“I’d love to see them,” Melanie stated, giving Tanner a wide grin across the table.
“They’re in the front closet on the top shelf.” His mother pushed her seat back from the table and came to her feet. “Leave all of these dishes and I’ll get them later. Tanner, be a dear and reach up in the closet and grab the two leather-bound picture albums.”
He raked a hand across the back of his neck and blew out a sigh. “Actually, Mom, I need to tell you something.”
His stepfather stood as well. “You three go into the living room and I’ll get all the dishes into the kitchen.”
Tanner couldn’t have handpicked a better man for his mother than Patrick Bailey. He spoiled her and showed his mother she was worthy of being pampered and loved.
Melanie eyed him, her smile disappearing. Her jovial state now replaced by nerves and fear that he was judging her taut expression correctly. He offered her a grin, trying to ease her worry.
“C’mon, Mel. Let’s go in the living room.”
“Why don’t I help Patrick with the dishes?” she offered.
Tanner shook his head. “No way.”
“You most certainly will not,” his mother said at the same time. “No guest in my home will do dishes. Now, come in the living room. I want to hear what my son has to say, and then I have the most adorable baby photo to show you. Oh, and then there’s that one from your junior high dance. Do you remember, Tanner? The one where you were so nervous you went for a haircut—”
“Yes, Mom. I remember.”
He really didn’t want to take this
stroll down memory lane. Beyond the embarrassment, he had more pressing matters to deal with.
Tanner rounded the table in the narrow dining room and eased Melanie’s chair out. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Relax.”
Placing a secure hand on the small of her back, he led her into the living room and onto the same floral sofa his mother had owned for the past twenty years. She claimed they didn’t make them sturdy like this anymore, so she refused to get new furniture. She also claimed she’d rather spend her money on cruises, which she and Patrick often took.
Teresa Bailey sank into her favorite tan rocker-recliner and crossed her legs. Resting one elbow on the arm of the puffy chair, she smiled. “So, what is it you want to tell me? Though I do have a pretty good idea.”
From the huge smile on his mother’s face, he truly feared he was about to burst that bubble his mother was floating in.
“I’m not sure how to say this other than to just come out and tell you.”
His mother practically beamed. “You’re getting married? Am I right? Oh, sorry. I shouldn’t have ruined the announcement, but I couldn’t wait.”
“We’re not getting married, Mom.”
Melanie shifted beside him and slid her arm around his. Her silent support meant a great deal to him. He’d opened up to her about his past hurt. He’d hated doing so on the drive here because he’d felt like maybe they couldn’t fully engage in what needed to be said, but he couldn’t have Melanie completely off guard.
“Melanie is pregnant.”
His mom’s smile faltered, her eyes widened as she darted her gaze to Melanie. “Pregnant?”
“I’m about six weeks along now.”
Silence settled in the room and Tanner wasn’t sure what his mom was thinking, but in the next second she jumped from her seat and squealed, throwing her arms wide.
“Oh, my word, honey. Come give me a hug.”
Tanner wasn’t sure who she was talking to, but Melanie came to her feet and was enveloped by his mom. The weight of what seemed like years of worry slid right off his shoulders. Patrick came rushing into the room.
“What happened?”
“We’re going to be grandparents,” his mom exclaimed, releasing Melanie.
“That’s great,” Patrick stated.