CHAPTER EIGHT
The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body. I’d really like to give it a workout on you tonight. What do you say?
~Text from Emmett to Kinsley
Kinsley
It’s been a little over a month since the blow-up at the clubhouse about my being pregnant.
My morning sickness has slowed down, and I’ve only gotten sick once this week.
I’m calling that a win. I swear I woke up a week ago, and I had a baby bump.
Doctor Hargrave says every woman is different when it comes to when they start showing, and that sometimes women who have a little more to them before pregnancy can take longer to show, but really every pregnancy is different.
A few days after meeting Emmett’s parents, Dad called me and asked if I would come over to talk.
I agreed, and although Emmett wanted to go with me, I convinced him that I needed to talk to him one-on-one.
He knew my dad might say something I didn’t like, but that I’d be safe.
That’s probably the only reason he didn’t put up more of an argument to come along.
I’d never not talked to my dad before, let alone sent him to voicemail.
I knew I didn’t want this to go on any longer than he did, since we’ve always been close.
In my entire life, I think it was the only time I pulled up to his house and was nervous.
I’m not sure which of us was more anxious about the conversation that needed to happen.
I remember how unsettled I felt as I walked up to the front door…
I reach the front door, and for the first time, I hesitate and wonder whether I should knock and wait for it to be opened.
It opens before I have a chance to knock even once.
Dad is standing on the other side. He looks a mess, and I could swear his eyes are glassy.
“Dad—” I don’t get any more words out before I’m engulfed in his arms. My dad’s hugs have always felt like the safest place on earth for me.
“Little Girl, I’m so fucking sorry I reacted like I did.
I love you beyond the earth and the stars.
” I squeeze my arms around him. “I love you too, Dad.”
He breaks the hug just enough to look me in the eyes and points to his head.
“I know in here that you’re an adult and old enough to make decisions and live your own life.
” He moves his hand to his heart and keeps talking.
“But in here, you’re still my little princess.
The six-year-old who loved her twirly dresses and tea parties.
When I realized that you were pregnant and I didn’t even know you were seeing someone, all I could think was that someone was taking my little girl away.
I know that’s not rational, but I let my emotions get the better of me.
I…I want you to know Erik’s been on my ass about the fact that we didn’t share our relationship for so long, and the fact that I got stuck on you not telling me was so fucking hypocritical and ridiculous.
” I ask him the one question I need answered.
“Are you gonna be able to accept Emmett? I love him and that’s not something I’m willing to give up, no matter how much I love you, Dad. ”
Dad gives me a small smile. “Yeah, I am. I may still be gettin’ used to the idea that you’re all grown up and gonna be a mom, but I can see how much he means to you.
From what he showed me, I know he’s gonna take care of you and treat you the way I would want you to be treated. As a dad, that’s all I can ever ask.”
I knew at that moment that things with Dad were going to be alright.
His reaction when he found out what Mom told me? Let’s just say it’s probably good for her that she’s halfway across the world right now. There are a few men in this town who wouldn’t think twice about causing her some serious pain.
I’ve got a doctor’s appointment today after work, and Emmett is gonna meet me there.
We’re gonna find out what we’re having. I’m excited to start thinking of baby names.
I know it took me a bit to get over the surprise, but now I’m thrilled.
I hope our little one has eyes like their daddy.
I would love it if they had a heart as big as his as well.
Ada is all about being a grandma again and has checked in with me almost every day. She’s brought over a whole slew of home remedies to help with morning sickness, stretch marks, and swollen feet. She says Wood babies aren’t small, and all of it helped her survive four pregnancies.
Booker is excited to be a big brother. He’s told me he can’t wait so he can teach them all the dinosaur facts, and we can go to the zoo so he can tell his little brother or sister about each animal, though he thinks I should have a boy.
Emmett tried to explain to him that it wasn’t something we got to choose.
That was a hilarious conversation to witness, and I’m just sorry I didn’t grab my phone and record it.
