My Boyfriend's Dad, page 7
His face falls.
“Oh, she was actually seeing three or four guys at once. She told me it’s the French thing to do, and that I shouldn’t be disappointed,” he says in a dull voice.
I hear a noise from beside me and look at Lucy. But she’s not angry. Instead, her expression is one of pity for my son, and I take her hand and squeeze it gently. The gesture isn’t lost on Jasper.
He looks up, his eyes glimmering with tears. “You get everything, Dad. You got Lucy, after all, and she’s the girl I should have kept. Why wouldn’t I want to follow in your footsteps? I’ve messed things up enough on my own.”
I exchange a glance with Lucy, and she steps in then.
“Jasper, you didn’t mess up because we were never meant to be. Honestly, it’s true. I know we thought we were in love, but it’s nothing compared to what I share with your father. With time, you’ll see it too. It was just puppy love between us.”
Jasper looks at her with a confused expression.
“You think so?” he asks with hope in his voice.
“I know so,” the curvy girl says firmly. “You have a lot of growing up to do, but you know what I was impressed by? The fact that you were attracted to Hannah. Not everyone wants a woman who’s in her fifties, but if you admired her maturity and strength, then that says a lot about you. You’re much more than just a teenage jock.”
Jasper visibly brightens then.
“I am, aren’t I?” he says softly, a smile beginning to break out on his face. “Yes, I’m definitely into cougars. Who knew City Girls would have such a great selection?”
But that’s when I step in.
“I’m glad we’re on the same page now, but I want to be totally clear: I no longer hire escorts and I don’t use the agency anymore. I love Lucy, Jasper. She means everything to me, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. What you do is up to you, but again, I’m in love with Lucy.”
The curvy girl gasps and looks up at me, her eyes shining. “Really?” she whispers.
I nod. “Really, sweetheart.”
“I’m so happy,” she murmurs, placing her hand on my chest. “I love you too, Brandon. This is a dream come true.”
I kiss the top of her head, dying to take things further, but then I remember that my son is still in the room. Together, we turn to look at him and it’s kind of a pathetic sight. Jasper’s still sniveling a bit with the sheet wrapped around his waist, and I sigh.
“Son,” I say, “I know you have a lot going on, but I think you need some help, and I want to assist. I’m going to look into psychiatrists for you to potentially meet with. Does that sound like a solution? Or part of a solution at least? I think you could really benefit from talking this over with a therapist because the circumstances are unique to say the least.”
Jasper sniffles again but nods. “Okay, sure.”
Then there’s a long stretch of silence, punctuated only by Jasper’s weepy sniffles. Lucy turns to me awkwardly and says with a bright smile, “I, um, brought over some banana bread. I’m going to go cut us some slices downstairs. Brandon, do you want a drink?”
I cast a sidelong glance at Jasper. “Sure thing honey, I’ll be right down. Just give me five minutes.”
Lucy nods and flashes a hesitant but still dazzling smile at me, and then heads downstairs.
Once she’s out of earshot, I look back at my son, who still won’t meet my gaze. “You really fucked up with Lucy, you know,” I say, refusing to mince my words. “Or did you forget that you cheated on her?”
He sighs heavily and nods. “I know. Trust me, I know and I’ve regretted it ever since.”
When I put my hand on his shoulder, he doesn’t shrug it off. “I don’t want you to feel like we’re punishing you,” I say. “I don’t expect to have your blessing now, or anytime soon. But I want you to know with one-hundred percent certainty that what I feel for Lucy is real, and that I’m always going to treat her well. If you still love her, even a little bit, you should want that for her, too.”
Jasper finally looks at me and, after a beat, nods. “I do,” he says in a small voice. “I do want her to be happy, and I know she wouldn’t be happy with me, not after what I did.”
I squeeze his shoulder. “Yes, that’s right because some things can’t be undone, and the cheating unraveled your romantic relationship forever. But you’re a good person, Jasper, and you have your whole life in front of you. You’re going to find your special someone, too.”
