Page 21 of Soaring and Saucy

I know I’m probably the last person that you expected to hear from, but we need to talk about something. Do you have a few moments where I could speak with you?

Stephanie

Lance swallowed in awareness of what this email signified and the timing of it all. He had just witnessed Memphis renew his vows yesterday at his home on base. The couple was glowing with happiness and things were definitely changing for the team of guys that used to party or go out in port together. Orion was more focused on his son and being home when he could be, Memphis was completely infatuated with his bride, and even Ohio had a little something going on the side. Pasteur had been on his cell phone during the entire party after speaking before everyone.

And now this.

Stephanie meant business, too, because she included all of her details. Her cell number, her work number, her email, and home address. Yeah, it was an email that he expected but still came out of nowhere. It had been almost three months since that night. The carrier and fleet were going out for a two-week cruise in a week. The timing could not have been worse. He wouldn’t be able to take a quick trip out there but could plan something when he got back – if needed.

Stephanie,

Thank you for writing – and yes, we should probably talk...

And hesitated, clicking delete immediately.

His mother asked him to call before he replied, and that was probably a good idea so his smart mouth didn’t go flying off the handle or saying things that might come across the wrong way. No, Stephanie was a strong woman making him wait it out this long. She could have written and said ‘Hey, you’re off the hook – see ya!’ but no – she gave him the silent treatment until she couldn’t deny it any longer.

She was pregnant, and he knew it.

Not bothering to get up from his computer seat, he pulled out his cell phone and hung his head for a miniscule of privacy in the busy room.

“Hey, Mom?” he said gruffly, trying to keep from saying ‘Mama’ and having the guys tease him. He was a Mama’s boy and always had been.

“Hey, sweetie, how are you doing? Are you in port?”

“Mom, Stephanie contacted me.”

“I see.”

“She didn’t say anything but wants to talk – and you said I should contact you first,” he reminded her, feeling like a fool who couldn’t figure out how to use the sewing machine. “What’s on your mind?”

“That’s what she said? That she wants to talk?”

“Yes.”

“Uh-huh. Okay, you are playing a very dangerous game now, and let me give you a hint of what the chessboard looks like,” his mother said tersely. “Don’t mess this up and listen to me very closely – she’s pregnant or has a disease…”

“WHAT?”

“Listen to me,” she snapped, interrupting him. “When a woman doesn’t put it in writing, it’s because she’s taking your temperature to see what you’ll say and how you’ll react.”

“I’m clean – I was then, and I am now.”

“Then she’s pregnant, so let’s move your piece onto the board,” she replied. “Now, if the shoe was on the other foot, what would you be thinking?”

“What do I do now? How do I fix this? And how do I make him responsible for doing this to me?”

“And what do you think you should do?”

Lance sat there for a moment, silent, his mind racing before he spoke.

“I think I should man up, speak with her, and do the right thing.”

“You are assuming she wants you involved.”

“Well, yeah… wait… what? Is there a chance that she doesn’t?”

“Honey, you both had some fun – and then ditched each other. I think if you decide to take that route, you probably need to focus on the Mama in the relationship - as much as the baby. If you are going to do the right thing, then be kind to her, try to befriend her – and for the love of everything holy out there - do not make her mad. That’s my grandbaby, and I don’t want you getting in a fight with her.”

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