Chapter 29
Haddy
My hand is clasped in Gavin’s as we drive to my parents’ house in the hills. Mav let us use his Rover, because Gavin looks cartoonish all packed into my tiny Honda Fit.
Mom is thrilled we’re coming for dinner, and I think it’s interesting she didn’t even question Gavin’s joining us. It was almost like she expected it, and I wonder if it’s because of his surprise Christmas visit.
I hope he doesn’t think he fooled anybody by showing up like that and claiming it was to see the infamous Cooters & Shooters. Our family restaurant is great, but it’s not “leave your family home on Christmas Day” great.
Gigi
Stop being nervous. Bradfords love babies
“Gigi,” I murmur, lifting my phone. I show the screen to Gav before quickly tapping a reply.
Haddy
I know, but I’m trying to be responsible.
Gigi
You do know the story of your conception, right? Drunken hotel hookup after Aunt Deedee’s wedding? Irresponsible is not a word they would dare to utter.
A laugh snorts through my nose, and I quickly reply.
Haddy
I should’ve brought you along as backup.
Gigi
You don’t need backup. It’s going to be fine.
Haddy
I know. It’s just so awkward. I feel like a teenager again.
“Why are you laughing?” Gavin’s voice draws my eyes away from the device.
Blinking up at him, I think about how he’s been since the start of this entire… Adventure? Surprise? Happy accident?
He’s been by my side the whole time, comforting me when I’m afraid, threatening to pulverize anyone who would threaten me, placing his large hands over the baby as we sleep.
He even came with me tonight to stand by my side, protecting me.
All of it has pretty much sold my heart to him, but when he offered to go to Japan with me just so I wouldn’t have to give up my dream trip. I want our baby’s mom to follow her passion… It was pretty much a done deal at that point.
“Gigi just reminded me how my parents got pregnant with me.”
His full lips curl attractively. “I haven’t heard that one.”
For a moment, I gaze at his face, his square jaw dusted with scruff, that dimple, those straight white teeth, the shaggy brown hair, and sexy blue eyes holding mine.
I kind of forget what I was saying, which has never happened to me before.
His brow quirks. “You okay?”
I huff a laugh, shaking my head. “I lost my train of thought.”
A knowing expression crosses his face. “It happens.”
Clearing my lusty thoughts, I look up at the massive concrete mansion where I grew up. So many happy memories occurred here. I love this place.
“They hooked up after my aunt Dylan’s wedding,” I explain. “It was just supposed to be a one-time thing, but instead, they got me. A big, life-changing surprise.”
“Sounds like we’ve got something in common.” He covers my hand with his large one as we walk up the drive. “Don’t worry, Princess. I’ve got you.”
“I wouldn’t be so confident if I were you. My dad can be a bit… overprotective.”
“You don’t have to tell me.” He laughs under his breath, and I frown, wondering what that means.
I can’t remember Gav spending one-on-one time with my dad at Christmas. I guess Mav told him, probably teasing him, getting him ready for tonight. My dad’s favorite line is from the movie Clueless, “I’ve got a 45 and a shovel…”
“Mom can smooth things over.” I give him a reassuring pat. “She’s always had that way with him.”
“I like your dad. He seems like a fun guy.”
Nodding, I smile up at him. “I can see the two of you getting along. Under the right circumstances.”
I don’t even have a chance to knock before the door opens and my mother pulls me into her arms.
“I don’t know why we have to go so long between visits,” she groans, squeezing me so tightly, I’m scared she’s going to feel the baby. “We live in the same city.”
“You sound just like Dad,” I laugh, doing my best to loosen her embrace. “I have dinner with you at least once a month.”
I’m wearing an oversized, tan blazer with black leggings and a long-sleeved black turtleneck. I’m doing my best to hide my baby bump until we’re able to tell them what’s happening.
“Once a month is a lifetime after every day.” She looks up at my escort. “Gavin Knight, it’s so good to see you again.”
“Nice to see you, Mrs. Bradford.” He leans down to give her a hug, so polite.
“Well, come on in, I’ve got meatloaf in the oven and sweet potato soufflé on the stove.” She gives me a wink, and I air-clap quickly.
“My favorite!”
“Mine, too.” She slides her hand into the crook of my arm, pulling me closer to her side.
We’ve only taken a few steps into the foyer when she stops, narrowing her eyes and studying my face. “Something’s different about you, Hayden Lucille. What is it?”
Her eyes scan my midsection quickly, and my throat tightens. Thankfully, Dad busts up in the group at that moment.
“Hey, Super P!” He pulls me into a hug as I groan at the nickname. “How’s my little princess? Gavin, good to see you again, bud.”
“Hi, Mr. Bradford.” Gavin’s voice is more deferential than I’ve ever heard it as he shakes my dad’s hand.