My son sniffles again.
“You think Lucy is your special someone?” he asks, raising red-rimmed eyes to me.
I nod. “I know she is,” is my firm reply.
With that, I leave my son to get dressed, and go downstairs to join my girlfriend. Lucy looks up when I enter the kitchen.
“Is everything okay?” she asks.
I snort a bit, shaking my head.
“As okay as they can be right now,” I say. “But at least we tore off the band-aid in one fell swoop. Jasper knows about us now, and it’s fine. He’ll come to terms with our relationship.”
Lucy nods, and I see the faint stain of a blush on her cheeks.
“That’s good,” she murmurs. I look more closely at my girlfriend and the color is definitely high on her cheeks. Is it hot in here?
“Are you okay, honey? I know that was a lot,” I say, pretending to wipe sweat from my brow. “Not just the revelation about our relationship, but also seeing my son with a cougar! Who knew he was into older women and professionals too?”
Lucy giggles a bit, handing me a slice of banana bread on a plate.
“Well, I meant what I said. I admire Jasper for being attracted to older women because not that many teen boys are, so it shows he’s thinking with his head, and not entirely with his anatomy. But did you mean what you said?” she asks, her eyes searching mine. “That you want to spend forever with me, Brandon?”
I pull her in for a kiss, tasting those sweet lips.
“Of course I did,” I growl against her mouth. “Nothing could make me happier.”
With that, Lucy sighs happily against my lips. “Oh good because I have something to tell you,” Lucy says suddenly.
I look down at her expectantly. “What is it?”
But instead of spilling the beans, the curvy girl bites her lip and looks away with a secret smile. “Actually, I’ll tell you tomorrow. Let’s just hang out and watch a movie tonight because my nerves are totally shot.”
“You sure?” I ask, stroking her curls.
“I’m sure.”
As we settle onto the couch with the banana bread, I wonder what Lucy’s hiding from me--something good, or something bad? But after what happened tonight, the truth is that I could use some peace as well.
9
Lucy
* * *
The movie’s not bad. It’s an action and adventure shoot-em-up flick, so there’s not much of a plot. I’m able to follow the storyline just by tuning into a few scenes here and there. It’s something about saving the world from an evil dictator who’s amassing a robot army, one soldier at a time. At least, that’s what I think it’s about.
After the movie finishes, Brandon takes my hand and we head upstairs. Fortunately, Jasper’s nowhere to be seen and we retreat to the master bedroom, locking the door firmly behind us. Of course, we change the sheets and light a few candles to clear the air of any lingering energy. I brush my teeth, comfy in one of Brandon’s big oversized t-shirts.
And then I remember my secret.
Should I tell him now? I agonize for the millionth time this evening. I almost blurted it out while we were watching the movie: I’m having your baby! But tonight feels like too much after Jasper’s debacle. I think my boyfriend will be overjoyed because he just declared that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. But spending your life together is different from bringing a child into the world. The question is: does Brandon want both?
We get into bed, and I manage to stay mum. Then, after the lights go out, I feel myself drifting off to sleep quickly, my boyfriend’s big body tucked firmly against mine.
“Goodnight, sweetheart,” he growls into my ear.
I smile. “Goodnight, my love.”
Let it wait, Lucy, I tell myself. There’s been a lot of excitement tonight already. Save something good for tomorrow.
When I wake up, I blearily open my eyes to see that my man isn’t in bed with me. I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. It’s Saturday, so he didn’t have to go to work, and I don’t hear him in the bathroom either. What could he be up to?
I hear footsteps on the stairs, and moments later, Brandon’s standing in the doorway with a steaming mug of coffee in hand. He looks so gorgeous with his black hair rumpled, wearing nothing but loose pajamas pants. His six pack makes me want to trail my tongue over the ridges, and those firm pecs are definitely worthy of a professional athlete.
“Morning, beautiful,” he says, smiling at me. “Coffee?”
