Page 115 of A Good Book

“It’s a long story, but she wanted to tell me first, and it took a while for her to get that message to me. She doesn’t know I’m telling you this or asking for her hand in marriage. I’m doing it because I don’t want her subjected to more stress than necessary. When she comes home for summer, I don’t want her scared out of her mind to tell you and risk anything happening to the baby. So if you need to yell at someone, let it be me. I can take the lectures, the anger, the disappointment, but I won’t let you dump it on her.”

Pastor Jacobson frowned, so I cleared my throat and finished by saying, “sir,” so he didn’t feel disrespected despite the news that I impregnated his youngest daughter.

When did this happen?

Janet, Gabby’s mom, wrote.

“When did she get pregnant?” I clarified, realizing I made it sound like something Gabby did all on her own.

However, “When did I have sex with your daughter?” or “When did I knock her up?” didn’t feel right either.

Janet nodded.

“Christmas break,” I said. Did that mean the birth of Jesus made us horny?

What are your plans? How are you going to support Gabby and the baby?

Pastor Jacobson wrote.

“Well, Sir, I had a lot of time to think about this on the drive home. And I want to support Gabby in whatever she wants to do. If she wants to stay in school, I’ll move to Michigan and work nights and weekends to support us so I can be with the baby during the day when she’s at school. If she wants to move back to Devil’s Head to be near family, then I will work here.”

My dad held up his notepad.

You have derailed your life and hers.

“I know, and I’m sorry about that, but I can’t change it no matter how disappointed or angry anyone is about it.”

My mom said something to Gabby’s mom, and she replied while digging a tissue from her purse. Then Pastor Jacobson’s lips moved, but my dad just stared at me with disappointment in his eyes.

I wanted to know what they were saying, but I refrained from speaking until Pastor Jacobson wrote:

We need to talk to Gabby.

“Of course, sir. However, I’d like to let her know I talked to you, so she’s not blindsided.”

Janet shook her head and scribbled.

She really doesn’t know you’re telling us?

“No, ma’am.” I contemplated sharing more, like how I wasn’t sure Gabby would marry me since she didn’t even want to speak to me.

I have never felt so disappointed in you as I do right now. Poor Gabby.

My mom delivered her message with a few tears.

Admittedly, it was irresponsible and dumb. But in all fairness, I pulled out.

“Yes, ma’am.” I nodded. “But I’ve always wanted to marry her and have a family with her. I also wanted the ability to hear for the rest of my life. Plans change. Life happens. I can’t undo anything even with a million sorrys. So I’m doing my best by taking responsibility. I’m learning sign language. I’ve bought Gabby books on pregnancy and taken her healthy meals and snacks. I’m going to see if I can get more time off work to be back for her next OB appointment. I’ll take all the blame. Just please, don’t be mad at Gabby.”

Janet stood and stared at me. I half-expected her to slap my face. Instead, she hugged me. I hesitated for a few seconds before embracing her. As I stared at Pastor Jacobson over her shoulder, I didn’t get the vibe that he was next in line for a hug.

* * *

As soon aswe arrived home, I sprinted upstairs and waited for Tillie, who took her sweet time.

“I need you to call Gabby and tell her I need her to listen to me. Then I need you to write down what she says.”

Tillie crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at me for a few seconds before brushing past me and sitting at my desk.

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