Page 52 of Pieces of Us
Marcus nods and picks up a piece of salmon roll. “What happens if Melonie dates?”
“I honestly don’t know. I don’t even want to think about that.”
“You can’t be the overprotective baby daddy. She’s going to want her freedom. And this won’t last forever. Eventually, one of the two of you will want to move out.”
The thoughts of how this situation would all end have run through my mind with multiple endings. There’s only one scenario where I don’t come out disappointed, but maybe I’m willing to risk the hurt in the long run for the short-term comfort of having Mel and the baby close.
I sigh. “I know.”
Marcus pats my back. “We’re here for you. Talk to us if you need to, and we’ll help keep you grounded.”
“Thanks, I will.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Melonie
My parents agreed to take the train from Philadelphia to Boston for the weekend. They arrived yesterday, but opted to see friends their first night in town and said they would see me Saturday for dinner.
I’m standing in front of the mirror in my bathroom, curling my last few strands of hair, when Linc arrives. We thought it would be best to go to the restaurant together. I rarely have anxious moments in life, but tonight my nerves are shot, hands are shaking, and I just want this night to be over.
My parents have always been loving; my siblings and I always had what we needed. My father is still practicing law, and my mother never worked a day of their marriage. I grew upa daddy’s girl, my logical mind connecting with his, but my mother and I usually butted heads, and she sometimes found me problematic. I—the girl who never got detention, got straight A’s, and got into a good college—caused the worst teenage angst-filled arguments. It was never really about my behavior. When I was a teen and in college, our disagreements would stem from how we viewed the world and how women should move through it.
With a weekly housekeeper and no career, my mother had a lot of time on her hands. She filled it with church, women’s groups and bible studies. While I believe in God and heaven, my views don’t necessarily align with my mothers. She lived what she called “biblical womanhood.” A woman should serve her husband and family, have babies, and work behind the scenes of the church. I know some women thrive in that lifestyle, and I would never judge another’s chosen path in life, but it was never for me. I wanted a career before marriage and children, wanted to be fulfilled with friends, family, and self-love before joining with a man for the rest of my life.
Now, I will sit across a table from her and tell her that not only am I pregnant, but I’ll be a single mom, be just roommates with the father, and once I return to work, the baby will be at a daycare. I’m a little thankful we’re doing this in a public place, so she has to remain slightly calm.
Once I decide that I’ve stalled as much as I can by curling the same five pieces of hair ten times, we leave for dinner. Linc and I get into his car, and he presses the button for the ignition, then pauses, turning to me.
“Okay, Mel, lay it all out. Tell me what we’re walking into here because, right now, I can feel the anxiety radiating off of you.”
I can’t look him in the eye. I’m afraid I’m going to scare him.
“I’m afraid of how my mother is going to take this. I have a feeling she’s going to cause a scene, and I’m afraid of what shewill say to you. She has a hard time with her filter when it comes to marriage and babies.”
“You’re a thirty-six-year-old woman, Mel.” He rubs the back of my hand. “I know your parent’s opinion matters, but we’re doing this our way. You’re allowed to live a life of your choosing. And don’t worry about me; she can say what she wants to me, and I’ll stay calm.”
I nod my head. “I know, but that doesn’t make me any less nervous about this conversation.”
“Do we need to stop and get you a fake engagement ring?” He smirks.
I bark out a laugh. “While she would love that, I don’t want to lie to her.”
“Well, then, we tell them, and I support you through the aftermath.”
We walk into the restaurant, and I see my parents at a table across the room. I wave, and Linc follows me to greet them.
My dad immediately gets up, smiling, and hugs me. My mom stays seated.
I close my eyes, finding the comfort of my dad’s arms around me. “Hi, Dad.”
“Melonie, how are you? You brought a friend?”
“I’m good.” I motion to Linc. “Mom, Dad, this is Linc. Linc, my parents, Sam and Elenor.”
Linc shakes my dad’s hand. “Mr. and Mrs. Evans, so nice to meet you.”
My mom looks him up and down with a grin. “Linc, nice to meet a gentleman friend of Melonie’s.”
