Page 54 of If Only You Hurt

Both mothers are making their way over toward us, each one embracing us and saying how excited they are. Tears are flowing down their cheeks, and it’s hard not to have the same reaction. My hormones have been all over the place, and it’s difficult to suppress any emotions I’m having anymore.

Finally, the mothers settle down, and Rick makes his way over, shaking Grant’s hand in congratulations and giving me a hug that takes only a little of the edge off, with my father still not giving us much of a reaction.

Once everyone calms down, all focus goes to my father, who is sitting and looking at us, mostly staring at Grant still with an expression I can’t quite get a feel for.

He finally stands and walks over toward us. I stand quietly, waiting to see what he says.

“My baby is having a baby?” he says, unshed tears in his eyes.

I feel the lump in my throat and can’t seem to get past it, so I nod, a smile gracing my features because I can’t help but feel so much love for this little being inside me right now.

He’s holding my shoulders and looking me in the eyes, really taking in my emotions. We look at one another, matching eyes soaking in this moment. “Are you happy, Laney?”

He almost whispers this to me, and I nod, finally finding my voice, and respond, “Very much so. Yes.”

“Your happiness has always been my priority since you were little, but especially since that day many years ago. All I want is to see you happy. If Grant is that piece of happiness, then that’s all I can ask for.”

I feel a tear escape and fall down my left cheek as I hear my father’s words make their way into my heart. I don’t need his permission, but I think as his youngest child, I feel like I need to know he’s happy for me.

He pulls me in for a hug, and it feels like a blanket surrounding me. I give him an extra squeeze, then he pulls away, his focus on Grant this time.

“You’ve always felt like a son to me, Grant. I hope you know that I have been rooting for your success as much as my own children. You’re going to be an amazing father, and I feel blessed to stand by and watch you grow into that role.”

I know my father’s words are ones that Grant holds close to his heart. He’s grown up with no father of his own, and having my father’s blessing feels like an immense win.

Grant wipes away a tear and then pulls my father into a hug. My dad doesn’t hesitate to embrace him with all his might, knowing this is something Grant needs as well.

“Thank you, Sir. It means a lot to hear that,” Grant finally speaks, and my dad chuckles.

“Grant, I’ve seen you run through the yard naked. I think calling me ‘Sir’ after all this time is senseless, no? Call me Kirk like I’ve asked of you before.” My dad smiles then asks, his voice a little more stern, “You love my daughter?”

Grant nods his head, “Very much, si–Kirk. I do, very much. For most of my life, I have,” Grant says, no hesitation in his voice.

“That’s all I can ask for from the person who will be by her side. Now,” my dad claps his hands together, “what’s the plan moving forward?”

“Dad, if you are asking about marriage, that’s not something we have discussed yet. We just found out about the baby, and we wanted to make sure everything was okay before saying anything to you guys.”

“Nope, not asking about that, although that is something that is on my mind, but from the glare your mother is giving me, I suppose I can’t ask about it further.” He moves across the kitchen to grab coffee. “What I mean is, what is Grant’s plan regarding his job? He’s gone more than he’s around, and I think it’s a fair question.”

“Dad, she won’t be alone.” I hadn’t even heard my sister come through the door, but there she is, coming in like the supportive person she has been in my life. She makes her way around the room, giving everyone a hug and giving them her big, happy smile.

Once she reaches our father, she hugs him and continues, “What am I? Chopped liver? I have raised a few kids of my own. I can help where Laney needs it.” She looks over and gives me a quick wink.

“Um, if I can chime in,” Grant begins, “Laney and I still have a lot to discuss regarding how things will look moving forward, but after this next assignment, I will be taking a break. I think she and I need to sit down and see how things will fall into place. I appreciate the support, Ellie, but I also think we need to figure out our lives together. We promise to keep everyone in the loop so that you’re aware of what our plan is. Does that sound reasonable?”

For most of our lives, our parents have played a key role in ensuring we’re all cared for. I know it comes from a good place, but Grant’s right. We need to discuss this first. I know with my income alone I cannot afford my current lifestyle in the city. This is something we will need to figure out together to ensure we are making the best decision for our little family.

I smile at Grant, and he grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. On autopilot, I lean in and give him a kiss, a small peck on the lips, but it still is the most affection our parents have ever seen us show in front of them.

I immediately hear my mother sigh, and I know she’s probably got hearts in her eyes.

My sister is keeping busy, something she does when she’s nervous or anxious; however, I don’t see what this situation is doing to provoke that reaction. She keeps looking at her phone, and I wonder what it is she’s checking on.

As much as she’s been a single parent for a handful of years now, she never hovers over her phone in this manner, even when her kids are out, and my senses tell me there’s more to her little life than she’s letting on right now. I bet it has something to do with a certain retired hockey player.

Grant breaks the silence and stares from both our mothers by bringing the focus back to the baby.

“Would anyone like to see pictures?” The moment he asks this, everyone starts jumping up and yelling their excitement. I can’t help but sit back in my chair and embrace this moment of change that’s happening in our lives. This is a joyous time, the sounds not setting off any moments of fear or post-traumatic stress for me. The loud voices and hollers from our families are an indication that something magical is happening, and it’s almost like all the pieces that felt so far from fitting have finally found a place in my future.

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