Page 48 of Match My Fall
“DoesValenknow?” he asked. “Hemust,”Lucasanswered his own question.Thenhe stared at me with a sheepish expression. “Assuminghe’s the father.”
Zoeentered and admonishedLucaswith a light swat on his shoulder. “Lucas, that’s an intrusive question.”
Pandoracarried a new mug with tea and placed it before me on the table.Thereality of the situation left me gobsmacked, and tears threatened to spill into the tea. “Idon’t know…”Isaid in a tone that was barely audible.
Whenthey exchanged a glance,Iadded, “Notmeaning the identity of the father.WhatImean isIdon’t know ifIcan do this again on my own.”
“Youwon’t be on your own,”Pandoradeclared.
“Youhave us,”Novaadded.
“I’dbe a great uncle.”Lucasmotioned to himself. “No, that makes me sound like some old fuddy duddy.I’dbe afununcle.Afuncle.”Hemotioned to his chest and cocked his head. “Imean, really—who’s better to take on that role?”
Themock serious expression on his face dislodged some of the worry that had been expanding inside my chest.Mynear hysteric sobs turned to laughter.Prettysoon,Iwas cackling like a—witch. “Idon’t know whyI’mlaughing,”Isaid in between peals of laughter, wiping the tears from my eyes. “Thisisn’t funny.”
“It’snatural,”Pandoraassured me. “Thisis big news, and it will bring big emotions.”
Inodded and sniffed. “You’reright.”Itook a few sips of the soothing hot beverage.
“Youlook pale,”Novaadded. “Doyou want something to eat?”
“No.”Ishook my head. “I’mfine.”Witha wan smile,Iadded, “OrIwill be—eventually.”
WhileIsipped my tea, surrounded by their presence that assured me that perhapsIwouldn’t have to go through raising another child alone again, some of the worst of my fears dissipated.
“So…”Lucasadjusted in his chair. “ShouldIcongratulateValenwhenIsee him?”
Zoenudged him with her elbow. “Lucas,” she warned.
“What?” he asked in an innocent tone. “Itwould be impolite ifIdidn’t.”
Iraised my gaze to meetLucas’s. “OfcourseValenis the father.It’snot likeIgo on many dates, rather oranydates.
“Ididn’t want toassume,”Lucasreplied. “Youknow what they say…”
Igroaned. “Yes.Itmakes anASSout ofUandME.”
“Exactly.”Hegrinned, showing plenty of his straight, white teeth. “Howdid he react?”
Iwinced. “Hedoesn’t know becauseIfound out minutes ago myself.”
“Oh,Iknow before the baby’s daddy.”Lucaspatted his chest. “Nowthat’s an honor indeed!”
Ibit my lower lip. “AndIdon’t know ifIshould tell him.”
Achorus of “what” and “why not” followed.
“Becausehe doesn’t want this.”Imotioned in a vague direction outward. “He’sa single guy living a single life in the mountains.Hedoesn’t want to be saddled with a family here inSalem.”
“Youcan’tnottell him,”Pandorasaid.
“Heshould know,”Novaadded.
“Givehim a chance before you assume.”Lucaspointed to the side of his head. “Becausewe just went over what happens when we do that.”
Iexhaled.Theywere right.
Itook another sip of my tea. “Okay,I’lltell him.”Butthat was it.Hewould be the father of my child, butIwouldn’t be foolish enough to think that we could have anything more between us—not ifIwanted to avoid repeating past mistakes.
