Page 135 of Forbidden Hearts
“I say we go home and tell Olivia,” Asher suggests as we stop at a rest area near Sugarloaf. We called Sara this morning and broke the news to her. She took it much better than I thought. I could tell that, at first, she wasn’t all that happy about it. By the time Asher was done explaining everything, she wished us the best and also informed us she’d be home early.
They wrapped up filming two days ago, and she’s just waiting for the rest of the crew to get home, and then she’ll be back.
“I’m more concerned about telling your dad,” Asher admits.
Asher opens my car door, helping me in like the perfect gentleman, even though last night he was anything but. The two of us were like caged animals, working off the last of our anger and frustration in the hotel. Then he held me all night, and I don’t know that I’ve ever slept so soundly.
“He’ll be upset because that’s what all you overprotective fathers do, but he’ll accept it.”
He leans in and kisses me. “Let’s hope so.”
On the ride back, we agree to just head to my father first so we can get that out of the way before heading to tell Olivia. Then I don’t know what we will do.
“I want you to live with me,” Asher says as we pass the Welcome to Luzerne County sign.
“And I think we should go slow.”
“Sunshine, we’re past that. We love each other, I know what I want, and it’s you with me every night. You’re having a baby, and we’re going to do this together. How does slow tie into that?”
“How about we figure it out after we tell everyone?”
He reaches for my hand, entwining our fingers. “It’s not about anyone else but us. It’s what we want, and if you think your father isn’t going to ask, you’re nuts.”
“Maybe I am, but he’s going to be more upset about school.”
“You’re not giving up on that,” he says firmly.
“I know. As soon as the baby is born, we’ll figure out a way to make it work.”
He nods, and then we’re in Sugarloaf, making the drive to my father’s house.
As soon as we pull up, the door opens, he’s in his uniform as he steps out. Oh, this is going to be fun. Asher gives me a tight smile and nods. “Let’s go.”
We exit the car, and when I reach the front of the car, I put my hands around his arm as we walk toward the man who has been my rock.
“So, it’s true?” Dad asks.
“Yes, we’re together, sir,” Asher answers.
His hand rests on the top of his gun, and I swear it twitches. “For how long?”
“About a month now.”
Dad looks at me. “And you kept this from me?”
“I know you don’t want the details, but we didn’t think we were going to fall in love. It happened very much without either of us realizing it. But we’re here now, and I love him and he loves me.”
“What about school?” The question I knew was going to be his concern.
“I’m pregnant, Dad. I’m going to take a year off, and then I’m going to finish my graduate program.”
Tears well in his eyes, and he steps back. “You’re pregnant?”
I nod.
“Can we go inside? I’d like to explain why I came home in the first place.”
Dad takes a seat in his trusted recliner, and Asher and I sit on the couch. He lends me his strength the entire time I recount the events that led to my coming home. He holds my hand or rests his palm on my back. My father sits still, and when I get to the point of the story where I found out I was pregnant, he leans forward.