“Please,” I beg, stretching out my arms. He laughs and gives me the mug, kissing me first on the forehead and then passionately on the lips.
“I’m making us breakfast,” Brandon rumbles, rubbing my back as he sits down on the bed next to me. “Would you rather have bacon or sausage links with pancakes and fruit?”
“Oh wow, you’re the best,” I chirp happily. “Bacon, please,” I decide. “Extra crispy.” There are few things I love more on this planet than breakfast, and breakfast being cooked by the man of my dreams? Even better.
“You got it,” he smiles. “By the way, Jasper managed to drag himself to another planning meeting for the prom, so it’s just you and me.” He tilts my chin up with his fingers and kisses me deeply again, and I can’t help but swoon a little. Then, Brandon’s heading back downstairs, whistling cheerfully, like the Earth didn’t just shudder.
I shake my head. How in the world did I manage to get so lucky?
With a jolt, I remember the big news I have to share today. Confident that Brandon is downstairs and won’t see, I lift up his oversized shirt to stare at my belly. It’s still its normal self, and there are no new bulges to be seen. Then, I place my hands gently on my stomach reverently and smile. It’s hard to believe that a new life is beginning inside of me.
I take a deep breath and get out of bed. I take a long, hot shower in the master bathroom, trying not to spend too much time staring at my tummy and wondering if I look any different yet. Then, I plop my long hair into a bun on my head, change into one of Brandon’s fluffy white robes, and go downstairs, following the wafting aroma of bacon.
Brandon turns when he hears me enter the kitchen and smiles. Immediately, I burst into laughter: he’s wearing a garish “Kiss the Cook” apron. He looks down with an amused grin.
“Someone gave this to me during a gag gift exchange one Christmas,” he explains, “and I just didn’t have the heart to get rid of it. It’s very functional.”
“I like it,” I say, sliding my arms around his waist. “But maybe I’m biased because I always want to kiss the cook.”
“Please do.” We lock lips, a soft moan escaping my throat as his tongue pushes into my mouth. But then, he pulls away before things get out of hand. “Food first, then more kissing,” he teases.
I sit at the table as Brandon serves our feast of golden pancakes, crispy bacon, and a gorgeous bowl of juicy berries. As my boyfriend pours me another cup of coffee, he plants a tender kiss on the top of my head. “Did you sleep okay?” he asks.
I nod. “I was worried I would have nightmares about Jasper and that woman, but thank God I didn’t.”
Brandon laughs. “Me, neither. I hope to never see my son having sex ever again, even in my dreams. I’m purging that visual from my mind forever, right now.”
I take a bit of bacon and smile. It’s definitely extra crispy, just like I requested. “I know, me too. By the way, thank you for breakfast, babe,” I say. “What’s the occasion?”
“Just you being here,” Brandon says simply. “You deserve to be spoiled.”
I beam at that and take a deep breath.
“You said Jasper’s at a prom meeting, right?” I ask.
Brandon nods and takes a drink of his coffee. “That’s what he said, anyways. Who knows? Maybe he just wanted to escape the house, after what happened.” But then he sighs and grows serious. “I meant what I said about looking for a psychiatrist for my son though. I really do think the Accutane is messing with his moods. You know, the acne medication he takes? But I also know how important it is to his confidence for him to keep using it. His skin has always been a major point of contention for him.”
“Definitely,” I agree. “I agree that a psychiatrist is a good idea. They could work together with a dermatologist to figure out what kind of medications work for Jasper. It’s trial and error, and best done with the guidance of professionals.”
Brandon nods and sighs again.
“Do you think I’m a good dad?” he asks suddenly. “I used to be pretty confident in my abilities, and now, with a teenager, I’m not so sure.”
I can’t help but laugh, and reach across the table to squeeze his hand. “Trust me, teenagers are the worst,” I say. “And I’m allowed to say that because I am one. But I think you’re a great father. Jasper is really lucky to have you. I promise.”
