Page 69 of Burden to Bear

My heart was hammering against my chest. Why was he looking at me like that with my family standing right here?

“I appreciate you doing that. Thank you,” Dad said. “Maybe this is strange to say to someone I’ve just met, especially when it comes to my daughter’s well-being, but based on what Mia has already told us about how you’ve treated her since she’s moved in and the things you’ve done for her combined with what I’m seeing and hearing now, I feel reassured knowing someone like you is so close by.”

Brock’s chin dipped slightly. “You’re welcome, sir.”

That single word, an indication of the respect Brock had for my father, only served to enhance my father’s approval of Brock. If only that approval hadn’t been for a mere neighbor and friend. If only Brock was something far more special in my life.

“I agree with my dad that it’s nice to know you’re willing to help Mia, but if I had to guess, getting her to act on taking you up on your offer hasn’t been successful, has it?” Albert questioned Brock.

Brock laughed as he wrapped his arm around my back toward my opposite shoulder, where he offered a gentle squeeze. Immediately, air seemed to be in short supply, and my heart continued to race. “It’s been a bit challenging. As talkative and bubbly as she is, Mia doesn’t seem to like to ask for help.”

My dad felt compelled to chime in. “For the longest time, Mary and I prided ourselves on having raised strong, independent children. I always thought it was a good thing, because in many ways, it has led to them both being successful. But Mia has taken that independence to another level. And while I’m proud of her, I’d be lying if I said I’m not terrified, especially being so far away from her.”

As I stood there wanting the ground to swallow me whole, Brock didn’t hesitate to respond, doing it while his thumb stroked absentmindedly on my shoulder. “I don’t know that I’ll be the one to change Mia’s ways, and if I’m honest, I wouldn’t want to do that. She’s perfect just like she is, but if it offers you any reassurances as you head back home, I promise I’m always doing what I can to look out for her. Plus, I can promise you that she’s in a great neighborhood with a lot of incredible people. And since we’re having a block party again in a few days, Mia will be able to meet the rest of the neighbors she hasn’t had an opportunity to yet.”

My lungs had stopped functioning.

She’s perfect just like she is.

Did Brock just tell my family that he thought I was perfect? Why would he do that? Was he just trying to ease their worries, or was he being serious? Most importantly, what did he expect me to do with this information? My family was going to leave, head home, and not be back here until closer to my due date. Didn’t Brock understand that I was going to have to face him alone once they left?

How was I supposed to not hear him saying those words over and over in my head for the rest of my life? Nobody had ever said I was perfect—certainly not Todd—yet Brock was just casually admitting that to my family while I was thirty-one weeks pregnant. I didn’t know what to do or how to not feel like Brock was everything I could have ever hoped to have in a romantic partner.

Sadly, he wasn’t mine. And I was wise enough to understand that he wouldn’t ever be. A man like Brock would never settle for being with a woman in my situation. He deserved so much more.

But even if I was aware I’d never be so lucky to have him, it still hurt.

I was stuck trying to ignore the sadness I felt over that while at the same time attempting to forget how much I liked the way it felt to hear him say that I was perfect just like I was. And I was struggling to do that while he and I stood outside in my driveway with my parents and my brother.

Apparently, my family wasn’t experiencing any of the same issues as I was, because when I finally snapped out of my stupor and focused my attention on them, I noticed they were all looking a bit more relaxed. The hardness was no longer in my father’s features, Alby’s entire frame had loosened up, and my mom was smiling brightly while looking like it was taking superhuman effort not to bounce on the tips of her toes.

Before anyone else could say anything, Mom’s curiosity got the better of her. “What’s this about a block party? Mia, you didn’t mention a block party.”

I sent an apologetic look her way, placed a hand on my belly, and reasoned, “Pregnancy brain, I guess. Brock told me about it a few months ago, and I’ve been looking forward to it for a while now. I’ve been preoccupied with other things on this visit that it totally slipped my mind until he just said something about it. It’s happening on the 4th of July.”

“Oh, that sounds like a great way to spend the holiday,” Mom reasoned.

“As long as you eat enough and stay hydrated,” Albert advised.

Smiling at him, feeling overwhelming love for him and the concern he showed, I promised, “I will.”

“And if she’s slacking on that, I’ll be sure she’s taken care of,” Brock added.

I didn’t know when things had taken this turn for Brock, but I loved the way it made me feel. Sure, I was struggling not to lose it while he was giving me this in front of my parents, but he was doing an excellent job of convincing them they didn’t need to worry so much about me being here alone. Of course, once they left, Brock and I would return to the existence we had before, and this magical, heart-warming interaction filled with familiar, tender touches would just be a fleeting memory. I’d long for forever to experience something so wonderful with Brock again.

Shifting his attention to me, my dad said, “I wish we could stay longer for this visit, but that’s not an option now if we’re going to be here for an extended stay once the baby arrives.”

“I know. It’s okay. I’m glad we got to spend a few hours together today.”

He sighed, his disappointment evident. “Well, we should probably get going if we’re going to make it back to Mount Laurel at a reasonable time.”

Though I loved the feel of Brock’s arm around me, I couldn’t just wave to my family and send them on their way. So, I had no choice but to step out of Brock’s hold and walk forward to hug my dad. As he wrapped his arms around me, I said, “Thank you for coming here today and bringing the rest of those gifts for the baby.”

“We’d do anything for you, Mia.”

I moved toward my brother next and gave him a hug. “Thanks for coming along and helping Dad build that changing table, Alby. I hope things are still going well with your new lady by the time this baby arrives and that you can bring her with you to visit next time. I’d love to meet her.”

My brother hugged me tightly. “Thanks, Mia. I’ll keep you posted as we get closer. You know if you need anything in the meantime to just reach out.”

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