Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 104288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104288 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
“From what you’ve told me, they’re going to be disappointed. But your mom and dad sound like good people who just want the best for their daughter. They’d never hate you.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. “Maybe I just hate myself for letting them down.”
“I know, Tiny. I know. But they’ll come around. I get that you haven’t been feeling great, but overall, I know you’re happy about the baby. When they see that . . . the disappointment will fade. You’re young, yes, but you’re still a grown woman. You’re making your own money. Making your way in the world. They don’t get to decide what your life looks like. You do.”
“They’ve invested so much in me. In my future. They sacrificed a lot to see me succeed. By getting pregnant at this point in my life, I feel like all that sacrifice has been for nothing.”
Tuck scoffs, his hand working small, gentle circles on my back now. “They made sacrifices because they love you, not because they thought you’d pay them back one day. Aside from respect, you don’t owe them anything.”
I look at Tuck. “I owe them the truth.”
“That too.” His gaze is clear. “I’ll be right there with you, Maren. You don’t have to face them alone. We can always reschedule if you want.”
I lean against him. He props me upright with the bulk of his massive body, my cheek pressed against the smooth ball of his shoulder. “No more kicking the can down the road,” I whimper. “It’s time to face the music.”
“That’s a lot of metaphors for this early in the morning.”
Despite my roiling stomach, I grin. “Guess we’d better get used to it—the early wake-up calls. Was Katie a good sleeper?”
Tuck’s shoulder vibrates as he laughs. “Kid didn’t sleep a fucking wink. Let’s hope this baby inherits your genes in that department.”
Mom and Dad take the five o’clock ferry from South Port. It’s a beautiful night, so Tuck and I walk over to the dock at quarter after and watch the ferry pull in. My parents are on the top deck and wave when they see us. They’re all smiles.
My heart lurches. Should I have told them the news beforehand so it’s less of a shock? When I invited them to dinner tonight, I just said we needed to catch up.
I didn’t tell them Tuck would be joining us.
I didn’t tell them we’re dating.
Definitely didn’t say a word about the pregnancy.
Now I’m realizing those three huge pieces of news might be too much to digest in one sitting.
“Shit,” I whisper, pasting on a smile as I wave back.
Tuck slips an arm around my waist. “You gonna be sick?”
“No. Yes. I don’t know.” I grab his hand. “I need to hold your hand.”
Tuck twines his fingers through mine. The familiar firmness of his touch makes me feel a smidge less shaky.
“Are you nervous at all?” I ask.
He scoffs. “About what? Meeting the parents of the much younger woman I accidentally got pregnant? Naw.”
“I’m sorry, I should’ve asked you earlier—”
“Maren, it’s all right.” His green eyes bore into mine. “I was joking. As long as we’re good, I’m good. Do I want to win your parents’ approval? Of course I do. But your approval matters more. We played just the tip together, and now we’ll share our happy news with your parents together. Takes two to tango, and I’m not going anywhere, Tiny.”
Laughing, I close my eyes. “Thank you for that.”
Then I square my shoulders, take a deep breath, and walk toward the debarkation point with Tuck by my side.
Mom’s eyes bulge when she sees us together. Dad’s gaze catches on the tattoos that peek out of Tuck’s collar.
My boyfriend is dressed up, looking especially delicious in a crisp white button-up, dark jeans, and a pair of brand-new navy New Balance sneakers. His hair is neatly combed and parted, and he’s wearing one of what I discovered to be a collection of Rolexes he owns. The clothes and the watch scream tasteful wealth. But the tattoos? Not so much. I can tell Dad is trying to work out the disconnect, a small frown pulling at the corners of his mouth.
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise!” Mom says a little too brightly as she steps off the ramp onto the dock. “Hey, y’all!”
Dad wraps me in a tight hug before he extends his hand to Tuck.
“Mark Lucas. Thanks for taking such great care of our daughter. She really enjoys working for you.”
Oh, boy.
Tuck doesn’t miss a beat. He takes Dad’s hand and gives it a shake. “Tuck Monroe. Pleasure to meet you. Your daughter is something special.”
“I’ve heard all about you from your mama,” Mom is saying, her eyes moving up and down Tuck’s massive frame. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you.”
I had to drop Tuck’s hand to hug my parents. I want to grab it again, but I’m losing my nerve, dread gathering in my stomach.