Page 41 of Finding Jacob
“Mr. Santiago,” I heard. The maître d’ walked over, holding out his hands. He gripped one of Jacob’s in both of his and shook enthusiastically. I was aware he only used one of his surnames and wondered why.
“My partner, Anna,” he offered by way of an introduction and my heart fluttered at his description of me.
“It’s nice to meet you, Anna. Come, I have a lovely table for you,” he said.
We were led through the restaurant to a roped-off area. Past that were three tables, one was occupied by two suited gentlemen that Jacob ignored, despite their smiles towards him.
We sat and menus were laid in front of us. Without asking, a bottle of sparkling mineral water was opened and glasses filled.
Jacob took a sip, looking over his glass at me. I held his gaze, getting a little annoyed at his silence.
“So, pregnant,” Jacob said. I nodded. “When were you going to tell me?”
“After the wedding,” I replied.
“Why not immediately when you knew?”
I sighed. “First, I had to get my own head around it. It was an accident, Jacob, not planned. A mistake—”
“No pregnancy is amistake, Anna!” His tone of voice was rather fierce. I then remembered the mumbling at the church and hoped he wasn’t overly religious.
“A mistake on my part in not taking my pill at the usual time. I forgot about the time difference. As for the rest of ‘why,’ there just never seemed to be the right time.”
“I think I would have rather heard it by text than from your sister,” he said.
“I had no idea she knew.”
“How did she know?”
I’m sorry, Annacame to mind. “Jules, I think.”
“So, your employees knew but not me?”
I nodded. “They had to know—”
“Before me?” he questioned again.
“No, they shouldn’t have known before you. I accept that. I made a very wrong call and I’m so sorry, Jacob. I never wanted this sprung on you, and I don’t blame you if you’re totally pissed off right now.” Jacob looked so straight-faced. I couldn’t work out if it was anger or sadness. I suspected a combination of both.
I just wanted to head home, get out of the ridiculous dress I’d so loved until then, have a bath, and curl up with my tears.
He did the unexpected then. He reached over and took my hands in his. He smiled, but a shallow one.
“Yes, I’m angry, but only about the way I’ve discovered I’m going to be a father. I’ll get over it. We now need to discuss what you want to do.”
“I’m going to keep the child, obviously. I’m over three months now and have another scan on Monday.”
Jacob released one of my hands and picked up his mobile phone. He dialled a number.
“I won’t be available on Monday, sort my day out, please?” He nodded, probably in answer to whatever was said, and then cut off the call.
‘You didn’t need to do that,” I said.
He raised his eyebrows at me. “You’re carrying my child, Anna. Do you think I’d leave you to deal with it on your own? I have a responsibility to you, whether it was anaccidentor not.”
“I meant, I didn’t want you to feel obliged.”
“I don’t. I’d be honoured if you allowed me to be part of this journey. You are carrying my child. Mine. Well, ours, but you know what I mean. I’m sure it’s going to take me some time to adjust. I hadn’t contemplated on being a father at my age, and we’ll have lots of things to sort before the due date, of course.” His smile widened a little. Not a full one, but better than it had been.
