Page 29 of Snake's Fate

“He knew where to find those girls' father the whole time and never told him he had kids. That makes him an asshole in my book!”

I look at her with my mouth hanging open.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t know by looking at my beautiful granddaughters that Hank wasn’t their father? Please give me some credit.” She huffs, stalking over to take a mug from me and pour her own cup.

“I wish you had told me that you knew. There were times I felt so alone because of it.”

“Baby girl, I didn’t say anything because you and Hank seemed determined to make the lie stick. If anything, I’m going to stick by my own flesh and blood even if I think she is in the wrong.”

Fixing my own cup, I grab the creamers from the fridge and carry them over to the table, taking a seat across from my mom.

“Now, tell me what made you so upset when I called you three days ago.”

Taking a deep breath, I puff out my cheeks and look to the ceiling as if the answers to all my problems were written up there before looking back at my mother.

“I’m pregnant.” I say it quickly, picking up my own coffee and taking a swig.

I should have remembered that coffee tastes like shit when pregnant for some reason and I spit it back into the mug in front of me. Mom starts laughing at the look on my face.

“This is so not funny.” I finally say, wiping my mouth.

“It actually is from my view point and trust me, you’ll laugh about it one day too.” She pats my hand. “I’m assuming you’ve still not told Gabe about the girls?”

I shake my head in answer. “Gah, when did my life get so complicated?”

“About twelve years ago. Going on thirteen soonish.”

“That’s not helpful.” I say flatly.

“Look, what are you worried about, really?” She asks.

“Well, that he’ll hate me for not finding a way to track him down and tell him about the girls.”

“Does he know that you didn’t know where he was until you ran into him by happenstance?”

I shake my head in the affirmative.

“He also knows that Hank called him many times over the years. Has it not occurred to you that Hank was afraid to lose all of you if he told you or Gabe the truth?” She asks.

“I’ve not thought about it like that. And who’s to say I would have left him?” I counter.

“Wouldn’t you have?” Mom raises one brow at me as she gets up from the table.

“I’m going outside to see what the girls are building and look around at this magnificent view.” She kisses the top of my head on her way out.

Mom always has a way to challenge the way I think about any situation in a way that demands that I ask more questions.

Maybe it’s time I call that lawyer back that’s been handling Hank’s financial affairs.

Besides, I need to know how the girl's portion of his life insurance will be paid out when it comes time for them to go to college.

Picking up my own mug, I set it in the sink and watch the girls through the window as they explain what they’re building to my mom.

Feeling so much better than I have in days, I go to the bathroom and dig out the pregnancy test from the back. With a smile on my face, I carry it to my room and place it on my nightstand.

There’s no way I’m going to regret this child. Regardless of what happens, I’m going to love it with my entire heart. Deep down I know that Gabe will as well. I’m just not sure if he could ever love me after he learns the truth though.

That’s what scares me the most right now.

---