Page 68 of Protect My Heart
‘Whatever it is, it smells good,’ Mia says as we sit down at the long table reserved for the family.
‘It’s barbecue,’ Mom says. ‘Nick and Lyndsay’s favorite. There’s smoked brisket, chicken, pork and all the usual sides. I made the desserts. A little of everything.’
Sawyer and Brody return to the table, each holding a cup of beer.
‘Where’s mine?’ I ask.
‘What do you want?’ Sawyer says.
‘I’m joking. I’ll go get it.’
‘I can do it. I’m going back there anyway to get Dad’s.’
‘I’ll have the lager.’
He takes off.
‘So did you decide when you’re heading back?’ Mom asks Mia.
She looks at me. ‘I’m not sure yet.’
What does she mean? Did she change her mind about leaving tomorrow? I hope she did. Now that I know about the baby, I don’t want her to go. I want to spend more time with her. I need more than a couple days with the woman having my baby.
She asked if I’d move with her. It’s not what I want. I have a life here, a job, and my family. But if moving means being there for my kid, I might have to consider it.
Chapter 15
Mia
My alarm goes off at seven, the time I set it for when I thought I was going home today. Now I’m considering staying another day. Jason and I need more time to talk and I really like spending time with him.
We had a great time at the wedding reception last night, which I almost didn’t go to after accidentally dropping the bomb that I’m pregnant. I still can’t believe I did that, that I just blurted it out—and that Jason’s whole family heard me say it! The entire scene was a nightmare that could’ve been even worse if Jason’s family wasn’t so kind and understanding. Even his parents seemed okay with it, although I’m sure they’re not thrilled their son’s having a baby with a girl he’s not dating who’s moving away.
That’s what Jason’s most upset about—me moving away. I can tell he’s excited about being a dad, but he’s worried he won’t see the baby as much as he wants. I agree that’s a problem, but Idon’t know how to solve it. We’re both committed to living in our hometowns, close to our families.
A text pops up on my phone from Nora.What time are you leaving? Are we still going to brunch?
I text her back.I think I might stay.
My phone rings. It’s Nora.
‘Hey,’ I say, answering the call. ‘I probably won’t make it to brunch.’
‘Why? What happened?’
‘I told Jason.’
‘And? What did he say?’
‘Not much. I think he’s still in shock. His brother’s wedding was last night so we didn’t have much time to talk. That’s why I’m thinking of sticking around today.’
‘You told him at the wedding?’
‘I didn’t mean to. You won’t believe what happened.’ I tell her the story, then wait for her to respond.
She starts laughing.
‘Why are you laughing? It’s not funny. It was horrible.’
