Page 70 of Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer

“That’s the first dumb thing you’ve said all night,” Dad grumbled. “She shouldn’t be traveling by herself with a baby.”

“Not that you thought me traveling alone was any better,” I muttered.

Lincoln reached for my hand. “Harper’s intelligent and resourceful. I have no doubt she’d take the absolute best care of herself and our child if she chose to do that.”

Dad crossed his arms over his large chest. “So you’d just let her run all over the place alone? Maybe I spoke too soon about liking you.”

Lincoln pursed his lips, not bothering to respond.

“Tony, enough.” Mom’s voice rang out sharply.

Dad at least had enough self-preservation to look sheepish. “Hillary.”

“No, enough. I’ve tried to help you see reason, but you won’t. Harper’s not going to be our little girl forever. It’s time we step back and let her make her own choices.” Mom laid her trembling hand on the table in front of Dad.

He grasped her hand in both of his, brought it to his lips for a quick kiss, and then laid their hands back on the table. My parents were sweet and just as in love today as they had been thirty-six years ago when they got married.

“With our blessing and support.” Mom finished with a pointed look at Dad.

“I’ll attempt to keep my opinion to myself.” He twisted his lips. He wouldn’t appreciate it if I told him it looked like he was pouting.

Dad hated giving in to anyone but Mom.

“It’s now your job to keep her safe.” Dad sent a meaningful glare Lincoln’s way.

“Yes, sir.”

Dad raised an eyebrow.

“I mean, Tony. I respect you, and I respect Harper. While I want to keep her safe, I trust her decisions. And who knows, maybe I could travel with her when I’m not filming.”

“That would be lovely,” Mom answered. “Remember when we traveled together, Tony.”

“You did?” I dropped my fork. My parents rarely left town.

“It was right after we’d gotten married and just before Heidy was born. We used to drive all over in a small, beat-up car with a camper attached. There was barely room for us to sleep in it. That’s where your Dad got his love of picking up random old things. He’d clean them up and sell them for us to have money. And I’d sing where I could.”

My face heated. How had my parents hidden this important part of their lives? “Why is this the first time I’m hearing any of this?” .

She shrugged and took a sip of wine. “We told you that we traveled a little after we got married. It wasn’t for very long. I got pregnant within a few months of us on the road.”

“You always made it sound like it was only for a few weeks.”

“I guess we had so much fun that it felt like a few weeks. Time flew back then.” Mom smiled. “Which is why I think your dad needs to let up about you traveling with or without someone.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome, honey. We’ll always worry about you on your own, but Lincoln’s right. You’re smart. You can take care of yourself.”

I jumped up and wrapped my arms around her. “Thank you.”

She kissed my cheek. “You’re welcome. Enjoy your life, Harper. Things can change before you know it.”

I hugged her tighter. I had a feeling she was thinking about how her life had changed since the illness took hold and her body began to betray her. Mom had dreamed of singing as a career and contemplated giving it a try once we got older, but when she received her diagnosis, she gave it up.

I let go of Mom and moved back to my seat.

“What are you two planning to do for Christmas?” Mom asked.