Page 88 of Puck and Prejudice

I look at Izzie again and find her watching me as if she wants to read my mind. Does she not believe I’m being sincere?

* * *

IZZIE

Knowing it will be a long night, I go in search of coffee and leave Jackson alone with Chad. I’m sure they have a lot to talk about. The way Jackson reacted to the news of Jane’s pregnancy surprised me. He didn’t grimace or have a condemning look in his eyes. He was supportive and, dare I say, even happy about the news.

I don’t know why I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. Jackson has been a dream guy since the Stanley Cup finals. Maybe that’s why there’s still a seed of doubt in my mind. His one-eighty change in attitude is nothing short of a miracle.

The cafeteria isn’t open, but I find a coffee machine. As I wait for the coffee to brew, I start to think about my niece or nephew. That baby will be the cutest thing. I grin, staring at nothing.

“What put that smile on your face, gorgeous?” Jackson asks, catching me by surprise.

I shake my head. “It’s nothing.”

“Yeah, it’s not nothing.” He smirks.

“Oh, fine. I was thinking about the baby.”

His browns shoot up. “Oh. So… you like babies?”

I tilt my head. “You don’t?”

His face turns red. “I… well, they’re cute, but also noisy.”

I laugh. “That they are.”

“Your coffee is ready.” Jackson takes the cup and hands it over.

“Thank you. I can’t believe you left Chad alone.”

“I came to ask if you want me to pick your parents. The offer still stands.”

“Oh… we’d better not. It’s late, and they’re probably sleeping. Besides, they might find out about Jane’s pregnancy.” God, I’m blabbering.

Jackson frowns. “Will they have a problem with it?”

“Not my father, but Mom, for sure. She’s super conservative and values tradition above anything else. She’ll make a big deal if Jane has a baby before getting married. I don’t want to burden her with my mother’s nonsense.”

“I see… You know, it might not be an issue.”

“How so?”

“Chad is ready to get hitched. He’ll marry your sister tomorrow, if she agrees.”

“Did he say that?”

Jackson nods. “Oh yeah.”

“And you didn’t try to change his mind?” I ask and immediately regret it.

Jackson’s expression crumbles as hurt shines in his eyes. “You still think I want to sabotage the wedding.”

Izzie, you’re an idiot.“No, I don’t. I’m sorry. It’s just… well, I’m not sure a shotgun wedding is what Jane wants. She’s dreamed about having a big wedding celebration since she was a little girl.”

“Hmm… There’s no reason she can’t have that.”

I put my hand on my hip. “Darcy, be real. They’d have to get married this summer, and there’s no way anyone can throw a big wedding with such short notice.”

---