I panicked.”
My mom tosses her hands up with a small clap. Tears start to well in her eyes as she pulls me in for a hug. “We’re going to have a grandbaby…this is good news, Patrick.” She pulls back, cupping my face. “You really are glowing, my love. It’s almost like I could tell.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, but can only give her a smile in response. I really don’t want to cry. I need to show them I’m confident in my decision to have this baby. I need them to see only their perfect daughter who is ready for everything that’s thrown at her.
My dad steps around to my side. “Of course, this is good news, just also…shocking.”
I huff in amusement. “You’re telling us. Believe me, neither of us expected this to happen. We were…responsible.”
Why does telling people I’m pregnant suck so much?Attention, everyone, we had sex, but it was an accident, I swear. It’s not exactly helping my wish to appear perfect to my parents, but in our defense, we really were safe.
My mom waves her hand. “Oh, let’s not discuss that… Come, sit. Let’s eat and celebrate.”