“Call me Hendrix.”
“Okay,” Gav laughs, and my eyes cut to him.
That’s mighty friendly. Mom is still studying me with her hands on her hips, and I feel the back of my neck getting itchy like it always does when I’m trying to hide something.
“Let me take your coat.” I can tell by the way she says it, she’s sleuthing, and I have to grab the reins on the situation before it goes off the rails… not to mix up all my metaphors or anything.
“First, let’s show Gavin the view!” I grab his arm, pulling him closer.
“You want to go out on the balcony?” His voice cracks weirdly, and I look up at him confused. “That’s a pretty big drop.”
My dad stands beside him, hands in his pockets, and I almost snort a laugh. Does Gavin think my dad will throw him off the balcony?
“I need to take out the meatloaf.” Mom waves a hand. “You three check out the view, and I’ll meet you in the kitchen. Anybody want a glass of wine?”
“I’ll go with you.” I follow Mom, but Gavin watches me confused. “You and Dad check out the view, and I’ll catch Mom up on all the news.”
“All the news?” He frowns at me.
“Yes!” I nod, waving my fingers. “Go with Dad.”
“Come on, Gav.” Dad slaps his shoulder. “The view can wait. I got a bottle of Blanton’s waiting to be sampled.”
“Yes, sir.” Gavin follows after him, glancing back at me.
Once they’re gone, Mom pulls me close. “I never expected you to bring home a hockey star.”
“That makes two of us.”
“He’s handsome.” She looks back to see him watching us from where my dad is pouring them both tumblers of expensive bourbon. “And serious.”
We go into the kitchen, and I try to think about how I want to say this.
“He’s really great. Not at all like I thought he was when Maverick said he was moving in.”
“That’s a good sign.” She goes to the range where she lifts the lid off a Dutch oven. “Living with people is a real eye-opener.”
I watch as she spoons thick, dark gravy over the meat. I think about my parents and their love, my mom and her dreams. I always wanted to be like her—confident, sure, in control all the time, saving lives…
“I know I disappointed you with all the pageant stuff.”
“My goodness, Haddy.” She closes the lid and walks over to take my hand. “I’ve been proud of you every day of your life.”
“But I know you don’t like all that.” I look down at my hand in hers, so similar. “I just wanted to show you I could stand on my own, too. The way you did.”
“I stood on my own with a major assist from your dad.” She huffs a laugh.
“Once he knew about you, he did a lot to help me.” She pulls me into a hug, kissing my head.
“I didn’t want you to be hurt is all. I have a lot of bad memories associated with that world, and I wanted to spare you from them. But I support you, Hayden.”
Her voice lowers, and I know she’s thinking of her own mom, who didn’t provide the same encouragement when she was a girl. I’ve heard it was a lot worse for my mom.
“I love you, Mom.” I hug her back. “And I don’t want any distance between us, especially now.”
She smiles, wrinkling her nose and smoothing my hair back. “Why now? Did you bring Gavin Knight here to tell us something big?”
“Yes…” My heart beats faster, and I lick my bottom lip.
I inhale slowly, like they trained us to do when stage fright hits, then I take a step back, unbuttoning my coat.
“I’m going to have a baby.”
Her eyes widen, and her lips part. Clasping her hands, she lifts them as her eyes fill with tears. I’m holding my breath, trying to discern if they’re happy tears, when she jumps forward with a shriek and pulls me into a hug.
“Haddy!” Her laughter echoes in the kitchen, and tears heat my eyes. “A baby? Is it Gavin’s?”
“I mean, yeah, that’s why he’s here.”
“Are you getting married?”
My brow furrows, and I think about the question. “He suggested it in the beginning, but it wasn’t a good idea. The timing was wrong. We didn’t know each other at all, and… I didn’t love him yet.”
Mom’s brown eyes warm as she cups my face in her hands before moving them to my shoulders. “And now?”
Butterflies swirl through my chest, and I can’t keep the smile from splitting my cheeks. “Now, if he asked… I’d say yes.”
“Hendrix, get in here!” Mom cries.
She helps me remove my coat, and I’m laughing now, too, touching the tears out of my own eyes.
“I don’t know why I was so afraid to tell you.”
“I don’t either!” She puts both hands on the sides of my stomach. “This is the best news!”
I hear the guys enter the room behind us. Dad’s slapping Gav on the shoulder like they’re old pals. For his part, Gavin looks way less stressed than he did when we parted ways in the living room. He actually has a smug grin on his face.
“They’re pregnant, Hen!” Mom reaches for my dad’s arm, pulling him to us. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
“Look at you!” Dad wraps his muscular arm around me, kissing the top of my head. “You look healthy and happy. That’s all I want for my girls.”