Page 41 of Rhett

“Yeah, I can see that,” I say, thinking about how great Marchy is with his son. “You're an amazing dad, brother, and I hope to be half the father you are.”

He grins at me. “You're gonna be a great dad, Hollywood. I can already tell.”

His words fill me with a mix of pride and nervousness. I hope he's right. “Thanks, man. I just want to do right by Sofia and the baby, you know?”

“You will,” Marchy assures me. “Just the fact you're worried about it shows you care. That's half the battle right there.”

We play in companionable silence for a while, but my mind keeps drifting to thoughts of the baby and Sofia. I can't wait to tell our families, to see Sofia's belly grow, to feel the baby kick for the first time. It's all so surreal but amazing.

“Hey,” Marchy says, breaking me out of my thoughts. “You zoned out again. You okay?”

I nod, smiling sheepishly. “Yeah, sorry. Just a lot on my mind.” We focus back on our game.

22

Sofia

A month has passed since Rhett and I found out we’re going to have a baby. A lot has happened, and tonight we’re finally telling our parents. Mom is coming to dinner with us, we decided to tell them all at the same time. I’m scared to death, but ready to do it.

The only people who know are Cooper, Jodi, and Daniel. They do, because my morning sickness gave it away pretty quick. They pick up the slack when I need a moment.

I’m ten weeks and at the last appointment Rhett and I were able to see the baby and hear its heartbeat. I started to cry at the little blip and the beautiful sound. He leaned into me, pressing his forehead to mine as we listened to our baby's strong heartbeat. The sound filled the room and my heart with joy.

Now, as I stand in front of the mirror getting ready for dinner, I can't help but feel nervous about telling our parents. Rhett comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his hands on my still-flat stomach.

“You look beautiful,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my neck.

I lean back against him, drawing comfort from his solid presence. “I'm so nervous,” I admit. “What if they're not happy?”

Rhett turns me in his arms to face him. “They're going to be thrilled, baby. Our parents love us and they're going to love this baby too.”

I nod, trying to believe his words. “You're right. I'm just overthinking things.”

He kisses me softly. “It's okay to be nervous,” Rhett says, cupping my face gently. “This is a big deal. But I promise, it's going to be fine. We're in this together, remember?”

I take a deep breath and nod, feeling calmer already. Rhett always knows how to soothe my anxieties. “Together,” I repeat, leaning up to kiss him softly.

We finish getting ready and head out to meet our parents at the restaurant. My mom is already there when we arrive, and Rhett's parents show up just a few minutes later. After warm greetings and hugs all around, we settle into our seats.

As we look over the menus, I can feel my nerves building again. Rhett must sense it because he reaches under the table to squeeze my hand reassuringly.

We make small talk as we order our meals and wait for our food to arrive. I can feel the anticipation building inside me. Rhett and I had agreed to share our news after we ordered but before the food came.

Once the waiter leaves with our orders, Rhett clears his throat and takes my hand. “So, we actually have some exciting news to share with you all,” he begins.

I feel all eyes turn to us expectantly. My heart is pounding but Rhett's steady presence beside me gives me courage.

“Mom, Dad, Eve,” Rhett continues, smiling at each of our parents in turn. “Sofia and I are having a baby. We're going to be parents.”

His mom is the first to react. “Oh my gosh. That’s amazing!” she exclaims as she jumps up, coming around the table. She pulls me into a hug and then kisses my cheek before she hugs her son.

I look at my mom and freeze, my smile falling from my face, she pushes herself back in her chair. “How could you be so irresponsible, Sofia?” She gets up and walks out.

“Mom?” I run after her.

She bleeps her locks and opens her door. “You barely know him, Sofia. This will end badly for you, and then you’ll be a single mom like I was.”

I watch her drive away while tears roll down my cheeks.

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