Page 63 of Flawless Lyric

“Had I known Maya was going to be the one to break the news, I wouldn’t have spent the drive worrying about how to tell them.” Instead of Lyric being angry, she’s relieved.

“In hindsight, we had no way of knowing that the whole family was going to be here, Beauty.”

“True, but this works out perfectly.” As we soon find out firsthand once we step inside the house.

Congratulations ensue as we’re ripped apart and passed around like chip and dip at a party. Hugs, kisses, and well wishes are also being handed out like popcorn at a movie theater. Okay, so you get the picture. Everyone’s happy with the exception of my parents who haven’t given us a warm welcome kiss or hug yet. I’m hoping it’s because they’re letting the kiddos get the first shot and not that they’re upset about the good news.

Asher being the ass he is just can’t keep his mouth shut. “We had a bet going that you guys were coming to let them know you were engaged, not knocked up.”

“That’s enough,” my dad shouts as the room goes eerily silent.

* * *

LYRIC

I’ma bit shaken when Mr. Monroe’s booming voice echoes off the walls. Everyone immediately shuts up to the point where you could hear a pin drop. When Ruth’s eyes find mine across the room, my stomach plummets. The pity in her watchful gaze is enough to bring me to my knees. Anger or sadness I could accept, but pity, I cannot.

I don’t wait for an invitation; I stride over to where she’s standing with my head held high. Whether she accepts this pregnancy or not is detrimental to our friendship and our working relationship. I won’t settle for anything less.

“Ruth, can we talk in private please?” With a curt nod, we walk to the back of the house where she has her home office.

As soon as we step inside, she begins sobbing. I’m at a loss because, for the life of me, I don’t know why.

“Believe me, I had the same reaction, Ruth. Two pink lines after I had my tubes tied was never supposed to happen. I love Micah with my whole being, but he knows he can walk away anytime he’d like. He’s not obligated to stick around and ruin his life because this isn’t something he signed up for…”

“Stop right there, young lady. Micah would never, ever walk away so you best get that out of your head. My tears are for you, sweet girl. Starting over isn’t going to be easy and I’ll help in any way that I can. That’s what families do.” Okay, so now we’re both laughing and crying when Micah walks in.

“Is everything okay in here or should I bring in reinforcements?”

“Everything’s’ perfect, son. I’m going to be a grandmother again and you’re going to be a dad. Something I never thought I’d be privy to in my lifetime.” She pulls him in for a hug and buries her face in his chest. It’s such a sweet moment that I gently rub my belly. Wishing for a son who is as sweet as his father.

“Okay, my turn to congratulate the mother-to-be.” When Mr. Monroe engulfs me in a warm embrace, I chastise myself for being so scared. I should have known that this family would welcome me and their new grandchild with open arms. “Now let’s ditch the scalawags in the other room and go celebrate.”

Somehow, we manage to sneak out the back door, climb into the Monroes’ car, and hightail it out of there. We don’t get too far before Micah’s phone buzzes as well as his dad’s. My purse is on the sofa where I set it down and since Ruth’s phone is silent I’m assuming she doesn’t have it with her.

“Remember the good old days when we used to call the children, Frank? Now the roles are reversed and they’re searching for us.” Micah’s parents find this hysterical, and, in truth, it is. The kids were duped, and they don’t like being kept out of the loop.

I snuggle into Micah in the backseat and when his arm wraps around me, I’m content. For the first time since finding out I was pregnant, I think I’ve got this. I can do it. We can do it.

We spend a leisurely afternoon eating some good food, having great conversations, and sharing our hopes and dreams for the future. By the time we’re ready to leave, I feel closer to Ruth and Frank than ever. Knowing they have our backs and are willing to help in any way they can. Not that I would impose, but it’s peace of mind knowing I have a backup plan. God knows, Novalee’s busy with college and Jeff would be the last person I’d call if I needed help.

By the time we get back to their place, the kids are long gone, and the house is all locked up for the night. It looks homey and inviting.

“Come on in and we can pick up where we left off at the restaurant.” That sounds awfully tempting but Micah takes one look at me and declines.

“Some other time, Dad. It’s been a long day and this Beauty’s exhausted. Raincheck.” I love the fact that he feels comfortable enough to call me that in front of his parents. Makes me love him more.

After saying our goodbyes, we climb into the car. And that’s the last thing I remember until Micah’s strong arms lift me back out and toward my home. I’m disorientated and groggy when he sets me on the bed, hovering over me.

“Get some rest, Beauty. You’ll need it since I’ve been sporting a hard on ever since leaving the restaurant.” Insatiable is my last clear thought as I drift off once again.

Somewhere between sleep and wakefulness a sense of foreboding washes over me. It weighs heavy against my chest, and for a second I think someone’s pinning me down. Breathing heavily, my eyes snap open and I stare into the darkness. Listening, waiting, for what I have no idea, but it claws at my insides and leaves me unsettled. Then it hits me with the force of a tsunami.

My nightmare.

Throwing off the covers, I stumble into the bathroom. I catch myself as the room swirls and spins around me. Can this really be happening? Or is it the remnant of my worst nightmare coming to fruition again?

Crashing to my knees, I purge everything that I’ve consumed throughout the day and then some. I’m weak and sweating when strong arms rub my back and pull back my hair.

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