Page 71 of Embracing Trust

Yeah, that I didn’t want to ever work for the agency.

“He has?” Mom chirps. “That’s wonderful news.”

Dad pats my back. “Well, it sounds like it’s all settled.”

“It isn’t settled.” I speak louder than I intend, but at least I get their attention.

“That can all be discussed later, Darling,” Aubree coos. “Did you want to tell them about our wedding plans?”

“Wedding plans?” I pound my fist on the table and cause the iced tea glasses to shake. “What are you talking about?”

Aubree shoots me a scowl but immediately smiles when Mom looks at her.

Mom’s face is one big freaking smile. “I’m sure you don’t necessarily like the idea of a wedding. No guy does, Ryan. Especially not in these circumstances—with Aubree pregnant and all. It doesn’t have to be a big wedding. Just a small one—”

“With close friends and family,” Dad adds.

My heart bangs in double time and I’m thankful to be seated as my legs are rubber.

“We can plan something really nice.” Mom takes a sip of her tea and she’s so proud of her grand idea—like she just invented penicillin or something.

I can’t believe this.

“And there’s nothing to be embarrassed about, honey.” Here goes Mom again. “You had a little accident,” she says and covers her mouth with a giggle. “You know, we’ve known people who’ve had this happen. Haven’t we, Cullen?”

A little accident?

“Yes. What about your cousin Herman and his wife Louise? They had Herman Junior exactly seven months after the wedding day.” Dad lets out a chuckle.

“Louise said the baby was early.” Mom laughs. She pats Aubree’s arm.

“There’s not going to be a wedding.” I pound my fist on the table and all eyes are on me. “There’s not even going to be a marriage.”

“Ryan,” Dad warns.

Aubree’s bottom lip quivers.

“You will do the right thing here and take full responsibility for your actions.” Dad’s lip curls.

Aubree’s eyes are leaking like a faucet and apparently not to be outdone, Mom grabs a tissue from the counter behind her and dabs at her own eyes.

Great. This is beyond unbelievable. I’m speechless.

“We’ll leave you two alone to work out more of the details. We’re headed back to our work,” Mom says as she tucks the tissue into her pocket.

Dad gives me a stern look. “We’ll talk later.”

Mom and Dad get up from their chairs, grab their iced tea glasses and go out the back door. I stand and look out the window to see them on their way to the family garden.

I turn to Aubree. “What the fuck are you trying to do to me?”

Aubree rises from her chair with a sneer. “Your parentslikeme and they just want what’s best for me and our baby.” She licks her lips and runs a hand through her long locks. “That’s all I want—what’s best for our baby. Like your parents said—getting married and doing the right thing. It’s best.”

This is a side of Aubree I haven’t seen before, and now isn’t the time or the place to challenge her. Although I feel like shoving it in her face that I’m seeing an attorney next week, I don’t want to get her any more fired up than she already is.

I lean against the counter and Aubree approaches me. She wraps her arms around my neck and puts her face into mine. I pull my head back.

“I don’t bite, you know,” she smirks.

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