Memories of looking out the window at Trevor standing there, staring at me like I had just ripped his heart out hit me. It was true, he had been begging me that day to talk to him. He said he needed to tell me something and I was positive he was going to tell me he loved me. Why was I so afraid to take the leap?
Pulling from him, I stared at his chest. “I need a little time.”
“Then I’ll give you time. I’ll give you the rest of my life if I have to.”
Melanie walked up to us and placed her hands on both of our arms.
“I think you need to word your plans differently when we walk back out there.”
Looking at her, I asked, “What do you mean?”
“Your parents and John are going to expect Trevor to do the right thing and marry you. Now I think that’s a bit old fashioned, but if you tell them you’re not even dating, heads will spin. This is what you’re going to do. Tell them that y’all are taking things one day at a time. You’ll make all the major decisions when both of your heads are clear, and you’re not making emotional, knee-jerk reactions.”
Her brow lifted as she said that last part and I couldn’t help but wonder if that was directed at me.
“Now, let’s get back in there before they come searching for us.”
Melanie took the tray of perfectly placed scones, directed me to get the pitcher of tea and Trevor to get the tray of glasses and plates.
I started to move toward the tea when Trevor stopped me. Lifting his hand, he brushed a piece of loose hair away from my cheek.
“I’m not going to say I’m sorry for this. When it hit me the other night that you were the woman I wanted to be with, this wasn’t the way I wanted things to happen.”
My heart dropped.
“But this is the plan that was made for us, and I’m not lying to you when I say I’m both scared shitless and excited as hell.”
A small smile tugged at my mouth.
“You don’t want me to say I love you because you don’t think I mean it, but I love you, Scarlett. I have since the moment I first kissed you at eighteen. I just want to make sure you know that before we walk out there.”
No words would form on my lips, so I gave him a soft smile. Trevor grabbed the tray and headed out of the kitchen, pausing to wait for me.
Closing my eyes, I focused on keeping the pitcher in my hands still, while I said a silent prayer that things wouldn’t go the way I feared they were fixin’ to.
Melanie poured a glass of sweet tea for everyone as I brought the tray of scones around. This felt so gosh darn formal, and I hated it. Not what I pictured when I dreamed of telling my parents about a baby.
I sat down next to Trevor, all eyes on both of us. It was Trevor who spoke up first.
“Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Littlefield, I know you all think the right thing to do would be to get married right away. Scarlett and I need to take some time to let this process. I’m sure you know this wasn’t a planned pregnancy. Nonetheless, this child is wanted by both of us, and he or she will be loved unconditionally regardless of what Scarlett and I decide to do. I hope that our excitement is something we share with y’all.”
I instantly saw bodies relax.
“Of course, it is!” my mother exclaimed. “It was a shock, that’s all.”
“As it was to both of us,” I added. “We understand the reckless way we behaved, and we take full responsibility. Trevor and I have decided that we’re going to take this one day at a time. That goes with our relationship, as well. We’re not rushing into something. We also are not moving in together as of right now. Trevor’s going to help me with the baby’s room at my house, and we’ll also have one at his house.”
My mother moved uneasily in her seat as she took a sip of tea.
John cleared his throat and looked at me and then Trevor. “My gut reaction is to tell you that you have a responsibility to marry Scarlett, but I agree with you both, and I’m glad to see that you’re thinking with open minds and that you appear to be in this together.”
Trevor took my hand. “We are. Very much so.”
“I expect you’re going to stop working at your brother’s bar then?” my father asked. I could hear the dislike for Trevor in his voice.
“Yes, I actually made that decision before I found out about the baby.”
Everyone nodded, clearly glad.
“The expense of the birth?” John asked.