Dean (Face-Off 6)
Page 45
“What I have to tell you guys is hard for me to say.” My sweaty palm is making it harder for me to grip the phone in my hand. “Let me get this off my chest without interrupting me. Can you do that, please?”
They all agree.
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out.
“Did you say you’re pregnant, Kat?” Dad sounds confused.
“Yes, Dad. I’m pregnant. I wanted to tell all of you in person, but our schedules never line up.”
An awkward silence passes between us.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“Did you go to the doctor?”
“Yeah, Dad. I have a blood test and a sonogram that confirm my pregnancy.”
I’m greeted with more silence from my dad.
Austin sighs. Duke groans. The twins are whispering to each other.
“How long have you known?” Dad says.
“Not long,” I admit.
“Honey, why would you keep something like this from us?” He hesitates for a second, this time with excitement in his voice. “I’m gonna be a grandfather…”
“I’m sorry, Dad. I should have told you sooner. I’m freaked out. I didn’t know what to do.”
“I don’t get it,” Theo says. “How could you get pregnant? Is immaculate conception a real thing?”
I almost laugh at his comment. “Do I need to give you the birds and bees talk again?”
“You had sex with someone?” Theo still sounds in shock.
“With who?” Travis says, bewildered. “You never hung out with any guys other than us and… Dean.”
More awkward silence passes between us. Everyone says the twin are idiots, but I think Travis just figured it out.
“I’m coming home,” Austin says with authority. “I can take you to your appointments and help you with the baby.”
Taking me to the doctor was always Austin’s job. He would sit in the waiting rooms with me. He would even hold my hand while the dental hygienist cleaned my teeth. I hated that so much when I was a kid. What I wouldn’t give to have Austin home with me right now. He’s not far, only one state over, living in
St. Louis with his teammates. I miss him and his calmness that always puts me at ease.
“Who’s the father?” Duke growls.
“Yeah, who’s the father?” Austin says.
The twins echo their question.
“Do you guys promise not to flip out?”
“No,” Duke says like he’s spitting nails.
“I haven’t told him yet,” I say.