AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I take a deep breath, possibly more afraid of everyone’s reaction now. Will they think I’m lying? Tell people I’m just saying it’s Soren because he’s a good man, and I don’t know who the real baby daddy is.
As my mind spirals, and my anxiety spikes, Soren looks back at me then takes my hand. His look asks if it’s okay, and it makes me smile.
“Thank you.”
He nods, still confused, but the fact he knew I needed something and simply let me know he was here for me… Well, it means everything. I’m still scared of when he has to ship back out for months at a time without communication, but that’s a hurdle I’ll deal with after the gossip queens are gone.
“Hey, Doris, how are you?” I greet one of our longtime neighbors.
“Hello, dear. So this is the father?”
Here we go.
“Yes, ma’am. Proud father,” Soren says, taking the pressure off of me to come up with the right words, for which I am so grateful.
As a matter of fact, he takes the lead on all the awkward questions. His natural charm makes the old ladies swoon and forget all about me. They’re clearly uninterested in the upcoming baby and more invested in each retelling of tales of Soren’s heroics out at sea. He names drops the movie, and I make a mental note, so I can ask more questions later.
The event goes off without a hitch, and as everyone leaves, my family stays to clean up. Milo takes the kitchen with Meno, Dad and Mom take the back porch, and Soren and I slowly clean up random cups, confetti beards and busted balloons.
“So, that was fun. Think you got everything you wanted?” Soren says, trying for casual.
“I think we have more than enough clothes but still need a few things.”
“Do you think I can get those things for you?”
I smile, thinking about his question.
“It’s not just for me, at least not anymore. It’s also for you and our child.”
That gets his attention, and he smiles, finally looking at me.
“Thanks for that,” he says, rubbing at his chest. “I, um, noticed you haven’t found out if it’s a boy or girl.”
“Well, I do actually know. I’ve just been waiting for you.”
There’s that smile.
“It’s written on a small card upstairs. I thought we could look at it together. Then you can buy all the shit you want.”
I get a big bear hug for that, and he holds me for several beats. His whole body seems to vibrate as he works through his emotions, letting me hold him. Which is really awkward at his height, but I’m happy to do it after the way he helped me get through this damn party.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I hear my mom’s voice, and we break apart. “I was just going to let you both know we’re heading out. The grill is all clean, and Milo and Meno are just about done, too.”
“Can we open it with them?” Soren whispers in my ear.
“Wait, before you guys go, we’re calling one last family meeting.”
“Okay, I’ll, um, go round up everyone,” Mom says, looking fearful.
“Great idea,” I tell Soren as she leaves. “It’ll take a million years for me to waddle up those stairs. Would you mind going to grab the white envelope on my desk?”
“I’d be honored,” he says, kisses me on the forehead then bounds up the stairs, taking them two at a time.
“You better not sneak a peek!” I yell after him.
When he comes back, we get comfortable on the couch, and slowly and reluctantly, everyone gathers around.
“Again, I’m really sorry for lying to you all about the father, but as you can imagine, it wasn’t a decision I felt was solely mine.”
