Page 7 of Abby

“Okay,” I say, and rub her arm. “Why don’t we list out the pros and cons and then talk about what we are both feeling?”

She nods and takes a breath. “If we keep the baby… It’s going to be a lot of work. And I’m worried that it will cause problems with me running the shop. And, well… You’re only nineteen, Jake. Do you want this kind of responsibility before you’ve had a chance to live your life?”

I stay silent for a moment.

“If we don’t keep the baby,” I say slowly. “We’ll always wonder what they would’ve been like. What they would’ve looked like. What kind of parents would we be together?”

She pulls away and turns to look at my face. “But don’t you want to have freedom while you’re still young?”

I laugh. “Abs, you act like you’re an old woman. You’re only twenty-three; shouldn’t you be asking yourself that question?”

She shakes her head and moves on to her next point. “Babies are expensive. And my place is not big enough. What would we do about finances and our living situation if we did keep it?”

“I love my job, but you’re right, my pay at the coffee shop won’t cut it. If we keep the baby, I’m going to get serious about my career path, and I’ll support you the best I can. As for our living situation, whatever you want is what we’ll do. I only want you to be happy.”

“Be honest with me, Jake. Do you want to be with me? Like, long term? Can you see yourself having children with me?”

I take a moment to consider her question seriously. She deserves that from me. I think about her again, pregnant and glowing, a baby in her arms, coming home to a family with her. Yes. I can see it, and God, I want it.

“Yes. I want this, Abby. I… I love you.”

Her breath catches. “Really?” She asks softly. I nod, and she throws her arms around me. “I love you too,” she says. “I want it too.”

***

Riley comes back later that afternoon, and we sit her down to tell her our decision. She’s hesitant because of the newness of our relationship, but we are firm in our decision.

“Right,” she says. “I’m moving back home then.”

“What?” Abby squeaks, staring wide-eyed at her sister.

“Look, Abs,” Riley begins. “You and Shay are going to need help at the shop, and you are going to need help with the baby. Kids are a shit ton of work. I’d much rather be here where I can help you guys,” she grins. “Besides, New York is getting old anyway. Time for a change of scenery.”

My heart warms. I love that Abby is so close to her sisters. There are tears in her eyes when she throws her arms around Riley, thanking her over and over again.

Next on their list is letting Shay know what’s happening. So, we invite her and Liam over for dinner. She is shocked to hear Riley is in town but thrilled to see her. Riley cooks a spicy green curry, something Abby requested, and we all sit around the table enjoying the company.

“So, we have news,” Abby begins. She bites her lips nervously, and I take her hand under the table, offering my silent support. “I’m pregnant. And we’ve decided to keep the baby.”

The room goes quiet. Shay’s mouth drops open, and she stares from Abby to me and back again. “You’re pregnant?” She shrieks and flies around the table to press her hands against Abby’s stomach.

“Shay,” Abby laughs. “I’m only a month along; you aren’t going to feel anything yet.”

“You’re having a baby! Oh, my God, this is incredible!”

Liam reaches over and claps me on the back. “Congratulations, man.” He grins, and I find myself smiling back, happy that they took the news so well.

After dinner, we settle in the living room, and Riley loudly announces that she’ll be moving back home in a couple of months to help out.

“This is awesome!” Shay yells. “We’ve been talking about hiring someone else anyways; keeping it in the family is going to be great.”

After that, we wind down, and everyone clears out. I can tell Abby is exhausted when she sees her sisters out.

“I have to head home; I’ve got work early in the morning, and my uniform is there.” I pull her in and give her a long kiss. Abby smiles and bids me goodnight. We will take things one step at a time, starting with making sure she has everything she needs.

10

Abby

---