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“I missed you so much!” She says, wrapping her arms around me tightly while Holden says hello to Brandon.
I giggle into her shoulder. “I missed you, too.”
Reaching forward, she pulls up my sweatshirt just enough to see my belly. “Aw. Look at the little baby bump.”
“Shh.” I look around us. Thankfully, no one has recognized Holden yet. “The last thing we need is people finding out before we tell everyone tomorrow.”
She nods in understanding and the four of us walk out to Brandon’s car. Em sits in the back with me while Holden occupies the front. Him and Bran talk all about hockey. Meanwhile, I get lost in the way my fiancé’s eyes light up while he speaks.
The ride to his parent’s house doesn’t take long, but I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I have Emily to keep me company this time. When we get there, Heather and Dan greet us at the front door.
“How are you?” His mom asks me, giving me a hug.
I make sure to arch my body to somewhat hide the belly as I embrace her. “I’m great. How are you guys?”
“We’ve been anticipating your visit for weeks now. This one is always too busy with hockey to call.” She replies, nodding towards Holden.
“Sorry Mom.” He apologizes sheepishly.
They don’t know that I’ve been traveling with him instead of staying in Maine. To tell them that, we would have to explain why, or else I just look clingy. I feel like it’s much easier if we just don’t say anything until after the announcement.
THE FOLLOWING NIGHT, WE all sit down for dinner. This table is even longer than last year, with Emily and my parents being added to the group. My knee bounces nervously as I anticipate telling everyone about the baby. Holden places his hand on the small of my back to get me to relax. Thankfully, it works.
We finish with dinner and Heather brings out the desserts. Just as everyone is about to eat, Holden looks at me and I nod.
“If I could have everyone’s attention.” He begins. “Kayleigh and I would like to make an announcement.”
“Oh, did you finally set a date for the wedding?” My mother coos.
“No. Well, yes, but no that’s not what this is.” I tell her. I hadn’t even realized I didn’t tell her about the wedding date.
Holden takes a deep breath and interlaces our fingers. “We’re having a baby.”
Chapter 23
The room fills with gasps. The only people left unsurprised are Emily and Brandon. Everyone beams and starts to congratulate us. Heather is the first to stand up, wrapping us both in her arms.
“I’m so excited for you two!” She says. “How far along are you?”
“19 weeks. I’m due April 24th.”
“Oh! Let me see!”
I unzip my sweatshirt, allowing my baby bump to show. Each person at the table seems cheerful, including Jo who can’t stop bragging about the fact that she’s going to be the best aunt in existence. However, when I look at my mother, she’s the only one who isn’t smiling.
“Mom?” I practically whisper.
She looks up at me and nods toward the other room. “Can I talk to you for a moment please?”
I nod, following her into the living room and sitting next to her on the loveseat. “Are you okay?”
Looking down at her hands, she plays with her fingers – something she does when she’s nervous. “I’m just really worried about you, sweetheart. What about school? What about your recovery?”
“I’m still taking my classes, just online so they’re not so physically demanding. And my recovery is better than ever.”
A sigh leaves her mouth. “I just care about your future. I want to make sure this is really what you want.”
“It is. This pregnancy isn’t a bad thing. It wasn’t planned, but Holden and I are happy.”
