Page 47 of Unpredictable

Mrs. Davenport gasps as Victoria squeezes my hand.

“We would love to have your support in this new chapter in our life,” I add.

The whole time, Mr. Davenport doesn’t even flinch. He stares me in the eye. After moments of silence, he speaks up, “Son, do you plan to marry my daughter?”

“Dad!” Victoria gasps.

I respond immediately. “I would love nothing more than to marry your daughter right here and right now. However, that’s not my decision, as much as I wish it was. That’s a decision that Victoria will make. With all due respect, it’sherdecision. If she decides that she doesn’t want to marry me, I will still be here for her and our child. No matter what, she’s my number one priority. Well, her and our child.”

“Victoria, what do you have to say on this matter?” He doesn’t look at his daughter, instead choosing to keep his eyes on me.

I can feel the sweat pooling on my body, but I know he’s looking for a weakness. I can’t show him one, otherwise he might make this harder on both of us.

“I’m not ready to get married,” she whispers.

Only one thing could make me back down from him in this moment.

I hear her small hiccup. Tearing my eyes from her father, I pull her chin up so I can meet her gaze. “Baby, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay.” I take my other hand from hers, wiping her tears away as I press my forehead to hers.

“They’re so disappointed in me. He can’t even look at me.”

“That’s not it at all. He’s showing me he means business.” Turning her to face her father, who now has a softer expression, I address him, “Isn’t that right, sir?”

“Victoria, that had nothing to do with you.” He stands up and comes around to kneel next to his daughter. “I am so proud of the woman you have become. Is this what you want? What you really want?”

She reaches down, grabbing my hand. “Not for one second did I question if I want this. It might not be at the best time, but I think this was meant to happen. This baby is my whole life now.”

“If you’re happy, then I am. I won’t say that I wish it had happened later or when you were in a better place, but life happens when it happens. What have I always told you?”

She smiles. “Embrace every curve life throws at you. They might slow you down, but don’t let it stop you. There’s always a paradise waiting on the other end.”

“That’s my girl.” He pulls her in for a hug, so I let her go to him.

I look over to Mrs. Davenport and see tears in her eyes. She meets my gaze before giving me a small smile. I give her one back. Then she mouths to me, “Everything will be okay.” Then she winks.

I give her a big smile this time. I’ve been saying the same thing to Victoria for the past two weeks. I didn’t realize how much I needed those same words to be directed at me.

Pulling back, Victoria looks over to her mother. “Mom?”

“Oh, honey, is this why you have been so pale recently? You know, us Covingtons have the worst morning sickness.”

“We do?” Victoria’s voice cracks.

“We do. I think you and I need to go have a private chat about all the things you can expect to come. Come on, let me pass on my infinite wisdom to you.”

Victoria looks over to me with tears in her eyes, as if asking if I will be okay without her.

“Go, baby, I’ll be right here when you come back.” Leaning in, I kiss her cheek.

“Thank you,” she whispers before rushing into her mother’s embrace as they leave the room.

“I’m not happy about this, son. She’s too young to be a mother. What were you thinking?”

I turn back to face Mr. Davenport. “We didn’t plan it. It just happened. I meant what I said though. I love your daughter. I have for a long time now.”

“How do you know what love is?”

I stutter, “Sir?”

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