Just a few more hours till we find out if my dad’s first grandbaby is gonna be a girl or a boy. We’re meeting Erik and Dad for dinner after my appointment—the first dinner with Dad and Emmett. Here’s hoping the awkwardness will be minimal.
Emmett
I’m sitting in my truck in front of a house that means a shit ton to my woman. As progressive as Kinsley is, I know she would really appreciate this even if she’d never come out and say it. The things I do for her. Hell, who are we kidding? I would go to the ends of the earth for her.
I get out and walk up to the door, knocking on it before I change my mind.
A minute later, the door opens and I’m greeted by the other most important man in Kinsley’s life.
Grant looks at me with a questioning look.
“Kinsley okay? I know she’s got an appointment today.
” I answer him quickly. “Yeah, she’s fine.
She’s meeting me at her appointment right after work.
I wanted to come talk to you before dinner tonight. ”
He looks at me, confused, but waves me inside. “Come on in and have a seat. This isn’t a conversation where you’re gonna end up telling me you can’t handle shit and you’re gonna leave my little princess, are you?”
I take a seat across from him in the living room. “Abso-fucking-lutley not. I stand by what I told you. She’s it for me. In fact, that’s kind of why I’m here.”
Grant leans back on the couch. I think he’s still assessing me. “Well, go on. Don’t leave me hanging.”
“Tomorrow, I was planning to ask Kinsley to marry me. I was hoping to get your blessing. I know that it would mean the world to her if we had it.” He looks at me, and I really wish I knew what he was thinking.
“You’re gonna ask her either way, aren’t you?
” I nod my head in affirmation. “I am. She’s the one I picture next to me when I think of the future.
It’s her or nobody. That’s how sure I am of us.
I just know it would be better and make her happy to have your blessing, and I would do just about anything to make her happy. ”
Grant glares at me for a minute before he speaks.
“You make it fucking hard to hate you. I’m gonna give my blessing.
Not because I want to see her married off or anything, but because, like it or not, I’ve seen how her face lights up when she talks about you.
I also know I want to be there for the wedding and to help when my grandbaby is born.
So, yes, you got my blessing. How are you thinking about proposing? ”
I tell him my plan, and he gives me some suggestions and even offers to help with a couple of aspects of it. No, I ain’t sharing that with you just yet. Some things have to be a surprise, damn it. Patience people.
After we discuss what I came to talk about, I look at my watch and realize I need to get going to meet Kinsley at the doctor’s office.
Grant follows me to the front door. “Since we’re gonna be family and all, we should plan a family barbecue so your family can come meet all of ours.
” I nod, but let him in on something my woman and I figured out a while ago.
“Sure, but you know my dad already.” Grant’s confused expression has me chuckling.
“I do?” I open the front door and look back at him.
“Yeah, you’ve done all his tattoos over the years.
Does the name Brooks Wood ring a bell?” Watching his eyes almost bug out of his head might just be the highlight of my day.
“That Paul Bunyan of a lumberjack is your dad?” I can tell he’s processing that bit of information.
He puts his hands on his hips. “Well, at least I know my in-laws are good people. Makes me think a little higher of you…a little.” I’ll take that.
“I’ll see you and your man at dinner tonight.
” Time to go find out if we’re having a boy or a girl.
**********
I made it to the doctor’s office just as Kinsley’s name was called to go back to see the doctor.
I follow her back. She stops at what looks like a scale and a blood pressure machine.
The male nurse who was talking to her turns and acknowledges me for the first time.
“Darlin’, who is this tall drink of water you brought with you this time?
Tell me, are you the baby daddy?” Kinsley giggles and nods.
“Yeah, he’s the dad.” The nurse winks at me.
He speaks to me as he takes her blood pressure and makes notes in the chart.
“Well, sugar, I’m Darius, the main nurse around here.
I’m here to answer any questions, and although I’m an amazing specimen of awesomeness, no touching is allowed.
I love my pregnant mamas too much.” This has Kinsley looking at me and full-on laughing.
“Oh, that’s awesome! I can’t wait to tell Kierstie and Madison that you blushed almost as much as Shane and Mick. That’s freaking fantastic!”