Page 64 of Mia Amata

Randy raised her eyebrows, “He did? How did that make you feel?”

“Oh, Randy,” I sighed. “I wish he was the biological father, but I am happy that he feels this baby is his in all the ways that matter.” We sat down in the living room.

“Have you two talked about getting married yet?”

“No,” I said. “Still wrapping my mind around the fact, he is living here, that we are engaged. Everything has happened so fast.”

She nodded. “I understand. Something to consider though, if you get married before the baby is born, the birth certificate will show you as a married couple with the baby having his name. I did a little research and found out that if you two are married, then Jacob will be the baby’s legal father.”

“Really?” I said.

“Yes, I hope you don’t mind my researching it, but I was curious how it would work out. If you wait to get married, Jacob may have to adopt the baby to make it legal.”

I thought about it for a few minutes. I knew that our marriage would not be legal. I wanted Jacob to be the father of my baby so badly though, what Randy was saying was very appealing to me. I don’t know what would happen if I was found out, but having Jacob’s name on the birth certificate would make me so happy. “I don’t know, Randy. I don’t want to take anything away from your wedding.”

Randy smiled, “Please don’t worry about that. Our wedding will still be special, as will yours. You still don’t look convinced, what else is going through your head?”

I laughed. “Well, I personally love the idea, but what if Jacob isn’t ready yet?”

“Ready for what?” Jacob said as he came through the front door. He walked over and gave me a kiss and then sat down. I looked at Randy.

“Now is as good a time as any to talk to him about it. I’ll leave the two of you alone.” She gave us a quick hug and left.

“What’s going on,” he said looking at me.

“Well, Randy did some research. She found out that if you and I were married before the baby was born, you would be the baby’s legal father.” I watched him take in what I said.

“How do you feel about that?” he asked.

“I would love it,” I replied, which was the truth. I felt awful to continue to lie to him, I just wanted to make him happy and protect the baby. “What about you? That’s asking a lot of you.”

“I told you; I already feel like this baby is my daughter. I’d marry you tomorrow if you would agree to it. I say we do it, the sooner the better!”

“Really?” I said.

“Really. Let’s look at the calendar right now to pick a date.”

“Wow, when you set your mind to something, you run with it don’t you?” I said, laughing.

“Yes, I do. I can’t wait for you to become Mrs.Jacob Vance.” He stood up, “Wait, what about Josh and Randy—will they be OK with us getting married before they do?”

“Randy said they would.”

“Great, come on then!” He pulled me up off the couch, we grabbed a calendar, taking it to the table along with a notebook and pen.

“So when would you like to get married?” Jacob asked.

“Before I get too fat. I don’t want to waddle down the aisle,” I said, laughing.

“So before January?” he asked.

“Definitely. I really don’t want to get married with a ton of snow on the ground either,” I said thoughtfully.

“So not in December or late November.”

“That doesn’t leave us much time!” I said, looking at the calendar.

“Nope,” Jacob said, “October it is. Weddings usually happen on Saturdays, so which Saturday in October would you like to become Mrs.Vance?”

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