Page 57 of Home Run

My mom slowly put down her coffee. My dad put down his bagel, even though he’d been about to take a bite.

There was silence on the end of the line, which meant either the phone had cut out or Riley and Lucas had been stunned to silence for the first time ever. Both my parents looked at Holiday because, as widely agreed on the family group chat, she was the sensible one of the two of us.

“You knew?”

She nodded. “Yes. And I really like her. She’s a good girl, she’s been in our friend group for a year.”

Their heads shot back in my direction. “But she’s not your girlfriend?”

I shook my head. “No.”

“Is it your money she wants?” asked my dad, his brow furrowing deeply. “Buddy, we talked about this. We talked about being careful. Youknowgirls will try and trap you.”

“Tanner, who is she?” followed up Lucas.

“She’s not out for my money,” I assured them. “And we were careful, it was an accident. But I’m not going to lie and say I’m unhappy about it.”

“What does that mean?”

“I like her, I told you.”

My mom’s brows shot up. “Youwanther to be your girlfriend?”

“Since the day I met her.”

“And does this girl have a name?”

“Millie. It’s Millie.” I grinned, because I couldn’t helpit. It happened every time I said her name. “Millie Robinson.”

“And so, explain to me how she’s carrying your baby but she’s not your girlfriend? What? She thinks you’re not good enough?”

Holiday threw her head back with a laugh, right as Riley interrupted. “Mom, you just low-key accused her of wanting to be with Tanner for his money, and now saying he’s not good enough?”

“I didn’t say that.” She huffed. “Your father did.”

I held back the eye roll.

“I know it’s a lot to take in, I’m still getting used to it myself. But I’m really happy.” I reached for my wallet again. “And while Millie and I aren’t in a relationship right now, I’m working on it. You’ll be the first to know.”

“Can I be the first to say congratulations?” asked Riley.

“Me, too, bud. Congratulations. Welcome to the club,” added Lucas. “It’s about time something kicked your ass into gear.”

“Thanks for the support, Luke.”

“No problem, always here with advice for my little bro. But can I go now?”

“Yes.” I laughed.

Somehow he cut Riley off when he hung up, so it became just the four of us again.

“You wanna see the sonogram?”

I wasn’t expecting my mom to gasp quite so loudly, or for her eyes to fill with tears.

“Oh, Tanner.” She snatched it from my hand. “I can’t believe my baby boy is going to be a father. Don’t worry, we’ll get her as your girlfriend soon enough.”

I didn’t get a chance to worry about her final sentence, as my dad reached over and squeezed my shoulder, a small gesture weighted down with so much significance and emotion that I found myself choking back a ball of tears.

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