24. Baby Daddy
TWENTY-FOUR
BABY DADDY
Trey
It’s been a couple of days since the doctor appointment and my nerves have had time to settle. Except being at my parents they’re on high alert again. I throw my SUV into park in the driveway, not ready to relive a conversation I had a little over ten years ago, even though this one is different.
As soon as I walk into the foyer, the aroma of stewed tomatoes and garlic leads me to the kitchen. My dad is at the counter chopping vegetables, while my mom’s next to him at the stove stirring a pot. I’ve always envied their relationship. Sure, they’ve had their fair share of ups and downs, like adjusting to another kid in the house when my half-brother, Ledger, moved in during our teen years. But they made it work and they did it together. And now, they’re working side by side in the kitchen, enjoying each other’s company. My movement catches their attention, and we silently greet each other with smiles and nods. I plopped down on the stool at the island and continue watching them. The longer I sit here it makes me realize I want this, all the relationship stuff with Rylee.
I’ve contemplated several ways how to tell my parents. The first one was a King Cake with the little baby inside, but then I figured that would be more fitting if it was closer to Mardi Gras. A temporary tattoo of the ultrasound picture. A singing telegram. Instead, I keep it simple. “You guys are going to be grandparents.”
The knife in my dad’s hand clatters to the cutting board. Maybe I should’ve waited until he set it down first. My mom spins around, wooden spoon in hand, dripping tomato sauce on the floor. “Say that again?”
I rub the back of my neck. “You’re going to be grandparents.” Both of them are stunned silent. I’m sure they’re having flashbacks of the last time I told them. I can’t blame them. That was a traumatic experience for everyone.
My mom’s the first to speak. “Are you sure?”
Her question would shock most people, but I kind of blew the wind out of her “you’re going to be grandparents sail” the first time. So, her questioning isn’t unreasonable.
“This time it’s real.”
A thud echoes through the house from the living room as Olivia barrels into the kitchen with Ledger close behind.
“You’re absolutely positive?” my mom asks.
“Yes. As soon as Rylee found out, she told me with three pregnancy tests in hand. We went to the doctor together and everything.” I pull out the ultrasound picture and slide it across the counter.
“Was this planned?” my dad asks as he picks up the picture for a closer look.
“No. It just happened.”
“You’re in a much better position with your life now, especially financially. Is she asking for money?” My mom sets the spoon down. Her gaze locks on mine from across the island.
I hate that my mom has to ask these questions, but I understand why she’s doing it. She only wants to protect me. “The funny thing is, she offered to do this by herself.” My mom glares at me. “Which I said wasn’t happening.” I pick at an invisible spot on the counter. “Rylee’s an amazing woman. She’s a single mom to a daughter named Abby. She’s the most amazing kid.” My heart warms just thinking about them.
“Well, it seems like you have everything in order. Congratulations.” My dad claps my shoulder.
“I think so. I really like her, and I want to do everything to be there for her.”
“Are you and Rylee dating?” my mom asks as she picks up the ultrasound picture.
I exhale a humorless laugh. “Exclusive friends with benefits. I think that’s where we’re at now.”
“You kids and all your weird dating titles.” My mom shakes her head. “Anyway, we would really like to meet her. You’ll have to invite her to dinner, along with her daughter, sometime.”
“I will. You guys will love her. Abby too.”
She rounds the island and wraps her arms around me. “Congratulations.” She kisses my temple. “You’re going to be an amazing dad. And I can’t wait to spoil our grandchild.”
It's like a boulder has been lifted off my shoulders. I know my parents only want what’s best for me. They often question my behavior but will always stand in my corner. I can’t wait until I can offer my kid that kind of love and support.
I spin on my stool, and Olivia and Ledger are standing behind me. Olivia is bouncing back and forth on her toes. I’m sure wanting to ask me all the questions, being one of my best friends and all. I climb off the stool and stroll past them and into the living room. Olivia’s hot on my heels as Ledger ambles behind. I flop down on the recliner while Olivia and Ledger sit on the love seat. Several seconds of silence pass while Olivia's stare bores into me, her lips twitching with the urge to talk.
“She really wants to say something, doesn’t she?” I ask Ledger, while pointing to Olivia.
“Yep,” Ledger replies.
Her face is damn near purple from biting back the urge to speak.
“Do you think this might actually kill her?”
Ledger nods. “Yep.”
“I can’t do that to you. I know how much you two love each other.” Directing my attention to Olivia, I say, “You get five seconds.”
She squeals, clapping her hands together. “Oh my God, I am so happy.”
“Three.”
“I can’t believe you actually found a woman.”
“Two.”
“And an amazing woman.”
“One.”
Olivia stops talking but still has the cheesiest grin on her face, silently clapping and bouncing back and forth in her seat. “Okay, screw your five seconds. Tell me everything,” Olivia squeals.
I bark out a laugh. “I tried.”
I go over my entire relationship with Rylee, from friends to benefits to exclusive friends with benefits, and now to baby daddy. But one day I hope to put a ring on her finger and call her mine forever.
I scrub my hands down my face. “As much as I want to push her, I know I can’t. She got burned once before and I want to prove to her I’m not her ex. I’m with her one thousand percent and I will do everything to show her that. If that includes waiting until the end of time, I will.”
Olivia swoons and falls into the crook of Ledger’s arm. “That is so sweet. See, I got none of that from you, that’s why it never worked out between us.”
I laugh. “And I’m sure Ledger croons all the sweet love messages to you.”
“He does in his own Ledger way.” She runs a hand down his chest.
“I know what my girl wants and exactly how to give it to her.” Ledger pulls her in closer and presses a kiss to her temple.
“Also, don’t hate me,” Olivia says. “I told Rylee we kissed.” She quickly continues, “I told her it was one time. And it was like kissing my brother. No spark.”
I cough a laugh. “Did you tell her you then kissed my brother?”
She nods with a beaming smile. “Yep.”
“Good.” I return her smile with one of my own.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think you would be having a kid,” Olivia says.
“Neither did I, but here we are, doing the things.” I lean against the chair and stare at the ceiling. It still hasn’t fully hit me. I don’t know when it will, but I’ll be prepared.