Page 45 of Zone Protection

“Yeah, we should definitely do that. But, hey, listen. Um, there’s something I want to talk to you about. And I wish Mom were here, too, but this really can’t wait.”

He looks at me and crosses his arms over his chest. “Okay, what is it?”

I rub the back of my neck. “Well … I’m going to be a father.”

He blinks. “Come again? I think you just said you were going to be a father.”

I drop my hand and look up at him, smiling tightly. “Nope, you heard me right. I’m gonna be a dad.”

The look on his face isn’t upset or disappointed, but he does look well and truly stunned, like someone knocked the wind out of him with a well-aimed horseshoe. “How did this happen, Arch?”

I chuckle and can’t even help myself when I say, “Well, Dad, you see, when a man and woman?—”

“Cut the shit, son. Who is she? Do we know her?” he asks.

“Dad, when have I ever introduced y’all to a girl here at college? Never. But … this girl is different.”

“How did you meet her? And do we know if it’s yours? Should we get a paternity test?”

All logical questions that he’s asking, but it also kinda pisses me off.

“Yes, Dad. It’s mine, and, no, I’m not questioning the paternity. We went to the doctor to confirm. And before you get too carried away with your questions, she also has her own dreams to follow, so the timing isn’t great for her either. But we’re gonna figure it all out together. We’re spending time together. And, Dad, I really like her.” I take a drink of my beer.

He’s staring at me, probably trying to figure out if this is all bullshit. I sit back and drink my beer, giving him time to process.

I set my beer back down on the table. “Her name is Emma. She’s a premed student and a golfer for the university’s team. Super smart and gorgeous. Honestly, I can’t get enough of hanging out with her. When I’m not on the field or in class, I want to be around her.”

He tilts his head to the side and nods. “Okay, I hear you. So, what will you do when you get drafted? Does she plan to come with you and drop out of school?”

“Well, we haven’t talked much about all of that yet. I would never ask her to give up on her dream of being a doctor. It’s too important to her. She lost her sister when they were kids, and I think she’s made it her mission to understand and help kids with the same issue.”

Dad blows out a breath. He bows his head, as if in quiet prayer. “That’s a shame. No one ever wants to lose a child—that’s for sure. Sounds like she’s got a good head on her shoulders then. Doesn’t mean I won’t have some questions and concerns. You’re my son, and that’s my grandchild she’s carrying. When will we get to meet her?”

“Not sure yet. Soon, hopefully. We might be a lot for her to handle though. Her family is pretty small. It was just her and her sister until she died. Sounds like, after her sister’s death, she felt a lot of pressure to be perfect.”

He smirks. “We can be a lot. Your mama is going to be overthe moon—you know that, right? Seems like we just got Austin out of diapers though.”

“Ha! Dad, he’s fourteen.”

“Still acts like a baby sometimes though. God love him. We should have invited her to come with us tonight.”

“She had to take care of some things at her parents’ house this weekend. She didn’t make it to the game today either.”

Dad’s expression sobers again. He folds his hands on the table, then leans in. “Son, I know I don’t have to tell you to do right by this girl. You’re a good man, but this all means you can’t be messin’ around with any other girls now. You need to step up and be the best dad to this baby. Whatever happens between you and Emma is between the two of you, but don’t ever put the baby in the middle of your relationship. The baby will come first. And if you can make it work as a couple, that’s a bonus.” He pauses, eyes locked on mine. “But hear me when I tell you, I still can and will kick your ass if you mess her around.”

I nod slowly, the weight of it all settling on my shoulders—but not in a bad way. Just … real. Heavy and full and somehow still right. “You don’t have to worry about that, Dad. I’m all in for this girl. And I know it seems soon, but I think we’ll be able to make this work.”

“You sure she won’t get sick of your ass? You can be a lot to handle, Arch.” He laughs.

“I’m a treat, and you know it. How could she not love me?” I wink at him.

“That you are, son. I hope she’s ready for you and all the stuff that’s coming your way with being a pro athlete, but if she’s an athlete at this level, she must have some idea. You been golfing with her yet?”

I shake my head. “No, she just finished her fall season, and I’ve been so busy, as you know, so no, but I wouldn’t mind. She’ll probably smoke me.”

Our food arrives, so we take some time to eat and catch up on the goings-on around the ranch.

After we finish eating and pay the bill, we walk out to my dad’s truck.

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