“Now that you’re expecting, his most important job is to take care of you. And he’s…where? It seems as if he’s shirking his responsibility.”
She got mad on Pierce’s behalf. “You don’t get it. He’s leaving tonight, alone, to hunt down a man the whole world views as a criminal. For me. And all he’s asked me to do is wait here and continue pretending I’m engaged to Cutter so I don’t become a target. Pierce is risking his life in the hopes the three of us can have a future together, but we both know full well he may never come back. And he still didn’t hesitate for an instant to put his life on the line for us.” She cradled her belly as her tears fell. “So don’t lecture me about his lack of responsibility. And don’t tell me that what I’ve done is an affront or a sin to you. I love you, Daddy, but this is my life. And Pierce is my choice. I love him.”
He came closer, his expression placating. “I appreciate that he wants to keep you safe, but if he can’t be here and provide for you, maybe his nobility is misplaced.”
“I can provide for myself and the baby. I’m not worried about that. But I fell in love with Pierce because he’s so larger-than-life. He’s a warrior and a protector. I can’t ask him to be someone else just because I’m pregnant.”
“Have you thought at all about your reputation, your standing in the community, your livelihood, your—”
“I’ve been worried about those things since the moment I found out I was pregnant. I wish now I had that time back to focus on what really matters.”
“This man?”
“Yes. Pierce loves me, Daddy. More than anything.”
“Cutter doesn’t like him at all.”
“I can’t help that. And I know none of my choices are making anyone’s lives easier. But you’ve always said you want me to be happy. Every moment I’m with Pierce, I’m ecstatic. He understands me. He encourages me.” She caressed her stomach. “I’m glad that, no matter what, I’ll always have a part of him.”
He sighed, clearly wanting to understand but struggling. “He impregnated you without marrying you. Has he even proposed?”
“It’s not really important anymore. I refuse to care what other people think.” She glanced at his phone. “I’ve seen what the world is saying about me right now, and it’s horrible. But I know the truth. The gossip will blow over once the paparazzi finds a new scandal. Our love and our baby? That’s forever. And if it’s too much for you to accept, I understand. I’ll move out if you’d like me to.”
“No.” He looked shocked. “No. I would never force you to go. You’re my daughter.”
“No matter what, I always will be. And I’d rather not leave, because I’m worried about your health—”
“Oh, honey… I’m worried about yours. You’ll be going through childbirth. Your mother—”
“I know.” Mama’s tragic death had crossed her mind. There was no way it couldn’t. “But I have to have faith. Don’t you always preach that? Medicine is better now. I’m strong. My will to live so I can raise my son or daughter will see me through. I owe it to my child. And I owe it to Pierce.”
Daddy looked at her, blinking hard in confusion. “You really aren’t a little girl anymore.”
“Because I’m pregnant?”
He shook his head. “Because you’re not hiding or leaning on me the way you used to. You’re a woman who knows what she wants in life now. I realize I’ve been overprotective. Cutter has been just as bad. Together, we smothered you so much that we kept you from growing.”
“You can thank Pierce for the change in me. He made me see. He made me a woman, and I don’t mean that figuratively. He forced me to look at myself and face hard realities. And for us to have any kind of future, I have to drown out all the judgment, the disappointment, and the whispers. I know that I may have to start my business over. I know I may no longer be welcome in everyone’s good graces. But I know who I am. And none of their opinions matter more than that and Pierce’s love.”
He stared at her for the longest time. “Wow. I’m proud of you.”
Brea had never expected that, and it made her heart light up. “Thank God. Do you know what would make me happy?”
“What?”
“You being happy. I think you’ve had your life on hold for fear of upsetting my status quo. Stop that. If you want to marry Jennifer Collins, then propose to her.”
A guilty smile flitted across his face. “I’ve been thinking about that since my first heart attack. I didn’t do it at first because I didn’t know if or when I’d get better. Then…you seemed to be going through something, so I was afraid to rock the boat. But I’d love to have Jennifer as my wife. It’s past time.”