My heart was racing as he led me in. I positioned my body slightly behind his in an attempt to hide my bump for as long as possible, not wanting it to be the first thing they saw. “Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend,” I heard Josh say, tugging on my hand and bringing me to stand next to him. Looking up, I saw his parents sitting on the sofa, a glass of wine in each of theirhands.
“Savannah!” his mom exclaimed, putting her glass on the coffee table in front of her and standing up. “What a surprise.” I watched as her eyes widened when she noticed my bump. His dad was also making his way over to us, but I could tell he hadn’t noticedyet.
“Hello Savannah! Well I never saw that coming son. What great news,” he said cheerfully, shaking Josh’s hand and clapping him on the back. “This is cause for celebration. I’ll get thechampagne.”
“I don’t think Savannah can have any champagne, Robert,” his mom said, speaking to her husband but never taking her eyes off me. There was a smile on her face, but it looked forced and didn’t quite reach hereyes.
“Actually, no she can’t,” I heard Josh say as he let go of my hand and wound his arm around my waist, pulling me gently into his side. “Savannah’s having a baby, so no champagne for her.” He looked down at me with a smile and kissed me softly on the side of myhead.
“A baby?” his dad asked in confusion, his eyes dropping to mystomach.
“But not your baby, Josh?” his mom asked, her eyes still focused on me. Feeling my cheeks flush, I looked up atJosh.
“Biologically no, but it’s my baby in every other way,” he said, still smiling down at me, and I gave him a small smileback.
“And the biological father?” his mom asked, her tonesharp.
“He’s not around,” Josh told her with ashrug.
“And you’re happy to be financially responsible for another man’s child?” she asked, looking straight at Josh. I felt his body tense against mine, and I reached my hand up to stroke hisback.
“I’m not asking Josh for any money, Mrs. Miller. I plan on supporting the child myself,” I said before Josh couldrespond.
“And what happens when the father changes his mind and wants to be part of the child’s life?” she snorted, her hands going to herhips.
“The baby’s father isn’t aware that I’m pregnant, so he won’t be part of the child’s life.” I looked straight at her and held hergaze.
“Oh, and why is that Savannah?” she askedicily.
“Mom!” Josh exclaimed, his voice showing signs of anger. “Enough!”
“It’s fine Josh,” I told him with a sigh. “I’m not in contact with the father. In fact, I don’t know who the father is, so I couldn’t tell him even if I wantedto.”
Her eyes widened in shock before she nodded and gave me a tight smile. “And how long has this been going on?” she asked, motioning between Josh and me with herhand.
“We only recently got together, but I’ve loved her since I was 16. Savannah hasn’t asked me for any money, but I will be supporting them both. I love them and we are going to be a family. Both Savannah and the baby are going to have my last name in the not too distant future. I know this probably comes as a shock to you, but this is happening,” Josh told her as he turned and smiled down at me. I smiled back at him, still taken aback at his words. “We haven’t come here for your blessing,” he said, looking back over at his mom. “We are going to be together regardless, but I would like you to be happy for us.” I turned to look at his mom, whose mouth was hanging open. I was guessing Josh didn’t often speak to his parents like that. Glancing over at his dad, I saw him trying not to smile. He obviously wasn’t as concerned as his wifewas.
“Right,” she stuttered. “Well I guess congratulations are in order. I’ll just go check on dinner. Josh, come get Savannah a drink—I know I could do with one,” she mumbled as she walked out of the room, gesturing for Josh to followher.
Taking my hand, Josh turned me back to face him. “I’m so sorry baby, I can’t believe she grilled you likethat.”
“It’s okay,” I said quietly, shrugging my shoulders, still aware that his dad was in theroom.
“I’ll be right back,” he assured me before following his mom. I turned to look at Josh’s dad, giving him a small smile. I felt uneasy being alone with him, despite always having gotten along with him when he was at theranch.
“Sit down Savannah,” he said kindly, waving his hand toward the sofa. I walked across the room and sat on the edge, my hands twisting in my lap. “I’m sorry about Grace, darlin’. I’m sure she didn’t mean to upset you, she’s just very protective of him, has been ever since…” He trailed off and lookedaway.
“I know about the leukemia Mr. Miller,” I told him quietly. He nodded and gave me a small smile. “I know starting a relationship while being pregnant isn’t an ideal situation, but I really do loveJosh.”
He nodded. “I’m glad, because I know he lovesyou.”
My head flew up and my eyes met his. “You do?” I asked insurprise.
He smiled and sat next to me on the sofa. “He confides in his old dad, you know. He told me a few years ago how he felt about you and I tried to get him to talk to you, but he wouldn’t, said he wasn’t good enough foryou.”
I shook my head as I felt a lump form in my throat. “That’s just not true,” I said sadly, my eyes filling with tears. “He’s everything I’ve ever wanted.” Tears slipped down my cheeks and his dad put his arm aroundme.
“Don’t cry darlin’,” he said, patting me somewhat awkwardly on theshoulder.