Page 56 of Unexpected Forever
“Nate?”
“I’m good, thanks.”
Charley’s right when she says hospitality runs in her blood. Her mother is the consummate host as she offers snacks and tells us to take a seat.
But the slick, uneasy feeling in my gut is persistent.
“We’re just working on some final touches for the Memorial Day festival next weekend,” Stella says, sliding back on her stool, looking between me and Charley. “What are y’all up to?”
Charley shifts her feet and knots her fingers together at her waist. “I have some news.”
Stella’s smile stays in place, but it’s a practiced smile. “Good news, I hope.”
Charley tilts her head and looks over at me. “Yes. I think it is.”
There’s a twist in my chest and I want to pull her in next to me.
The ladies lean forward, waiting for her to continue. Charley licks her lips and blows out a breath.
“Nate and I…” She pauses. I take her hand in mine and squeeze. She sends me a grateful smile. “Well, we’re having a baby. I’m due in December.”
Shocked silence fills the sunny kitchen.
I give in to my urge and put an arm around Charley’s shoulders, pulling her close to me. I don’t think I need to protect her from her own family, but I want them to see that Charley and I—while complicated—are a team.
“We know it’s unexpected, seeing as we haven’t known each other for very long.” I meet Stella’s eyes, so much like her daughter’s. “But we’re going to work out this coparenting thing together.”
I look down at Charley and hold her stare as I say, “I don’t know what the future holds for us. But I promise I’ll take care of you.”
She blinks and I realize too late we’re still standing in front of other people. “Um…also, Charley’s moving in with me. I don’t want to miss anything while I can.”
“It’s just temporary,” Charley counters.
I try to keep my muscles from tensing up and the irritation at bay when I hear her comment.
“Mom?” Charley’s voice wavers as she steps away from me and toward her mom, taking her hand. “What are you thinking?”
I glance over to Grace and Amelia, who are watching their mom take a moment to process the bombshell.
I know how she feels.
Stella blinks and looks between us. Then her eyes water and she smiles. “I just have one thing to ask you,” Stella says, her stare intense as she looks at Charley. “Are you happy?”
Charley looks up at me before looking back at her mom. “Like Nate said, it’s unexpected and we have a lot to figure out. But yes, I’m happy. I can only hope I’m as good a mom as you.” Her eyes widen. “Oh no! I’m going to miss the family Thanksgiving trip! I’m so sorry, Mom.”
“Oh baby, don’t worry about that.”
“I want you guys to go, okay? Don’t cancel it because of me.”
“Are you sure?” Stella’s brow rises.
Charley nods quickly. “I’m positive.” She glances over her shoulder at me. “Nate will be with me.”
“Oh sweetie, I’m so happy for you!” Stella’s tears fall unchecked down her face. She wraps Charley in a hug that lasts several moments. When she releases her, she turns to me, opening her arms.
“Welcome to the family, Nate. We’re crazy, but we’ll always have your back.”
My heart pounds at the thought of having family backing me. People other than Megan. Why would they do that? They don’t even know me.
