Page 61 of Embracing Trust

I’m a fanatic about birth control for this very reason. I don’t want any little McCormick’s running around before I’m ready.

“Condoms aren’t a hundred percent effective you know.” She folds her arms across her chest. “And don’t even think about saying some asshole things like you don’t know if you’re the father.”

Asshole things?

I shake my head. “When did you find out? Like when’s it due?”

“Next spring.”

“Next spring?”

“Yes, and I figure that’ll give you enough time to find a job in Fayetteville or even Fort Bragg. Not a lot going on there though unless you want to reenlist. You can move into my apartment for now—until the baby comes and we can find a bigger place. Maybe a house.”

I shake my head as she continues rolling out her plans.

“I can probably try to keep working at the salon until the due date, but we’ll have to see how I do, but you know once the baby comes—”

“Whoa. Hold on a minute.” I hold up my hand.

“What’s wrong?”

“We need to get a few things straight here. I’m not moving to North Carolina. I’m not leaving here. I’m—”

“I figured that’d be your response. Although I’m not a huge fan of living in this dustbowl, I can make it work. I only brought enough clothes for a few days, but you can fly back with me to help me load my stuff.”

“You’re getting way ahead of things.” I stand up and pace the porch.

“If you can’t leave, I can always get my father—”

“Stop!” My voice comes out more of a shout than I intended.

Aubree’s eyes are wide. She buries her face in her hands. “I should’ve known. You’re going to dump us.” She pulls a tissue from her pocket and wipes her eyes.

I sit in a chair near the swing. “We need to figure some things out.”

“Maybe your parents can help? I thought we could tell—”

“No.”

“You’re ashamed of us?” Aubree pouts.

I take in a deep breath before I speak. “No, I’m not ashamed, but I don’t want to drag my parents into this until we know what our plans are.”

“I guess that makes sense,” she concedes. “You’re obviously going to have to talk to yourgirlfriendfirst anyway.”

The way she says the word girlfriend is so cold and hateful.

“Aubree—"

She sits up straighter. “I may just tell your parents anyway. They do have a right to know. They’re going to be grandparents.”

My voice is stern. “I told you not to do that, Aubree.”

The front door opens, and Mom pops her head out. “Dinner’s ready, you two.”

Aubree stands from the porch swing and goes to my mom. “Kate, I have something to tell you.”

My stomach clenches and I hold my breath.

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