Page 36 of Claiming What Is Mine

“Well, that explains why your dad and brothers didn’t beat you here to skin me alive.” I rub my chin. “Seriously though, why not? Want me to go with you to talk to them?”

Meredith sits back and looks up at me. “Oh God no. Don’t you realize Daddy might shoot you dead then and there?”

I squeeze her hand. “Doll, Jim Still isn’t who I’m worried about. However, wherever—I’m with you.”

Meredith smiles and brushes my cheek. “Thanks, I know. But if we want you around when this baby comes, I should probably talk to my family on my own. Don’t you think?”

“Alright. I give. It’s your family, so I guess it’s your call. It’s just, I don’t know what else I can do. I want to help. I want to take the burden away from you, ya know?”

Meredith sighs as she cuddles back into my chest. “You continue to surprise me, Gabriel.”

I puff my chest out a little. “Good. That’s what—wait, you mean that in a good way, right?”

“Yes. In a good way. I was terrified to tell you. I thought you’d be angry, or accuse me of lying, or something. Never in a million years would I have bet on this being your reaction.” Drops of rain begin to dance off the tin roof.

“Truthfully, Doll? In a million years, I wouldn’t have bet on this being my reaction either, but it feels…I don’t know. I guess the best word I can come up with is, right. It feels right.” I look out at the dark sky, appreciating the intensity of a summer storm. “Now, when was the last time you ate?”

Meredith puts her hand over her stomach. “I don’t know, the nausea comes and goes. I try to grab crackers or soup or something in between. Why?”

“Well, I was thinking we could stroll on over to the main house and share the news with Mom. I’m sure she’ll know just the thing to help settle that uneasy belly and get you some calories.”

“Gabe, I’m not ready to tell people. I haven’t told my parents yet, what if word got back to them before…”

“Doll, it’s my mom. Do you honestly believe if we share this most intimate of secrets with her, she’d betray your trust?”

“No. I know she wouldn’t.”

“And can you begin to guess how excited she’s going to be at the thought of another grandchild?” I ask.

The edges of Meredith’s mouth curl into a tiny smile. “I would have to guess she will be a fan of the idea.”

“Exactly. Besides, unless chili or beef sounds appetizing, she’s your only bet for food.” I laugh as I stand, pulling at Meredith’s hand. “Come on. Let’s go share our news.”

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