Page 89 of Consummation

Kat looks utterly appalled. “Jeez, this isn’t some kind of corporate acquisition, Dad. I’m notchattel.” She turns her gaze on me, her eyes blazing. “You don’t need to call yourlawyer, Josh—our relationship is between you and me. We don’t need legal documentation.”

“I’m not talking about yourrelationship—I’m talking about the child,” Kat’s dad says. “I’m talking about securing my grandchild’s future and therefore yours.”

Kat shoots an icy glare at her father. “With all due respect, it’s none of your business, Dad. Josh has promised to take care of the baby and that’s his only obligation as far as I’m concerned. He owes me absolutely nothing. Our relationship will rise or fall, just like anyone else’s, whether we have a piece of paper making us official in the eyes of the government or not.” Oh man, she’s ramping up into full terrorist-mode. “You and mom don’t realize how unique you are. Saying marriage vows doesn’t guarantee anyone a happily ever after, Dad. Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce—did you know that? The piece of paper doesn’t guarantee a damned thing. In fact, the divorce rate’s the highest among couples who married for no other reason than an accidental pregnancy.” She sniffs. “So no thanks to that.”

“Kat, don’t get all riled up—” Kat’s father begins. But, surely, he must know his words are pointless. Kat’s already riled up and she’s not even close to coming down.

“Josh and I have talked about it, Dad. We don’t believe in marriage for the sake of marriage. All that matters is that Josh is gonna be a father to this baby—which he’s promised to be,” she continues, her head held high. “The rest will take care of itself. We’ll just live in the moment and do our best, which is all anyone can do,anyway, whether they’ve got a piece of paper or not. I don’t even want to get married, to tell you the truth. The idea of it freaks me out. I’d much rather stay because I want to stay and go if I want to go.” She’s practically panting. Damn, apparently her father hit a nerve. Jesus. The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

“Kat, you’re flying off the handle. I was just—”

“No, I’m not. You’re butting in where you don’t belong, Dad. I’m twenty-four. And Josh isthirty.”

I don’t particularly like the way Kat just said my age. She said it like I’m older than the hills.

“And we’ve decided, after discussing it like reasonable adults, that we don’t want to get married. It’s just not for us. In fact, I wouldn’t even say yes if Josh proposed this very minute at this table—I really wouldn’t.”

I make a face of surprise. Is she serious?

“And do you know why?” Kat asks, forging right ahead, breathing hard. “Because I don’t want to get married for the sake of a kid and nothing more. That’s just a recipe for unhappiness and I’m not about to—”

“Kitty,” Kat’s mom says sharply, shutting Kat up. “Honey, you need to stop now.Please.”

Kat’s mouth is hanging open. Her chest is heaving. Her eyes are bugging out.

Kat’s mom strokes Kat’s cheek, obviously trying to calm her batshit crazy daughter down. “Honey, your father and I support you, one hundred percent. Don’t we, Thomas?”

“Of course.”

“Now see?” Louise exhales loudly. “Good lord, Kat.”

Kat takes a seat and so do I.

“Goodness gracious,” Louise says, moving back to her chair on the other side of the table. “You get so riled up sometimes, honey.”

Ryan chuckles.

“I’m sorry,” Kat’s dad says. “You’re right. You’re both adults. It’s none of my business. I was just looking out for you. But it’s your life. I’m sorry.” He sighs and puts his hand on his forehead. “I was just trying to help.”

Kat lurches around the table and into her father’s arms and he hugs her.

“You’re sure you’re okay, honey?” he whispers.

Kat nods into his chest. “I was scared at first but now I’m happy and excited. And Josh is amazing, Dad. You’ll see. I love him so much, Dad.”

“I was just looking out for you because I love you so much.”

“I know, Daddy. I know.”

I clutch my chest. I’ve never seen a father behave like this with his kid. This is straight out of a movie. He told her he loves her—even after she told him she royally fucked up. And now he’s hugging her and kissing her cheek, showering her with fatherly affection? Wow.This is the kind of father I’m gonna be,I think.Just like this.

“Okay,” Kat’s father says. He kisses his daughter’s cheek again. “I’m glad you’re happy. Just wait. You’re gonna love this baby more than you ever thought possible—and so will we.” He looks at me. “I’m sorry, Josh. I didn’t mean to butt in where I’m not wanted and I certainly didn’t mean to imply you were gonna shirk your obligations as a father. I’m just not used to this new way of doing things, I guess.” He smiles ruefully at his wife and she flashes him a sympathetic face. “I’m too old-fashioned for my own good sometimes.”

“You don’t have to worry about Josh’s intentions,” Kat says. “Babe, show my dad your arm.” She addresses her dad. “Josh got a girlfriend-tattoo in my honor.”

I know Kat means well, but, at this particular moment, hearing Kat call my permanent declaration of love for her a “girlfriend-tattoo” feels like she just called me a flop-dick.

“Show ’em,” Kat says. “Wait ’til you see this, Dad—then you’ll understand how much Josh loves me.”

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