Page 32 of Trash the Dress

“I’m afraid I don’t have tons of sweets here, but I do keep ice cream. I can keep more things on hand if you let me know what you like.”

She crosses her arms like she’s decided to hide from me. “Chocolate ice cream would be nice if you have it.”

I nod and grab the ice cream from the freezer and two bowls and spoons. Once we are both eating our chocolate ice cream, on opposite sides of the counter, she starts to twirl her spoon in hers. “Is something wrong?”

“No, not really. I was just thinking it’s probably time to clue my parents in,” she says without glancing up at me. “Would you still come with me if I asked you to?”

I leave my spoon in my ice cream as it starts to melt and then reach across to tip her chin up. “I said I’m in this. When you’re ready to tell them, I’ll come.”

She nods as her chin wobbles a little. The tears in this woman’s eyes are my undoing. I round the counter and pull her into my arms without a second thought. “It’s going to be all right, sunshine. Promise.”

She sniffles, but otherwise remains silent while hugging me tight. The hug is innocent, but it lights me up. I’m well aware of how everything about her seems to do that to me. I know I should probably fight that feeling, but selfishly, I crave whatever pieces of light she can give me.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Scarlett

Last night after our ice cream and hug, I went to bed alone. I’m not sure what he did once I closed my door, but it’s not my business.

Now, we stand side by side on my parents’ front doorstep. They know I’m coming today, but they don’t know why. It’s not unusual for me to come and hang out here on a Saturday. My heart feels like it’s running a marathon on steroids.

When I finally knock, Zander reaches for my hand and squeezes reassuringly. Dad opens the door with a smile on his face. It falters a bit as he takes in Zander’s six-foot frame to my right. Remembering undressing him with my eyes last night has heat rushing to my cheeks in my dad’s presence.

Dad’s gaze falls to our joined hands just as Zander lets go, then he focuses on me. “Scarlett, who’s your friend?” he asks.

“This is Zander Bailey. Zander, this is my dad, Shawn Shepard,” I say nervously.

Zander reaches out to shake his hand and Dad reciprocates. “Sally, Scarlett is here, and she brought a friend,” he calls into the house without taking his stare off Zander’s towering frame.

He steps aside to give us entry. When we cross the threshold, I know I’m about to word vomit. Maybe really vomit too. I leave them in the living room and rush to the bathroom. After I lose my breakfast, I splash water on my face and pinch the apples of my cheeks to bring back some color. My skin is pale, my eyes are full of worry.

A knock sounds, and it’s followed by Mom’s voice. Tears spring to my eyes as I think about how disappointed they’ll probably be. Granted, they won’t be disappointed about having a grandbaby to love and spoil. They’ve hinted to me plenty about wanting me to get settled and start a family. But they’ll be disappointed about how it has all come to be.

I swipe under my eyes and tell her I’ll be out in a minute.

When I re-enter the living room, Dad and Zander are watching a baseball game on TV. Neither are speaking. Mom sees me and smiles for a moment before realizing something is off. Her brows furrow as she watches me take a seat beside Zander.

“Are you okay?” he asks, not caring that my parents are watching and hearing the entire interaction.

Dad chimes in, “Why wouldn’t she be okay? What’s going on, Scarlett?” I can hear the tension in my dad’s voice.

I see the same worried look on both their faces as they wait for an answer. The hormones choose that moment to take over and the tears start to fall. My mom’s gaze stays on me while Dad’s gaze sharpens at Zander through narrowed eyes.

“I’m sorry. I’m a mess right now,” I say as I regain my composure.

My parents stand, waiting for me to elaborate further.

“You should sit,” I say as I get ready to spring the news.

They share a look but do as I say.

“Zander and I,” I start. “Me and Zander…” I trail off.

He reaches for my hand, and it steadies my racing heart. “We’re having a baby together,” I blurt out.

Dad’s brows shoot toward the ceiling and Mom remains still; lips parted slightly in shock. I feel Zander scoot closer, but I can’t turn in his direction right now. I’m too focused on reading my parents’ reactions.

“How?” My dad holds up a hand while shaking his head. “I know how. But this is so…sudden. How long have you known each other? Are you even dating?” Dad’s face starts to turn red as a vein in his neck stands out.

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