Page 21 of Lone Star Longing
The woman, vaguely familiar to Beck and distasteful to his mother, if her expression was anything to go by, pulled a chair out and joined them without an invitation.
“Did I hear right about Lacey Davila? Isn’t she your home healthcare nurse? She’s expecting? I don't know these days, why these young people are so reluctant to do things in the right order. Get married first, then have your baby. And I guess she’ll be doing it by herself since that man of hers is overseas.”
“What’s going on, now?” Beck couldn’t stop himself from asking.
“She hasn’t said anything to me,” his mother said. “You must be mistaken. She’s not the kind to get herself in trouble like that.”
The woman gave his mother a look beneath her eyelashes. “You know it happens to all kinds. Yeah, that’s what I heard. Her dad told Marianne Skyler, all proud as a peacock that he’s going to be a grandpa, though I really don't think it’s his first time. Didn't Tanya have a baby a few years back? Of course, none of those kids come to see him, do they? Lacey’s the only one who has anything to do with him, which I don't think is right at all.”
Beck looked at his mother, whose mouth was twisted in disapproval.
“Don't you dare let her go because of this,” Beck said to his mom. “If it’s true, she’s going to need the income.”
“She won’t be able to work like she used to.”
“I can’t see her stopping, unless her health gets bad. Mom, don't judge her.” He knew his mother well enough to know this was exactly what she was doing. Damn, small towns sucked. People could be so small-minded.
And he focused on that, because he didn't want to face the disappointment that dropped his own gut, knowing Lacey was pregnant with another man’s child. He didn't even know another man was in the picture.
He shouldn’t think about her one way or another. He wasn't staying. Just because he thought she was cute, and pretty brave, actually, coming into his mother’s house with a gun when she didn't know what she’d find. Yeah, he’d thought that was hot as hell.
His usual type was carefree and no-strings-attached, the opposite of serious Lacey. He had no desire to get tied down, not to a girl, not to a place, especially not a place like this. Damn. He hated this town. Couldn't wait to get out of here. He didn't need to have sentiment for a pregnant nurse, who had a man anyway.
Irritated with himself, he pushed away from the table and approached the cluster of waitstaff standing by the drink station.
“Would it be possible to get someone to wait on us?” His sharp tone surprised even himself. What was he doing, getting so worked up about the news that Lacey was pregnant? He barely knew her, and he was taking his frustration out on some kids. He didn’t not want to be like his mother, taking her unhappiness out on everyone. Hell, he didn't even know what he was going to order, and now he had all these kids looking at him aghast.
Someone was bound to spit in his food now.
“Sorry. Just...we need something to drink, you know. A couple of waters at least.” He backed away, hands extended in front of himself, in apology.
See? This was what happened to him when he spent too much time with his mother. He started turning into her.
*****
“YOU DID WHAT?” LACEYdemanded of her father as he set the plate of rolls in front of her.
“I’m sorry. I was excited. I couldn't help myself.”
“Dad, telling Marianne Skyler is the same thing as putting a billboard up in the middle of town. The whole world is going to know by the time the sun sets.”
He plucked a roll from the plate and began to butter it. “Why is that terrible? I don't understand?”
She dropped into the chair across from him, too upset to even think about the food on the table. “Dad, I didn't want to tellyoubecause I was afraid of how you’d react. Everyone in town is going to judge me for making this mistake.”
“I’ve been thinking about it and I don't see it as a mistake, sweetheart. I see it as a blessing.” He set his knife across his plate and met her gaze.
Because she didn't want to forgive him just yet, she picked up a roll herself, and tore it in half. “And every church lady in town is going to say I’m a sinner for having a baby before I’m married.”
“Well, maybe you’ll get married.”
Just the idea of marrying Jesse and having to answer to him for all time put a knot in her stomach. She didn't see that as an option, or even as a comforting thought.
“I’m still processing this myself and now I have to deal with everyone’s questions and comments.”
“They’re going to realize sooner or later that you’re pregnant,” he pointed out. “Not something you can hide for long.”
She could have. She was accustomed to wearing scrubs, and they fit loosely. She had a plan. Now that was shot to hell because her father was excited.