Do it now, Lucy, I tell myself, and my eyes widen as I realize that this would be the perfect segue.
Brandon notices. “What’s on your mind, sweetheart? You stiffened just now.”
This is it. I swallow hard and try to allay my sudden burst of nerves. A million worries swirl like a tornado around my head. What if Brandon’s upset? What if he doesn’t actually want another kid? What if he wanted to date longer to make sure we’re the right fit? But there’s no more time to waste, and no other way to find out if my concerns are valid. I need to tell him now.
“Brandon,” I begin, his hand still in mine. “I…” But the words won’t come out. I lick my lips and try again. “Brandon, I have something to tell you.”
He cocks his head at me, blue eyes questioning.
“Is this what you alluded to last night?”
I nod slowly. “Yes. I… Um…”
Brandon takes my other hand in his and looks into my eyes. “Lucy,” he says in a low voice, “I meant everything I said last night. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. Whatever you have to say to me, I’m here to listen. Okay?”
He looks so serious and sincere that my heart melts, and the words come flowing out before I even realize it. “Brandon, I’m pregnant. I’m having a baby. Your baby. You’re going to be a father again.”
Brandon stands up so quickly that he almost knocks his chair over. “What?” he growls. “I’m what? You’re what?”
To see such a composed, confident man looking so shocked is startling, but I force myself to stay calm, even if my heart’s in my throat. “I’m pregnant,” I repeat slowly. “We’re going to have a baby together.”
Before I can speak another word, Brandon crushes me against him, his arms so tight around my torso that it’s difficult to breathe. But I don’t care, because he’s embracing me, and whispering how much he loves me, over and over, in my ear. In fact, I think the alpha male might even be crying.
“Oh my God, Lucy,” Brandon finally manages in a choked voice. “I can’t believe this.”
“I can’t, either,” I admit. “But you’re happy about it?”
“I’m beyond happy,” he raves. “I’m ecstatic, I’m overjoyed, I’m fucking weak in the knees just thinking about our future together, Lucy. I can’t believe I have the opportunity to be a dad again, and I can’t believe I get to go on this adventure with you.” Suddenly, he sweeps me off my feet, and we both laugh as he spins me giddily through the air. “We’re going to have a baby!” he yells. “Hallelujah!”
When he sets me down, we’re beaming at one another with hope dazzling our eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than I am in this moment, and the emotion overflows my heart. I can’t believe that not so long ago, I desperately wanted to have a baby with Jasper, someone so lost in life that he actually cheated. Now, I’ve found a man who loves me and not only is he excited, but he’s ecstatic, overjoyed, and weak in the knees to have a baby with me.
“You’re sure it’s not too soon?” I ask, my eyes shining.
He shakes his head. “It’s perfect,” Brandon growls. “Everything is perfect, come to think of it. Now, let me kiss you, mama-to-be.”
And then he does, sweeping me into his arms and dipping me into a kiss so magical that I wish time would stop. This is what happiness is, I think joyfully. This is what love looks like. Because right now, I’m not worried about the future, or about what Jasper or my family will think, or about what people will say. I’m not worried about anything at all. This incredibly handsome, intelligent, and loving alpha male is mine, and now, we’re ready to start the next phase of our lives.
Epilogue
Lucy
* * *
Two years later.
Summer has always been my favorite season. It’s hard not to appreciate the warmer days and longer nights, the gorgeous sunsets and winking fireflies. I have yet to discover a simple pleasure better than a fast-melting ice cream cone on a hot afternoon, or a quick dip in the pool at midnight, bathing suit optional of course.
Nora, I think, loves summer, too. My daughter is only one and a half, but she certainly makes her likes and dislikes very known.
“Mama!” she cries as we lie in the grass in our backyard. I’ve set out a checkered blue and white blanket, and Nora’s toys and books are strewn all across it. I kept her entertained for about an hour, and then managed to read a few pages of my magazine as she snoozed in the shade. Now, she’s back up and ready for more attention.
