Page 46 of More Than Enough

Elizabeth said she’d take a lemonade, and Jessica wanted a beer also. Chad gave Jessica a quick peck on the cheek.

“I’ll find y’all out back at the food court.” He turned and walked away leaving the girls alone.

Jessica linked her arm through Elizabeth’s, and they went to find an empty table.

The food court was bustling with activity. Elizabeth and Jessica enjoyed people watching and commenting on some of the things they saw. The area around them was a great place to be in the early fall. The weather was perfect and lots of families were taking advantage of the last bit of the long daylight hours.

As they were laughing at a group of little boys who were running around fighting with balloon swords, Elizabeth’s phone buzzed. The text she read sent nerves running up her spine and all over her body.

Looking at Jessica, she picked up her phone, and showed her the text. “He’s here.”

She answered him, letting him know where they were sitting. About the same time, Chad came over with their drinks, sat down, and noticed the panicked look on Elizabeth’s face.

“I’m guessing he’s here.” Jessica answered him with a nod.

“There he is.” Jessica and Chad followed Elizabeth’s gaze.

Jessica recognized him from the description Elizabeth gave her earlier. Her eyes became thoughtful and curious as she watched the handsome guy walk across the court.

It was obvious when he found Elizaeth in the crowd. His face lit up, and his step quickened toward them.

Brady looked hot as usual. His khaki shorts, untucked black button-up shirt, and loafers looked casual and comfortable. He walked with confidence and had a drink in his hand. He must have stopped inside also for a beer before looking for Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, watching him as he approached, felt that familiar quickening of her heart as their eyes met. She forgot she always had that reaction when she saw him. It caught her by surprise.

She smiled in response to his gaze and slightly tilted her head as she studied him. She was about to jump out of her seat to go meet him, but paused, remembered the extension of her belly, and sat back down slowly. Her confident expression was replaced with nerves.

Brady noticed the change and slowed a little, concern crossing his features. Elizabeth looked over at Chad and Jessica for support. Jessica gave her a slight nod and Chad told her she looked great, and she had this.

Brady approached the table. She liked what she saw. Graduation brought out the best in him. She could tell he spent a lot of time out in the sun, as his hair was sun-kissed with natural highlights, and his skin was dark.

He smiled at her, a wide amazing smile. This was the encouragement Elizabeth needed, and she stood up, with confidence. She knew she looked good and was glad she chose the yellow dress. It accented her hair and tanned skin.

She walked around the table and approached Brady. He was looking into her eyes and put his arms out toward her when he glanced down.

He paused slightly and took a small step back. He ran his hands through his hair, scrunching up his eyes in thought. The shock of seeing her belly was apparent. Elizabeth reached him and without pausing, pulled him into a hug. When they released each other, she quickly introduced Jessica and Chad, who stood up and greeted him, then quickly excused themselves to go for a walk.

Brady and Elizabeth were left alone. She invited him to sit down.

“Is this what you needed to talk to me about?” Brady gestured toward her.

Elizabeth nodded at him, her stomach fluttered with nerves, but she was determined to hold his gaze and not back down. “I’m due around Thanksgiving. Two more months.”

Brady looked at her. He seemed to be studying her face while he was deep in thought, contemplating what she just said and what his eyes couldn’t deny. They sat in silence for a bit, both sipping their drinks. Elizabeth watched him to see if she could read anything in his expression.

It was apparent that Brady wanted to say something but was holding back, so she broke the silence. “Look, Brady, I know this is awkward, and I’m sure you have questions. Let me answer one now. My due date is around November 24th, that means this baby was conceived around February 17th. February was our month. You were the only one I was seeing and sleeping with.”

She paused and made eye contact with him. “Do you remember? It was around the Valentine ‘s Day Formal. We were being exclusive. Trying it out. I promise at that time it was only you. February, the entire month, was only you.”

Brady became quiet and thoughtful. Elizabeth studied his eyes and could see him getting uncomfortable, so she continued before she lost him.

“Look, I wasn’t going to tell you about this. I don’t expect you to do anything, and I won’t force you to. You’re the father, and I needed you to know.”

Still no response just a blank stare. “That’s it. I promise. You don’t need to take responsibility. I don’t want you to feel obligated. My parents and I will do everything. I’ll never ask anything of you.”

Brady looked up at her. His face became blank, and he pressed his thumb and middle finger against the bridge of his nose. He sat up straighter putting his other hand up interrupting her.

“Wait a minute, Elizabeth. Just wait. Let me understand this. I’m still a little in shock and need to wrap my head around things. Give me a minute.”

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