55

Becca  felt the urge to say yes. She wanted to, to throw her arms around Dave and tell him that marrying him was exactly what she wanted. But as much as she knew they belonged together, she couldn’t ignore the doubts gnawing at her. The future was uncertain, and as much as marrying Dave would solve some of their problems, it would also raise new ones. The scandal at the college would likely get worse, but maybe with rings on their fingers, people would look at them differently.

The silence in the room stretched, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Becca  wanted to marry Dave out of love, not obligation. She could feel the weight of his sincere gaze on her, and the memory of their time together in her bedroom flashed in her mind. But this proposal had been spur of the moment—no ring, no long-term planning. And Carrie’s words about Dave’s emotional detachment made her question his true intentions. Was he really in love with her, or was this just a way of making a statement?

Before she could respond, Carrie shot up from her seat, full of energy. She crossed the room and hugged Becca  tightly, squealing with joy. “I’m going to be a grandmother!” she exclaimed, and Becca  had to laugh through the pressure in her chest. “How far along are you?”

“Six weeks,” Becca  replied, managing a smile for her dad, who was watching closely. “I was supposed to wait to tell anyone, but I wanted you to know.”

Carrie, thrilled by the news, hugged her again and couldn’t stop talking about how it was always recommended to wait before sharing the news.

Dave, still kneeling, stood up. Evan  and Cole joined him, and the tension in the room shifted, though it remained palpable. Becca ’s dad, Harold, was still processing everything, unsure whether he should be angry or proud. Becca  understood. It was all so unexpected.

Carrie’s bubbly personality helped break the ice, and she guided Becca  toward her dad. “Tell her congratulations, Harold. There’s nothing we can do now. We have to accept it and move forward.”

Harold gave Becca  a tight hug but pulled back quickly, holding her at arm’s length. “Are you happy?”

Becca  met his gaze, trying to convey the truth in her eyes. “It’s confusing right now, especially with everything they might lose, but I’m happy. I’ve never been happier, Dad.”

He took his time, his jaw clenching as he thought it over. It was clear he was processing, as he always did, weighing everything carefully. “If you’re happy, then I’ll try to accept this,” he said slowly. “It might take me some time, but I will.” His eyes softened just slightly, and he pulled her into another hug. “I love you, kiddo. That will never change.”

Becca  felt the relief flood through her. It wasn’t just in her head anymore; her father truly believed in her, and that meant everything.

Carrie, ever the interrupter, piped up with a question, jolting Becca  out of her thoughts. “What are you hoping for? A boy or a girl?”

Cole, unable to hide his excitement, grinned widely. “One of each.”

Carrie’s brow furrowed, confused. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m having twins,” I said quickly, hoping to avoid any confusion.

“Twins?” Dad looked surprised, his hands falling to his sides. “There haven’t been twins in our family for fifty years.”

“I guess I’m just a trailblazer,” I joked, trying to cover the awkwardness. Evan  shot me a look, his eyebrows raised, silently questioning if I meant what I said in the bedroom earlier. I did mean it, all of it. I was ready to embrace that darker side of him and let it sweep me away. Between all three of them, I could see a future filled with love and passion.

But then there was my book. I paused, lost in thought for a moment before stepping back. Carrie suddenly threw herself into Dad’s arms, as if she were the one pregnant.

“Are you going to give them rhyming names? Oh my gosh, I saw the cutest outfits for twins the other day!” Carrie was already imagining everything in vivid detail, stopping just short of hugging my men, but instead clasping their hands and bouncing excitedly. “You should’ve come to us sooner, you know. This is a lot to process all at once.” She turned to me with understanding. “I know you’ve had a lot on your mind.”

Her words were the truth. I managed a small, heartfelt thank you as I fought back the tears threatening to fall. Pregnancy hormones were no joke, and if there was ever a moment I deserved to cry, it was now. But I held it in, knowing once the floodgates opened, I might not be able to stop.

Dad and Carrie stood together, arms around each other, both smiling, though not as brightly as they might have if things were simpler.

Dave, on the other hand, was tense. His shoulders were tight, and I could see the frustration brewing in his furrowed brow. He needed an answer, and I knew it.

I decided to pull him away from the tension. “Let’s go outside,” I suggested. The neighbors were nosy, and I didn’t want to air our issues in front of anyone else. Evan  gave me a knowing wink as I led Dave to the back porch, leaving the others behind.

Once we were alone, I closed the door and faced Dave.

“If you’re going to say no, then just do it. Get it over with.” His voice was rough, filled with raw fear.

Carrie’s colorful flowers framed him from behind, the contrast making my emotions feel even more intense.

“I don’t want to say no,” I replied, stepping into his space and wrapping my arms around his neck. He stiffened for a moment, but then relaxed, lowering his head. “I’m just not in the right frame of mind right now. I’m emotional, scared, and I can’t make a clear decision.”

“Scared of what?” His hands rested gently on my waist, pulling me closer.