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“We were planning on telling you all today, that’s why we’re here.” My voice sounded shaky, but when Trevor placed his hand on my lower back, I gained new strength.
John stood slowly, holding onto his side.
“So, it’s true? You got Scarlett pregnant?” he asked, his eyes piercing Trevor’s.
Trevor went to speak, but I responded first. “Excuse me, but with all due respect, Mr. Parker. It does take two to tango.”
My father shook his head and turned from me. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall.
“The due date?” my mother asked in a harsh tone that made me flinch. Even Melanie looked surprised. She should know the type of woman my mother was. After all, she had been her best friend for years. Joyce Littlefield was all about impressions and what people thought of her and her family.
Trevor reached for my hand, and I let him take it this time. My entire body was shaking, even my voice, and I needed something to calm me. His touch worked.
“May 25,” I managed to get out with a steady voice.
Melanie smiled sweetly at me.
With a sigh, my mother replied, “Well, looks like we’re going to have to make plans here pretty quick.”
“Plans for what, Mrs. Littlefield?” Trevor asked.
“The wedding, of course!” my mother scoffed.
“Wedding?”
That synchronized response came from me, Trevor, and Melanie. John stood silent, shooting a glare at Trevor that made my knees shake. My father stood next to John, giving Trevor the same look, just not nearly as bad as his own father’s.
Melanie cleared her throat, moving to stand closer to my mother. “Joyce, I think we’re jumping to conclusions here. Let’s all sit down. Scarlett and Trevor can help me get some tea and scones I picked up earlier from the bakery.”
Trevor squeezed my hand as Melanie headed our way.
“Kids, will you please help me?”
Trevor nearly pulled my arm out of its socket as we followed his mother through the house and into the kitchen.
Melanie spun and faced us the moment she stepped into the kitchen. “Trevor Parker, I’d like to put you over my knee and spank you!”
My mouth twitched with a smile, even though I knew it wasn’t funny.
“Me? Why me?”
Jabbing her finger into his chest, she shot him a dirty look. “Wrap the stick! Didn’t we always tell you to use protection?!”
Then she turned to me.
“Scarlett Littlefield, I’m so confused with how I should be feeling because I’m over-the-moon happy, but also sad. I feel like I pushed you two together, and I’ve heard rumors and…well…”
She turned before we could see the tears fall.
“Wh-what are your plans, so I can help diffuse this situation?” she whispered.
Trevor and I exchanged a look before I drew in a breath.
“We’re not getting married. I think we both need time to let this all soak in, but for right now we plan on sharing custody. I’ll have a nursery at my house, Trevor will have one at his house.”
Melanie stared at us, her mouth open in shock. “You mean, you’re not even moving in together? Are you at least still dating?”
I swallowed hard and looked away. The heaviness of Trevor’s eyes left a feeling of emptiness in my chest. I couldn’t even find the words to tell her the truth.
“Not right now we’re not, Mom.”
“Oh, Lord. Trevor get the tea out of the refrigerator. Scarlett, come help me put these on a plate.”
The three of us worked in silence as Trevor got a tray and put the cups on it. Once Melanie had taken a few deep breaths, I figured we were heading back into the family room, but she walked to the window that looked out over their pool.
“Your fathers are going to both be disappointed. Scarlett, I’m not sure what your mother is going to say.”
“Mom, we can’t be forced into a marriage,” Trevor said. “That wouldn’t be right.”
Melanie faced Trevor, her eyes narrowing. “Is this because you won’t give up your style of living? Is that why Maebh was so angry at you that night? What have you done, Trevor?”
Trevor jerked back like his mother had slapped him.
“No, Melanie, this is about me. Trevor and I have been off and on and we were really never committed to each other. It’s complicated right now. Trevor wants more. I’m the one who needs time.”
Trevor stepped in front of me, his blue eyes looking down into me. The sadness on his face nearly made my knees buckle.
“My mom is right. I’ve hurt you in more ways than I could ever make up to you. And I’ll tell my mother like I told you, Scarlett.” He turned and faced his mother. “I’m not giving up on us.”
“You only feel this way because of the baby, Trevor,” I said, unable to stop myself.
His eyes closed, and he shook his head. “I told you I came looking for you the other night to tell you I wanted to be with you before I even knew about the baby. Why can’t you believe that?”
