How was it possible to feel both relieved and disappointed?
“Thank you for inviting me.” I should have said, “I’m pregnant,” but the words eluded me.
He kissed me again. “We’ll be arriving soon. You have time for a quick shower, though.”
I rose from bed, grabbing my clothes and going to the bathroom to take the world's fastest shower. As I cleaned up, I felt guilty that I still hadn’t told him about the baby. I knew that made me a terrible person, but it wouldn't be a surprise to anyone that I’d lived my life trying to avoid rejection. This wasn’t the first time I’d been self-centered.
Maybe it was an excuse, but I didn’t think I should tell him while we were with his family, so I’d have to wait until we returned home.
Once we landed, we were picked up by a car Sam had arranged and wove through Manhattan to his parents' house. He told me he had an apartment in the city, but he had sublet it when he moved to California.
That meant we were staying at his folks’ house. He said if I felt better about it, I could have my own room. I hadn't told him that I wanted a separate room, but I'd be a liar if I said I hadn't been thinking about it. I suppose it was my defenses trying to give me space.
We arrived at their home, and Sam helped me out of the car. Then he got our bags out of the trunk. He was just bringing them up to the stoop when the door flung open and a young woman flew out of the house.
"You’re here." She launched herself into Sam's arms, knocking him back with anoomph.
Just as quickly, she let go and turned to me. Her eyes were bright and excited. She thrust out her hand. “I'm Vivie, Sam's baby sister." I'd remembered from my time with Sam in the past that she was around six or seven years younger than him, but she was no baby. She had to be twenty-one or twenty-two.
I shook her hand. "Kate."
"It's so great to finally meet you." She put heavy emphasis on the word finally. It made me wonder how much they knew of me five years ago, and of course, what they knew of me now.
"You too."
"Let's go inside. My ass is freezing," Sam said.
Vivie rolled her eyes. "California has made you soft."
He grinned. "I was on the beach in shorts and a T-shirt yesterday. Don't tell me that doesn't appeal to you, little sister."
She laughed. "I guess it does. Maybe sometime, you'll invite me out for a visit."
"Anytime. Anytime."
When we entered the house, Sam's brother Max was waiting in the foyer. He gave Sam a hug and then he hugged me as well, surprising me, considering I'd been rude to him the last time I saw him.
"Mom and Dad didn't want to overwhelm you by being obnoxious like Vivie and me, waiting impatiently for your arrival. They’re in the sunroom where there's coffee and breakfast."
The mention of food seemed to remind the baby that it was time to feel queasy. I blanched but tried to hide it.
"That gives you another two minutes to calm your nerves," Sam said, rubbing my back. I was glad he thought my reaction was nerves.
A middle-aged gentleman entered the foyer. "Shall I take the bags up to your room, Mr. Clarke?"
"That would be great, Mr. Gabriel. Thank you very much." Sam handed our bags over to Mr. Gabriel. I was used to being around families with butlers, but it was the first time I was around Sam’s family’s wealth. Not that he didn’t have signs of money, but I’d never seen him with staff.
Max and Vivie led the way to the sunroom.
Sam leaned over to me and said in a low voice, "There is a room for you if you’d like. Although I'd much prefer it if you stayed with me. My parents won't mind, and their room is on the other side of the house."
"You shouldn't be talking to me about these things right before I'm about to meet your parents." It was sweet how he was trying to make sure I was comfortable.
He grinned. "Are you afraid they'll see how much you want to jump me?"
I slanted a glare at him.
"You're going to be fine. They're gonna love you. You'll see."