Epilogue
ANGEL
THREE MONTHS LATER
Today’s the day we’re telling our parents about our relationship. It’s also the day we want to announce that I’m pregnant. It’s going to be a lot, but since I have to tell my roller derby team that I’m not coming back from my break, it can’t wait.
Honoring mom’s love of being somewhere special, but staying true to ourselves, and needing privacy, my brothers suggested we use their motorcycle club’s bar. Mom balked at meeting us somewhere called The Bottom Bar, but we’re comfortable here, and the owners were willing to close it for us.
Our parents are sitting at the prepared table, drinks and snacks for everyone.
Jett starts, “Mom, Dad, you always wanted us kids to be close.”
Mom says, “We’re family, that’s important.”
“You’re right. And it’s important to remember that even when we don’t agree with family, we need to support them.”
Dad says, “I don’t like this setup, son.”
I love that even though biologically, he’s my dad, and she’s their mom, our parents don’t express the difference.
“Me either. This is taking too long.” Duke stands and sets a hand on my shoulder. “We’re getting married.”
Oh! We went from slow to lightspeed.
Dad’s eyes narrow. “Who is we?”
“The four of us,” Chase clarifies.
“Why?” Dad can’t process any of it. Mom’s eyes are big but every time she opens her mouth to say something, she closes it again.
“We’re all in love with Angel. We’ve been together for a few months, and you’re the first people we’re telling.”
“Four people can’t get married.” Dad’s still struggling. If I didn’t know better, I’d think Duke and Dad were related by more than marriage. So practical.
“Officially, yeah,” Chase says. “We’ve had legal paperwork drafted to ensure we’re all bound to each other.”
“You’ve thought this out,” Dad says.
“There’s one more thing,” Jett says.
Dad holds up a finger then downs the entire dark lager set out for him. “Okay…”
“I’m pregnant.” That’s my bit to reveal.
Dad looks like the beer might come up, but Mom squeals. “Pregnant? I’m going to be a grandma? I thought you kids, and Lexi, were never going to give me grandkids.”
She runs around the table and hugs each of us. “Not that I meant together, but I’m not getting any younger. And neither are you, Grandpa. Get over here and hug these kids.”
The reveal goes better than I expected, although my dad’s hug is tenuous. Mom’s is tighter than ever. That reassures me that she’ll get him to come around.
And even better, my stepbrothers have committed to me. No matter what, they’ll carry me through anything.
And we live happily ever after!
Eager for more roller derby girls like their sister Lexi?
Check out her story… Rolling with my Bosses, the first in the Eggplant Country Roller Derby series!