Page 7 of Unexpected Love

Speaking of my pops, we find him at the stove stirring something in a big pot. He gives me a huge smile. “Hi, honey.” I move toward him and give him a quick squeeze and a kiss. His gray, shaggy hair is in desperate need of a cut, and he’s wearing torn jeans and an old, faded AC/DC t-shirt.

“Hey, Daddy.” He’s always been able to read me, because he gives me a quizzical look.

“What’s wrong?”

Dad comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my shoulders. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, okay? Can we eat, and then we can talk?”

My dad kisses my temple. “Whatever you want.”

The three of us make chitchat while Pops finishes dinner and Dad sets the table. Dad tries to offer me wine, but I tell him I have to design some pieces so I need to be clearheaded.

“Is Hailey still giving you grief?” Pops asks from his place by the stove.

“Sometimes she’s fine, but then sometimes she’s the devil. I don’t get it; she’s really talented, and her pieces are sought after too.” It’s true: Hailey in my eyes is really talented…she’s just got a shitty attitude.

“Well, Mr. Harmon better do something if she starts shit with you again, or I’ll come down there and have a talk with her,” Pops says as he and Dad carry bowls and a plate to the table.

I grab a marinated chicken breast and some rice and vegetables. I haven’t had chicken in a while. The last time I tried to eat chicken, the smell made me nauseated. I really hope it doesn’t happen now. I take a couple bites of my rice and vegetables. My chicken taunts me, and I feel my stomach turn a little bit.

“Chloe?” I look up at my dad, who has a look of concern written all over his face. “Honey, you’re green. Are you feeling okay?”

My eyes begin to fill with tears, yet again. I’m such a mess right now. “I-I’m fine, but there is something I need to tell you guys.” I take a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”

Silence fills the room, and neither of them says anything. They’re both staring at me with looks that I don’t recognize. My hands twist nervously in my lap, and my stomach turns violently, but I swallow it down. I haven’t puked yet, and I don’t plan on starting now.

“Well, okay. Who is the father?” This comes from my pops.

“I’d rather not say until I tell him, which I plan on doing soon.” I’m surprised he seems so calm—I figured if anyone was going to lose it, it’d be him.

“How could you be so irresponsible?” My eyes fly to my dad. I honestly thought he’d be happy or at least take it better than Pops.

“Ian,” my pops says with a hand on his arm.

“You’re thirty-one years old. Shouldn’t you know better than to let this happen? It’s Stacy’s nephew, isn’t it? For God’s sake, he’s a fucking kid.” I jerk as if he’s slapped me.

Pops gets up. “Ian, you need to lay off. We need to talk about this.” He comes around until he’s next to me and grabs my hand. “When are you due, baby girl?”

“J-January thirtieth.” My voice trembles, and my body jerks when I hear a door slam. Tears roll down my face. “He’s so mad at me.”

“No, baby girl. He’s just in shock. You know he’s going to love being a grandpa. Just give us time to get used to the idea.” He hugs me tight before leaning back and kissing both my cheeks. “I’m going to be a grandpa.” I burst into more tears and wrap my arms tight around him.

“I love you, Dad.”

I leave shortly after that because I’m tired and Dad still isn’t back from wherever he went. Just as long as it was away from me, I guess.

My cats greet me at the door and follow me as I move into the living room. I sit down on my blue, red, and cream checkered chaise lounge. Ragnar and Lagertha jump up and rub against me. “Mommy had a bad night. Your grandpa is mad at me.” Again, the stupid tears begin to fall. “I didn’t do it on purpose. I think I just need to get a good night’s sleep.”

I go through my nightly routine and change into my nightgown. As I stare at the ceiling, I plan when and how I’m going to tell Joe, and hopefully it’ll go better than when I told my dads.

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