Page 42 of Rhett

“Sofia?” I turn to find Carol standing behind me. She opens her arms and I run into them. I sob as she hugs me tightly. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. It’s going to be okay.”

Shaking my head, I cry, “She hates me.”

She tips my head back and wipes my tears away. “She doesn’t hate you, honey. This is just big news, and it can be a lot to take. Just give her some time to get used to it.”

“What if she doesn’t?”

“Then that will be her loss, but guess what? You’re not alone. You have Stephen and me, but most importantly you have Rhett. Do you want to go back inside and eat?” she asks as she brushes my hair back.

I take a deep breath and nod, wiping at my eyes. “Okay. Thank you, Carol.”

She gives me another warm hug. “Of course, sweetheart. We're family now.”

Carol keeps an arm around me as we walk back into the restaurant. Rhett immediately comes to my side, wrapping me in a tight embrace.

“I'm so sorry, baby,” he murmurs, kissing the top of my head. “Are you okay?”

I nod against his chest, drawing comfort from his solid presence. “I will be. I just... I didn't expect her to react like that.”

Rhett pulls back slightly to look at me, his eyes full of concern and love. “I know. No matter what, you have me. You have us. We're in this together, remember?”

I nod, feeling grateful for Rhett's love and support. “Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Rhett replies softly, giving me a gentle kiss.

We rejoin his parents at the table. Stephen reaches over to squeeze my hand. “We're so happy for you both,” he says warmly. “This baby is going to be so loved.”

I feel tears welling up again, but this time from the overwhelming love and acceptance from Rhett's family. “Thank you,” I manage to say. “That means so much to me.”

Carol smiles at me. “We meant what we said before—you're family now, Sofia. We'll be here for you, Rhett, and the baby every step of the way.”

As we eat our dinner, Rhett's parents ask excited questions about the pregnancy and our plans. Their enthusiasm helps lift my spirits, even as I still feel a pang of sadness about my mom's reaction.

“Have you had your first ultrasound yet?” Carol asks eagerly.

I nod, smiling as I remember that special moment. “We have. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. It was amazing.”

“Oh, how wonderful!” Carol exclaims, her eyes shining. “Do you have a due date yet?”

“The doctor estimates early February,” Rhett shares, squeezing my hand.

Stephen grins. “A Valentine baby. That's perfect—right at the end of football season.”

We all laugh at that. The conversation continues to flow, focusing on happy topics like nursery ideas and Rhett's parents sharing stories from when he was a baby.

“Sofia, I hope this baby is like you because this one”—his mom points at Rhett—“never liked to nap once he hit a year old.”

I laugh, while leaning into him. “Why is that not surprising.”

As we're finishing dessert, Rhett turns to me. “Are you ready to head home, baby? You must be tired.”

I nod gratefully. The emotional roller coaster of the evening has left me drained.

We say our goodbyes, with Carol and Stephen giving me warm hugs. “Remember, we're here for you both,” Carol assures. “Don't hesitate to call if you need anything at all.”

“Thank you,” I reply sincerely. “That means so much to me.”

On the drive home, Rhett reaches over to hold my hand. “How are you feeling?” he asks gently.

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