Chapter 31
Conleigh
2 months later
“Turn left here.”
“Are you sure? I think we need to go right.”
“The map says left,” I argue.
“Okay but if we get lost it’s on you. I just don’t want you to miss your dad getting hitched,” Holden says, being thoughtful.
“I’m going by the directions Beth emailed me. We will get there on time.”
I squeeze his hand. This is the first time Holden is meeting my dad and Beth. He’s been so busy with the renovations at the bar. The place looks great though. With Wren’s help the business has really turned around. They practically gutted it and started over.
Wren knows his stuff. Him and Bailey are still going strong but are taking things slow. They only recently had sex. Bailey swore her vagina was gonna dry up if it didn’t happen soon. But she is glad they waited. They are getting ready to move into their own place. Bailey has been staying at the apartment with him for the past month but with the four of us it gets to be crowded and privacy is an issue at times. Not to mention that Holden and I will be needing that extra room in about seven months. I haven’t told him that yet though.
Only Bailey knows, and I have her sworn to secrecy. I plan on telling him and my dad together. I thought maybe they could bond over the news. It’s very important to me that they get along and like each other. I’ve visited with my dad and Beth a few times. Not as often as I would like though. My schedule has been full lately. I signed a book deal for the duet I wrote about Holden and me. Well, it is loosely based on us. I have been in rewrite and editing hell and actually completed the last few chapters yesterday and am awaiting the all clear from the editors.
I can’t believe my books will be on the shelves in some of my favorite stores.
“We’re here.” Holden breaks me from my thoughts.
He comes around and opens my door for me. I lean up and give him a quick kiss. I only have enough time to make a small introduction between my dad and Holden before I have to get changed into my dress. I am standing in as my dad’s best man.
I haven’t spoken to my mother since she showed up at the apartment to tell me about my dad and make her threats. She has kept good to her word. It makes me sad to think she won’t get to know my child but that’s her choice. I don’t know if I will even tell her that I’m pregnant. She’d probably flip out even more because Holden and I aren’t married.
I didn’t want a baby so soon, but everything happens for a reason. I’m a firm believer.
The ceremony is short and to the point. There aren’t that many guests, but it feels more intimate. The way Beth looks at my dad, I know she loves him, and I am so glad he found her.
She’s a sweet woman who loves to do hair and cook. She was married once before to an abusive drunk and got away after the first time he hit her. When she told me her story, I couldn’t help but think about the time Ezra smacked me, and I am so thankful that I have a man like Holden now.
Ezra is still working for his dad and the last I had heard he was engaged to someone else. Surprisingly her name isn’t Judy. She’s some rich country club girl his dad set him up with. I only hope he treats her better than he did me.
I watch my dad and Beth as they share the first dance and hope that when Holden and I do get married it’s similar to this. Quiet and intimate with only a few close family and friends. That is if he asks me. I plan to tell my dad and Holden about my pregnancy once most of the guests have gone. I don’t want to take away from Beth’s night. This is her moment to shine.
“You okay?” Holden questions me.
“Yeah, why? I’m fine.”
“I don’t know you seem off lost in your own thoughts.”
“Nope. All good here. Just enjoying seeing my dad so happy.”
“I like him. He seems like a real chill guy. We had a good talk earlier.”
My eyes widen. “You did?”
“Yeah, while you were changing.”
His eyes soften, and he nods in my dad’s direction.
I notice my dad and Beth staring at us all weird like.
“What are you up to?” I hedge.