“Of course, Paul. Like you even need to ask that of me.” Beck’s voice is incredulous. “I swear I’ll take care of them and treasure them from this day until my last day.”
I watch with happy tears as the two most important men in my life clasp hands and then pull one another into a hug, sandwiching me between them. “It’ll be okay,” I tell myself. For the first time since finding out that I’m pregnant, I feel that everything will be fine. It may take a while for us to all find steady footing, but we will get there.
“Well,” my dad starts before leaning back. “I think I need to go talk to my attorney and start getting used to living alone again.” He looks bereft—completely lost—and I hate seeing him like that. It’s too close to how he was after Mom died. Despite how much of a bitch Jean has been to me, he loved her. They were partners for a few years; this has to hurt.
“I love you, Daddy.” I stretch up onto my tiptoes and kiss his cheek and put on my bravest smile. My baby will be a wonderful distraction for him, I hope. “You’re going to spoil this little one rotten, aren’t you?” I ask.
He smiles, a dimple popping into view beyond the edge of his salt and pepper colored goatee. “I do not spoil. I merely take to heart my duties in dream-fulfillment.”
Beck barks out a laugh and tries to disguise it as a cough. “I’ll remember that, Grandpa.”
It’s my turn to laugh, and I tease Beck by calling him that as well. “Tasha and I are probably due within days of each other.” It’s a reminder of the conversation I need to have with her.
“I’m way too young to be a grandfather,” Beck complains.
My father merely arches a brow, and I know what he’s going to say before he even opens his mouth. I beat him to the punch: “Pot, meet Kettle. You have a lot in common.” My creative wheels whirl to life as new sculptures and paintings spark in my imagination: pots and kettles turned into photo frames for ultrasound images and first baby pictures.
They part with a strong handshake and promise to kick each other’s asses during the next poker night. Guys’ night. I’ll have to get used to them being friends. Maybe someday it won’t be weird.
“Lia, I…Um… Well, I won’t expect you home tonight. You two probably have a lot to talk about with you having a baby together and all.” Dad scratches the back of his head and gives us an awkward glance. “I am not going to think about any of what you staying over there entails. You’re still my baby girl. Tomorrow, though, let’s have lunch; okay? You can help me bag up Jean’s stuff for the thrift store.”
Inside, I’m bouncing with the thought of getting all her crap out of our home, but I also know that Dad does not need to see my excitement. Maybe I can get one of her power walking outfits to create an effigy to burn…
I agree to my dad’s lunch offer, accept his kiss on my cheek, and let out the breath I hadn’t known I was holding. It whistles past my teeth, releasing most of the tension that I’ve held inside since Beck and I first kissed in his garage. One down; one to go. “Beck, I should go tell Tasha. It really needs to come from me, and our news will be all over the web soon.” Part of me wants to pawn this off on Beck and play the “she’s your daughter” card, or even have him come with me, but that’s my fear and anxiety talking. She’s my best friend; I have to do this.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Beck’s arms provide all the safety I could ever dream of, making it hard to convince myself that now is the right time versus waiting until morning. I nod and let him hold me for a few more moments. “Do you think I could sweet talk you into staying over tonight?” His breath is warm and teasing along my ear, and I lean into him until the caress becomes a kiss on my temple. “I would love to see you in my bed and actually wake up with you in my arms.”
My pussy tightens with memories of fucking outside, and I realize that he’s really mine. It will take a while for this to sink in. This isn’t just a fling; I’m actually with Beck. “We do have my dad’s approval,” I suggest. Dropping my voice to a whisper, I add, “and it might be nice to actually end up in a bed instead of on the roof or over your desk.”