Page 1 of Plus-Size Pregnant Mate

Chapter 1 - Ashley

My mouth just hung open as my parents stared at me across the cafe. Of course, they would take me somewhere public so I couldn't make a fool of myself. The cafe was packed with people, making me feel even more uncomfortable than I already was.

"Marriage? You're joking, right?" I asked, looking between my mother and my father.

My mother sighed like I was acting irrationally even though I'd been calm this entire time. Since they invited me to brunch this morning, I've been sitting on the edge, unsure what they wanted to discuss with me.

"Ashley, stop acting like it's the end of the world. It's not as big a deal as you think."

I stuttered for words for a second before I finally caught myself. "Marriage? Mom, you guys are talking about marriage here. That is a big deal."

"We are just asking you to be open to the idea," my father quickly added. “Logan is a well-respected…"

"He's been married before," I quickly add before he can finish. "Two times. He's been married twice already."

"That's only because they didn't work out," my mother replied. "Maybe you're the right one for him."

I just stared at them with wide eyes now because they couldn't be serious. They couldn't seriously be talking about marrying me off like it's nothing.

I placed my hands on the table, trying to gather myself. "I don't understand where this is coming from," I said. "I'm happy. If this is because I said I was a little lost at times…"

My mother waved her hand, cutting me off. "Ashley, this is because it's a good idea. You are older now, and it's time you settle down. Logan is well respected and said he is more than willing to marry you."

"I'm twenty-five," I quickly added. "I'm not that old, Mom."

My father adjusted himself in his chair, trying to give me a soft smile. "It's the perfect age for marriage," my father said.

"It's also the perfect age to explore and travel the world," I said. "Which is what I want. I want to…"

My mother shook his head, stopping me mid-sentence. "Ashley, honestly, you need to be honest with yourself; that isn't going to happen."

I felt like she just hit me, and I just stared.

"Addy….now that's being a little harsh," my father said as he looked at my mother. My mother sighed as if I were having a meltdown and making a scene.

My mother glanced at my father for a second before she looked back at me. "She's old enough to know that isn't how real life works. You're an adult, and it's about time you start acting like one."

"Mom, I'm aware of how the real world works, but I also know that once you settle down and get married, you have kids, and life gets the best of you. You both always said if I wanted to do anything, to do it while I was young."

My mother's lips tightened together, and my father sighed. “Yes, we did say that…but sweetie….you’ve been…”

"Your career hasn't taken off, and we can't keep paying for your lifestyle. Being a heart-strung artist isn't a career,Ashley. It's a waste of our money. You need to start thinking about your future and be serious about it.

It was like another slap in the face. I felt my face growing hot, and suddenly, I was embarrassed.

Yes, my folks did have to help me with this, but for good reasons. It wasn't like I was sitting on my ass, praying for this to work out. I was putting my full attention into my art, ready to take the next steps now that I was more confident. That and taking care of my mother.

When I was just getting into college, my life took a turn. My mother was given another cancer diagnosis. The third one, this time it was breast cancer stage two. And if that wasn’t enough, I broke up with my lifelong boyfriend and lost the opportunity of a lifetime to study abroad. I hit rock bottom a little over two years ago and it took until now to feel like I was starting to breathe again.

I swallowed because I couldn't just accept this. If I got married, my entire life would change, and I couldn't have that—not when I was just figuring it all out.

"Okay, so I just get a job to pay for my own things. I can do that," I said. "I can pay for things, and if you want, I am more than willing to pay you guys back for what you've paid for."

"No," my mother snapped. "You will think about marrying Logan."

I sighed heavily. "Mom, I don't want to get married. Besides, you are still recovering, is now even a good time to think about that."

"Now is the time to think about that," she snapped back. "I’m fine. So stop using me as an excuse to be lazy.

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