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“No,” he said, his voice barely audible, before clearing his throat. “Actually, can we wait for lunch? I have something important to share with you both.”
It wasn’t telling his parents he had a son that he dreaded. They’d accept and love Cooper, no questions asked. Rather, he dreaded facing their disappointment. In many ways they remained old-fashioned and believed marriage should come before children.
“Of course,” Mom replied as worry filled her eyes. “Are you ill?”
“Nicole, a woman I dated for a few months last year, contacted me about a week ago and asked me to take a paternity test.”
“And?” his mom asked before he finished his explanation.
“Cooper is my son. He was born in July.”
His parents glanced at each other before speaking.
“I’m a grandmother,” his mom said, a mixture of excitement and disbelief in her voice. “Why didn’t she tell you sooner she was pregnant?”
“She hoped the baby was her fiancé’s. He questioned it after Cooper was born.” He’d rather not go into all the details. “My lawyer is working with hers on a custody agreement.”
“Congratulations. We look forward to meeting him,” his dad said. Unlike Mom, he didn’t look or sound thrilled. But he didn’t look disappointed either. “Let’s have lunch. You and I will talk more afterward.”
He suspected he’d get a private conversation today. In fact, he could almost picture how it’d go. Dad would take him into his office and lecture him on how important it was for a child to live with both his mother and his father. Then he’d tell him to consider marrying Nicole and giving Cooper a proper family. That was more or less the conversation his Uncle Colin, Dad’s older brother, had given his son when he found himself in a similar situation. Or at least it was according to his cousin.
During lunch, no one mentioned Cooper or Nicole. Instead his parents used the time to get to know Paige and they discussed Derek’s upcoming wedding. Sooner than he hoped everyone finished their meals and Dad fixed his gaze on him.
“I’m not ready for dessert, so if neither of you mind, Scott and I need to talk.”
“While you’re gone, Paige and I’ll start shopping. Scott needs everything as soon as possible if he’s going to have Cooper staying with him.”
The Internet might not survive with Mom and Paige shopping together. Paige had admitted she loved shopping both in stores and online. And he’d seen the damage his mom could do when given the time.
“Excellent plan. Scott, let’s go to my office.” Dad stood and started for the doorway.
Leaning over, he kissed Paige. “Have fun. Don’t let my mom go too crazy. Try to keep her to the necessities for now.”
Before either sat down, his dad clapped him on the shoulder. “I wasn’t expecting this today, but congratulations again anyway.”
“Tell me about it. It shocked me too.”
“You can never really prepare for fatherhood. Even though I knew you were on the way, the first time I held you, it overwhelmed me.”
Dad overwhelmed? Not in this lifetime.
“You’re planning on joint custody, right?”
“I won’t accept anything less. Cooper will spend as much time with me as possible.”
Dad nodded and sat down. “Good. A child needs his father. Just be prepared. Fatherhood is the greatest thing in the world, but it changes you.”
For the next several minutes Scott listened as his dad discussed all the wonderful things about being a father as well as all the challenges. Thankfully not once did he mention marriage between him and Nicole.
“How’s Paige handling this?”
“Wonderfully. She’s been supportive since Nicole asked me to have the test done.”
“Glad to hear it. I like her. When your mom pulled you into the fundraiser, I didn’t agree, but you seem to have made out fine. So when do I get to meet my grandson?”
“Nicole is bringing him to my apartment tomorrow so I can meet him. If she can get someone to cover her shift at the hospital, Paige will be there. You and mom are invited to come.”
“We’ll be there.”
