6. Rosie
6
ROSIE
T ossing a shirt carelessly into my suitcase, I’m still trying to grasp what I’ve agreed to.
To move into my ex-husband’s, now my baby daddy’s, house, that’s what.
But in the spur of the moment, I felt that he was right. I don’t want to treat this as though we only need to see one another when it’s a necessity for the pregnancy. When the baby comes, I want more than basic communication. The sound of only co-parenting in our situation isn’t the right label. However, it will take more than a suitcase in his guestroom to unravel our own baggage if we ever decide that we want to be more than parents. The fact that I am even thinking of other possibilities says enough of what I have been harboring in my mind. So, here I am packing.
Bella scoffs a laugh when she pulls out items from my desk to add to a box. I forgot she was here.
She freaked out when I called her to say I was at the hospital and staying the day in Everhope, but she calmed down when I told her I was with Carter. I haven’t yet figured out what her thoughts are on my situation, but she goes along with my choices, nonetheless.
“Can I be there when you tell Mom and Dad? I really want to see their faces.”
It’s not that I’m packing then bolting. It’s just that I’m preparing for my move which will be in the near future… or days… day, singular. Almost a shame, really, because this house is great. My dad is an architect, and he designed this house when I was only five. It’s big enough for a family of eight, with a pool even. It has everything one could need, except offering me a clue on my current life decisions.
I told Carter that I would inform my parents, and I know they won’t tell anyone of my current state until I’m ready. Still, it feels daunting. It might even feel like I’m back in high school and in trouble after sneaking out.
“When are they back?” I double-check.
She quickly glances at her phone screen. “In an hour. They had errands then were going to grab lunch. You know how they are. Still want to date and act all cutesy. It’s funny how all of Bluetop looks to them like they’re a fairy tale. From Homecoming King and Queen to married. Living the dream.”
I give her a pointed look because now isn’t the time to hear about happily-ever-afters. “I have to say, this might not be my proudest moment. I disappeared for two days and now I’m going to be moving out without much notice.”
“They only want the best for you,” she assures me and walks to the window to grab another bag on the floor that needs to be filled.
I’m relieved that the medicine the doctor gave me has been helping. I’m not quite refreshed but almost there.
“Hey, Rosie.” She seems interested in something as she looks out the window and peers down at the driveway. “Uh, is Carter supposed to be here?”
Instantly, the sweater in my hand plops into the suitcase and I beeline it to the window, only to see Carter emerging from his car.
“Oh no.” My jaw tightens.
“I take that as a no.”
Abandoning the window, I’m on a mission to rip into him. “I can’t believe this,” I mutter to myself, annoyance on full blast.
Rushing down the stairs, I swing open the front door with gusto and walk straight to Carter who is walking up the driveway and already giving me the familiar look that he isn’t surprised. “You don’t listen. You didn’t get the memo. And yet you’re still here.” I shove him.
He steps back and raises his hands to let me know he doesn’t want to fight, but seriously, what did he expect? “I’m not going to let you tell Brooke and Grayson without me.”
I throw my arms up into the air. “We’re not teenagers who are admitting that we were irresponsible and now fear that we’ll be in trouble.” It’s only slightly that feeling.
“Really? We were kind of irresponsible on the birth control front,” he points out in a humorous way which just shoots my level of irritation up. “We’re adults, and all the more reason I’m going to face your dad like a man.”
“Honorable,” I deadpan, my face unmoved. “Turn around, get in your car, and go back to Everhope. I’ll let you know how it goes and when I’m moving.”
“Already packing?”
“Yes. No need to check on my end of the move in our bargain. I agreed, and I’m keeping my word. Now, please.” My hands come together to pray.
He pinches the bridge of his nose with his eyes heated, but he is contemplating which is something.
The sound of wheels slowly driving up the end of driveway is the last thing I want to hear right now. “Shit.” My lips roll in, and my face screws as my hands clench together. It’s too late.
My parents are back.
“Well, it seems we’re facing them together.” Carter raises his brows at me.
With my parents parked next to Carter’s car, they both slowly open their doors and hesitantly exit the car, completely confused. It’s a wish that I make every day, that I get their genes. My dad doesn’t look a day over fifty, and he’s anything but, except he has more peppered gray hair. And my mom? She simply looks the same as ten years ago with her brown hair long and her face fresh.
"Carter?” My dad is the first to check the obvious.
“Yes. It’s me, in the flesh.”
My parents approach us with wary faces. My mom, always willing to smile in most circumstances, nervously attempts to offer one. “It’s, uh… good to see you?”
Breathing to myself, I chant inside my head my affirmations of the day.
I accept fate. I have it together. Only good things ahead. My life is not a clusterfuck.
My eyes shoot straight to my dad who hasn’t looked away from Carter even an inch as they’re in a staredown.
Even my mom notices. “Should we… drinks?” Her voice is uneven. Fair enough. What is one to do when you arrive home to your daughter’s ex-husband in the driveway? “It seems we should go inside.”
“Let’s.” My tone is frivolous.
The steely look on my father’s face remains as he follows my mother. Carter and I join the train, and suddenly, it feels like I’m going to be scolded for sneaking out after curfew.
When we’re all sitting in the living room, the silence in the room is unnerving. It isn’t until my mom sits down on the armrest next to my dad across from Carter and me on the couch that there is a shift in the room.
