Page 45 of The Hermit on the Hill

She waved a hand. "I've had a few dizzy spells. It's just a sign of age, but you kids all worry about me like I'm in my eighties and not a healthy, capable woman in my…" She glanced at Sam. "Well, younger than my eighties."

I'd have to talk to Aubrey about Mom's health. My mother had never confided in me, and I wouldn't push her to do so now. "We're here about us, actually."

Mom flinched as though I'd struck her. "Jenna, please tell me you aren't dating this man. I can't imagine he charmed you, but I have to tell you he is not who he seems. He—"

"I'm pregnant." The words burst from me like a geyser. I just couldn't stand the anticipation any longer. Also, I'd noticed Sam's lips twitching like Mom's abuse amused him, and I didn't want to hear what he had to say. "Sam is the father."

Mom stared, completely shocked. "How? I mean when? How long have you two been—"

"We met at a conference at the university here five months ago," Sam said. "We've been doing the long distance thing until recently. Jenna is five months pregnant." He took my hand in his. The period on the entirely false story he'd made up without discussing it with me first.

my breath and hoped my mother didn't know about May's photograph, Sam stealing from me, or my brothers attempting to syrup and feather him. I'd deal with Sam and his lie later, but I refused to fight with him in front of my mother. He was going to be in my son's life and I wanted him to have a good relationship with my family.

Mom looked at me, lips pursed like she'd just tasted a lemon. "Why didn't you tell me about this? I didn't even know you were dating anyone."

Whew, apparently she didn't know the whole story. I'd have to make sure my brothers kept their giant mouths shut.

"Sam and I weren't that serious, and I wanted to tell him first. I have pictures of the baby if you want to see them."

"So you're going to get married?" Mom asked.

"No. We're not going to get married. Sam and I have put our personal relationship on the back burner so we can focus on what's best for our baby."

"A baby should have two parents, Jenna. I—" Mom put her hands on the desk, palms flat, and pressed her lips together. "Congratulations, Jenna. Sam. I'm thrilled to have another grandbaby on the way. Is there anything you need?"

"We've got it under control."

"Good. When do you start at the university? Will you have maternity leave?"

"Of course." Admitting to my mother all the ways I'd screwed up was not an option. "You have nothing to worry about. All you need to do is get ready to be a grandma again."

She smiled, finally. "You said you're having a little boy?"

"We are." I pulled the ultrasound pictures from my bag and slid them across the table. Mom spent several long moments looking at the photos, tracing the shape of our baby without actually touching the image.

When she looked up and passed the photos back to me, there were tears in her eyes. "He's just perfect, honey. Congratulations."

"Thank you. I'm due on January third."

"That's so soon. We need to plan a shower for you. Maybe for early October? Better to have it sooner than to have to compete with busy holiday schedules."

"I don't need a shower. Sam and I have everything we need for the baby."

"So, will you be living together?"

"We are for now. As roommates and not as a couple. Sam—"

"I want to be involved in every moment of our son's life," Sam said, his voice gruff. "Jenna is welcome to stay with me as long as she wants so that I can support her in whatever ways she and our son need. I know you and I haven't always had the best relationship and I'm willing to accept some of the blame for that. I—"

"Someof the blame? You said an elderly woman like me shouldn't be running an inn."

"And you said I was a thug looking to make a quick buck by buying up property and selling it to developers who will ruin Catalpa Creek. We misjudged each other. I'm willing to apologize for the things I said if you are. I'd like to start over."

"Fine," Mom said. "I'm willing to withhold judgment for my grandson's sake."

"I appreciate that."

Neither of them actually apologized, but I didn't ruin the moment by pointing that out. I pushed back my chair and stood. "You're busy, Mom. I won't keep you from work."

---