Page 24 of Until Delilah

“Always,” is his simple answer.

“I’m worried about once the newness wears off and I get huge, he’ll come to his senses and realize what he’s started. Who wants a woman who’s got one kid and another on the way? That’s not sexy.”

Holding me by the arms, my dad looks back and forth from eye to eye. “That man fucked with you. I don’t know what he did, and it’s probably better that I never learn because I’m not sure I’d be able to hold back from doing something that would land me in jail.” He kisses my forehead and starts walking again. “You probably don’t want to hear this, but I’m going to tell you, anyway. There’s not been a moment when I didn’t find your mom sexy. It didn’t matter when she was days from giving birth to you and your sister.”

He’s right, I don’t want to hear it, but I do believe him. Growing up there wasn’t a day that went by that my dad didn’t show my mom how much he loved her and she, him.

“That’s different. I’m pregnant with some other asshole’s baby. What if he starts treating me differently once I start showing?”

“Then you leave and come to stay with us. Don’t stay with a man if he doesn’t appreciate you. I hope you learned that with Bradley.”

I nod because I did. “What if I’m not meant to have the same love you and mom have?”

“I don’t believe that for a second and you don’t either. You’re just scared. I wouldn’t tell you to give him a shot if I thought he’d hurt you. Let me get to know him while we’re here, and if I think he doesn’t think you’re the best thing he’s ever laid eyes on, I’ll drag you home.”

We both laugh, knowing he’d very well try. “I’ll wait to see if he gets your seal of approval before I hand over my heart.”

“Let’s go catch up with them, so I can start judging if he’s good enough for my daughter and grandson.”

I hug his arm and start to walk faster, knowing he’s slowed down his pace for me. With me being only five-foot-two, I don’t have the leg span he does.

It doesn’t take long for us to catch up. With the way my mom and Max are talking and laughing, you’d think they’d known each other for years instead of a matter of minutes. My dad moves to relieve my mom from swinging duty, and my mom falls back to walk by my side.

She smiles at me, “He’s nice.”

“I know, but isn’t this the worst timing?”

“Stop making excuses. All they do is hurt you and him. Be open to what he wants to give you.” Her advice is so simple.

“Does he get your seal of approval?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“He does, but your dad’s probably going to grill him the entire time we’re here.”

“And how long is that?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know. Are you ready to get rid of us already?”

“If it was up to me, you’d stay here forever.”

“Live here,” she scrunches her nose. “While it’s beautiful, you know how much I love the ocean. Maybe you can move closer to us.”

Maybe, but I doubt Max wants to be away from his family.

“We’ll see.” It’s all I can give her.

“I bet Beck was over the moon when he met you,” I hear my dad say.

Beck nods, looking happily up at his PopPop and Max.

“He’s my biggest fan, but I’ve got a secret, I think I’m his biggest fan. He’s an amazing kid.”

“I have to agree. He’s my favorite grandson.” My dad smiles down at Beck.

Beck looks up at him with confusion written all over his face. “I’m your only grandson.”

“I know,” my dad smiles down at him.

My mom narrows her eyes at me. “I know there’s more with Bradley, but don’t ever let another man keep you away from us. I don’t think we can take it. We’ve missed you so much.”

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