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She continued to stare ahead with a scowl.
“I know this changes a lot of things for us, but—”
Her eyes shot to his. “It changes everything.”
He was silent, waiting for her to say more.
“I need to think.” She opened the door and climbed out, walking at a rapid pace toward the house.
Duncan jumped out of the car. “Dréa!”
Over her shoulder, she gave him a look that could kill, so he followed at a distance.
She pushed the door open and went to the kitchen. “I need to go back to the hotel for a while.”
“Did you forget something, dear?” her mother asked.
“We just have to go. Right now,” she snapped.
Their parents all stared at her in surprise.
“Sorry. I will explain on the way. Can we go?” Her tone was cold and clipped. She crossed her arms over her chest, angling toward the door.
“Of course,” her father said.
They said rushed goodbyes and followed her out.
The click of the door as they left the house felt final, and Duncan sank into the nearest kitchen chair and buried his face in his hands, wanting to disappear.
Mama’s tender touch brought him back to reality. “What’s going on?”
“I think I just ruined everything.”
Later that day, the doorbell rang, and Duncan’s stomach flipped, knowing it was Jamie. He headed to the front door and opened it to find her bent over, heaving between two bushes.
“Oh no. Are you okay?” he asked.
She looked up, horrified, and covered her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I was really nervous. I thought morning sickness would be over soon, but it still strikes when I least expect it.”
He gently took her arm and guided her into the house with his hand on her lower back. “Want to freshen up?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a stick of gum. “Maybe this will help.”
She laughed and took the gum. “Thanks. I’m gonna use the bathroom. I’ll be out in a second.” He watched her disappear down the hallway, feeling awful for her.
When she returned, she was chomping on the gum he’d given her, looking more radiant than ever. Nobody would’ve been able to tell she’d been throwing up in the bushes not five minutes earlier.
“Ready?”
“Is anybody ever really ready for something like this?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Probably not.” His hand found a place on her lower back again as he ushered her through the house to the back yard. His family was waiting patiently, seated on the patio, sipping iced tea and lemonade.
They looked up as Duncan took Jamie’s hand and guided her before them.
Mama’s face showed confusion, while Shannon wore a supportive smile.
It probably seemed wrong for him to be holding anyone’s hand but his fiancée’s, but given the situation, he felt like holding onto her through this, and she seemed to want the same.
Duncan cleared his throat. “I know you’re probably wondering what this is all about after the way Dréa left his morning.” He looked over at Jamie, who gave him a little smile of encouragement, then back at his family. Nerves skittered through him. “Jamie’s pregnant, and come January, you’ll be getting your first grandchild.” He nodded at Nana. “Great grandchild for you, Nana.”