Page 65 of The Model

“Now, Jim, you know the answer to that. I told you all about her after Ryder called home and told me all about her.”

“Well, maybe I want to hear it from her.”

That was strange. Seriously, what had gotten into my dad?

Standing, I moved in front of Lexie. “I know you have questions, but I thought you’d be happy for me. This is no way to greet your daughter-in-law, and if you’re going to continue, we’ll pack our stuff back in the car and head back to LA.”

Tears filled my mom’s eyes before she turned to my father and glared at him. I felt like I’d walked into a parallel universe. My dad didn’t act like this, and my parents never fought.

Until today.

“You will stop,” my mom gritted out. “Lexie is a beautiful girl who our son loves. Didn’t you see how happy she makes him until you opened your mouth?”

“I never meant to cause any problems.” Lexie’s voice sounded shaky, and I knew her eyes were already wet with tears.

“Sit down, son, and talk to us. I promise I won’t say any more to upset…anyone.”

Turning around, I saw Lexie wiping away a tear from her cheek. “I’m fine. Please, sit down.”

I did as I was told, only this time I nearly pulled Lexie onto my lap.

“Lexie and I met on a shoot, and we hit it off, but we didn’t see each other for another few months. We were both working and ran into each other in Hawaii. After that, we stayed in contact. The best pictures in my portfolio are the ones Lexie has taken. She’s crazy talented, and she’s helped me so much already in my career.”

My dad’s forehead scrunched up. “So, you married her to further your career? That’s not like you.”

“And this is not like you. I love Lexie, and she loves me. That’s why we got married.”

Lexie’s hand started to tremble as she sat forward. “I love your son very much, and everything he’s said is true, but there’s more.” She let out a shaky breath, and a serene smile crossed her face. “I’m pregnant, and while normally I wouldn’t think I need to clarify, I’m going to. Ryder is the father.”

“You’re going to be grandparents,” I interjected.

“Really?” My mom’s eyes shined with happiness. “You’re full of surprises today.”

Lexie looked over at me with only love in her eyes. She had for some time, but each time still knocked me on my ass when she looked at me like that. “He’s good at that, isn’t he? When he proposed, I was more than a little shocked.”

I only hoped she wouldn’t mention how she was hesitant for us to get married. With the way my dad was acting, I wasn’t sure how he’d take the news.

“Was it romantic?” my mom asked wistfully.

I wished we had a better story to tell her than me asking her after I found out she was pregnant, and her pulling me out of breakfast for me to get down on one knee. It definitely could have been more romantic. Maybe next year, I’d ask her to marry me all over again and have a trip planned for us.

“He asked me every day for three days until I said yes. I couldn’t ask for a better proposal than all the ways Ryder told me he loved me.”

“He’s always been a sweet boy.” My mom gave us a watery smile.

“He’s the best, and I’m sorry you weren’t there for the wedding. Maybe later we can have a reception or something.”

My mom jumped in her seat. I loved seeing her so happy and accepting of Lexie. “Oh, if you need help with anything, I’d be happy to help.”

“We’ll definitely need help with a baby on the way and how busy our work schedules are.” I’d love to get my mom down to LA after the baby was born. I needed to ask Lexie when we were alone when the due date was. It wouldn’t look good if I asked in front of my parents even though my mom did know that we weren’t talking for a while there.

The oven buzzer went off in the kitchen, making Lexie jump. I hadn’t realized how wound up she was until then. I thought maybe my mom had put her at ease at least a little bit.

Jumping up, my mom rushed to the kitchen. “Dinner’s ready,” she called over her shoulder. “I hope you like lasagna.”

“Who doesn’t?” Lexie answered as she followed after my mother. “Do you need any help?”

Going to help set the table, I followed behind and watched as Lexie’s hips swayed. I was going to have to convince her to have sex while we were here, or I was going to be walking around with a permanent hard on the entire time.

---