Page 13 of The Jackpot Screwer
We stood in silence and it must only have been for a few seconds but felt like hours as my dad watched me carefully; his inquisitive blue eyes searching my face.
“I know we brought you up to be responsible,” he finally said. “So, I hope you’re asking me how to get Bronte to see that.”
I nodded. “Yes sir. Exactly that.”
“Good boy.” He pulled me into a hug and his large hand patted my back. “Congratulations.”
“You’re not angry at me?” I asked as he gave me a tight squeeze.
He pulled away from me and shook his head. “Not going to lie, I think you’re an idiot for not tying Lance down about the partnership first. You should have settled your future before bringing another life into this world. And I’m sure you know that Jim and Darcy won’t be happy that you got their little girl in the family way.”
“Yeah, I know.” My heart thudded as I thought about that conversation. I loved Bronte, but our situation didn’t bode well for us making things work. Her parents were probably going to quite rightly pitch a fit about it. “I want us to be a family, Dad.”
“Bronte’s not so keen though?” Dad moved over to his chair and indicated for me to take a seat on the couch. “Did you do something for her to doubt you?”
“No! I love her, I want this.” I thought about the conversations we’d had since she’d told me the news. “Maybe I haven’t always said the right thing to her, but I’ve made it clear I want us to do it together.”
“Seems like not saying the right things has finally caught up with you then.” He rolled his eyes. “I love you more than life, Carter. But sometimes, son, you’re a damn idiot whose mouth shoots off before his damn brain has engaged.”
He wasn’t wrong.
“So, any advice?” I asked, not wishing to dwell on my stupid mouth.
“First off you need to prove to her you're serious about actually being an adult. First thing in the morning, you speak to Lance about the partnership and if he tries to put you off then maybe you should consider setting up on your own.”
I blew out a breath. “Shit, Dad, that’s a lot of responsibility.”
“Yeah, well that’s what being a parent is all about, son. You have to provide for your family. If Lance isn’t willing to give you that then you have to have a plan B.”
“And getting myself into debt to set up my own practice is a good plan B?”
He considered me for a few seconds and then nodded. “Yeah, it is. If that’s what you decide, then Mom and I will help you out with a loan. We have savings and some shares that we can cash in.”
“No, no way. That’s yours’ and Mom’s retirement fund. I’m not taking that from you.”
“Well, we ain’t retiring yet, no matter how old you think we are. Besides,” he said leaning forward and resting his arms on his knees. “We have enough for both.”
My eyes went wide. I had no idea my folks were so well off. Then again, Dad had realized at an early age how your future could change at the snap of an ACL. He’d evidently made sure since then that his family would be okay, no matter what happened.
“As for Bronte, you just have to keep telling her how you feel and that you want this baby. Keep telling and showing her and eventually, if she loves you, she’ll come around. She does love you right?”
If he’d asked me that a couple of weeks before I’d have said yes, but recently I wasn’t so sure.
“I think so,” I answered with a heavy weight in my chest. “I think maybe being pregnant has clouded her judgment a little.”
“Believe me son, do not say that to her. Never tell a woman that hormones are making her crazy.” He studied me, realization dawning on his face. “Oh fuck, Carter, you idiot.”
“I guess you’re right about my mouth shooting off before my brain has kicked in.”
“Okay,” Dad said and pinched the bridge of his nose. “First speak to Lance and at least try and show your pregnant ex-girlfriend that you’re attempting to be an adult.”
“Oh my God, I’m going to be a grandma!”
Mom came rushing into the living room wearing just a robe and a huge damn smile on her face.
“Mom,” I cried. “Have you been listening in?”
Ignoring my question, she rushed over and practically threw herself at me, wrapping her slim arms around my neck.