Carter clears his throat. “Grayson and Brooke. It’s good to see you.”
My mom’s eyes travel between us all. “Let’s get real for a second. We have no clue what’s going on or how to react right now.” My mom is blunt, and she deserves points for that.
Carter and I look at one another for a clue of what to do or who should speak. I roll my eyes because they’re my parents, so I might as well take the plunge. I turn my body to face them full-on.
“The funny thing is… uh, Carter is, to all of our surprise, here because we have news to share.” My words flow slowly out of my mouth.
“Which would be?” My dad’s tone is a little stern.
I take a deep breath then feel Carter’s hand touch my knee. “I’m pregnant.”
Both of my parents are taken aback, with their brows shooting up.
“And before you ask, this wasn’t exactly planned,” I add.
“Really? Wouldn’t have guessed since he is your ex-husband and all.” Eek, when Grayson Blisswood attempts to joke when agitated, then it means shit might hit the fan.
“A baby?” My mother seems to be entering some existential episode before a smile warms her mouth. “My little girl is having a baby.” Waterworks. Niagara Falls water begins to fall down her face.
It’s touching, really. Actually, it’s a relief. Even as an adult you don’t want to disappoint your parents.
My vision swings to my dad whose lips suddenly in a smile. “This is wonderful news. I mean, being grandparents is a little rough on the age confrontation, but you’re going to have a baby.”
“Yeah… yeah, I am.” My voice feathers, and I’m suddenly proud, a smile beaming on my face.
“Obviously, I’m going to take care of Rosie and the baby,” Carter clarifies.
The smiles that my family have decrease in size, and their knitted brows return, as they’re puzzled. “Right. So, maybe we can backtrack a sec, and update us on why my ex-son-in-law is sitting on my couch. Because, I mean, I’m thrilled it’s Carter who is going to be this kid’s dad.”
“Really? Could’ve fooled me two minutes ago when you were contemplating options of poison,” I deadpan.
My father laughs me off. “Hey, I didn’t know why he was here. I’m protective.” He shrugs.
Wiping away a tear, my mom touches my dad’s leg. “This is really great news. I mean, they’re back together, which is just fantastic.” Because they were Carter superfans.
Pop goes the happy bubble.
“Not exactly,” I say to dampen the mood.
Carter scoots closer to me. “Rosie is moving in with me, and we’re taking it one day at a time.”
My dad points to us with confidence. “Nah, your mom and I parted ways for a while, and then we found one another again when Rosie was young. You two will be fine,” he easily voices his views.
A slight wave of nausea surfaces, and I swallow in the hopes that it helps.
“You okay?” Carter is quick to jump in with concern.
I claw my nails into his leg to hang on. “Yep,” I struggle to say.
My mom stands with urgency and zips straight to me at the speed of light. “Morning sickness? I had it really bad with you. You need to eat raw ginger.” She begins to cradle my head to rest against her stomach as if I’m a toddler.
“It will go away, they say. I’m now nine weeks.”
“We wanted to tell you even though it’s early.”
My parents seem taken aback and glance at one another. “Oh, well, makes sense. Work on you two before the baby arrives,” my father says.
“For fuck’s sake.” I pull back from my mom’s hands.
“Language,” my dad chides.
“Will everyone just calm it down on the relationship views? We have bigger things to conquer right now, which is this adorable little demon in my stomach making me sick half the time.”
Carter begins to rub my back. “The ER doctor gave her meds to help.”
“What?” my mom shrieks.
“Way to go,” I utter to Carter.
“You were at the hospital? That’s it. You’re staying here. You need me with you.” She’s probably already planning my breakfast menu for the week in her head.
I abruptly stand, completely exhausted from all of this. “I’m going to live with Carter. I need to figure everything out. I don’t want to be coddled. Not by you, Mom, or you.” I dart my eyes to Carter. “Just let me be. I need to wrap my head around a few things.”
“Of course.” My dad grabs my mom’s wrist to rein her in. “You two should rely on one another right now.”
“This discussion is finished. You’re both aware now, and I’ll be at another address until further notice by the end of the week.” I pivot on my feet and nearly march to the front door while Carter says goodbye, and then he is outside with me.
My arms are crossed and my feet firm on the cement. It’s when the feeling of the hand that has always been comforting touches my shoulder and guides me to turn to face him, that I realize why I’m about to melt down.
Everybody loves Carter. Everyone thinks I made a mistake when we parted ways. That’s what it has to be. They’re all ready to welcome him back with open arms because this is a chance to repair what never should have been broken.
It’s the worst possible time to do this, especially with eyes probably on us, but I can’t help it. I’m emotional, and my eyes sting from tears because of the whole situation and I’m overwhelmed. I dive my face into Carter’s chest, feeling his arms slowly wrap around me to hold me closer.
I don’t think I can blame this on pregnancy hormones. It’s simply life throwing me a sign.
“Shh, it’s okay.” His whisper always does things to my body. Sometimes sending sensations that come down to passion, and sometimes it glues to my spine, keeping me firm to the ground.
A tear releases. “Carter, I’m so tired and scared and exhausted... I’ll move tomorrow.”
I hear his audible breath of relief. “The guestroom awaits you… I do, too.” I’m not sure I was meant to hear that.
But I did.