Wrong Car, Right Guy

But the best thing about my family is how accepting they are. They have always encouraged me to go after the things I want in life, and I think they will love Tate once they get to know him. After all, if I love him then what’s not to like about him? They will see how protective and kind he is, how well established he is in his life, and how excited he is for our future. They’ll understand why I care about him so much. I’m sure of it.

First, though, I have to find the courage to pick up the phone and arrange for them to meet Tate. I hold my cell phone in my hand and stare at it, trying to muster the courage to just do it. Tate gently rubs my back.

“We can wait a while if you want,” Tate says gently. “I know that it’s going to be hard telling them everything that’s going on with us.”

I sigh. “It is, but I also really don’t want to keep them in the dark about everything. It doesn’t seem fair. They’re my parents, and they raised me, to be honest.”

Tate kisses the side of my head. “It’s okay. I understand. You don’t need to explain. Whatever you want to do, I’m right here. I’ll support you in whatever you want to do.”

I feel a blush spread across my cheeks. This is what I love so much about him. No matter how hard things seem to get, he’s right there to support me. He takes such good care of me. I hope that my parents see that when they meet him.

I take a deep breath and call my mom. She picks up quickly and I know she’s excited to hear from me. Since she’s retired, she’s put an emphasis on family time, which is why keeping this whole thing from her seems wrong. Tate is family now too, and I don’t want to deny that any longer.

“Sweetheart! I’m so glad you called. How are you?” my mom says excitedly.

“Hey, Mom. I actually called because I have some exciting news.”

“You do?” Mom says eagerly. “Well, let’s hear it then.”

I take a deep breath. This isn’t easy, but I know I’ll feel better as soon as I’m honest with her. I look to Tate for support and he continues rubbing my back, soothing me.

“Well…I met someone. His name is Tate.”

“You did? Oh, that’s wonderful, honey. I know how much you’ve wanted to settle down for a long time. Is he a good guy?”

“Of course, Mom,” I say with a smile. “In fact, he’s perfect. And things have moved pretty quickly between us…”

“How quickly?” Mom asks, suddenly on her guard. It does nothing to help my nerves. I know she’s going to be shocked at what I’m about to tell her.

I swallow.

“Well, he’s asked me to move in with him and I said yes. And it’s kind of important that we’re living together…because we’re also going to have a baby.”

There’s silence on the other end of the line. I think for a moment that the call has dropped, but then I hear an excited squeal on the other end of the line that gets louder and louder as the news sinks in. I feel my face split into a smile. This is a better reaction than I ever could have hoped for. I thought that maybe mom wouldn’t be able to handle so much news in one go, but she sounds ecstatic.

“Oh, Macy, darling, this is amazing news! Congratulations!”

I breathe out a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Mom. I’ve been so nervous about telling you. I know this is all happening pretty fast, but the truth is I’m so happy. Happier than I ever thought was possible.”

“That’s all I care about,” Mom says gently. “If you think this is right, then I’m here to support it all the way. Oh, I’m so glad you told me! I’m so happy for you, baby. And this man, Tate…you think he’s the one?”

I look at Tate with a shy smile. “I know he is, Mom. He’s everything to me. I knew from the moment that we met that this was something special. And now, we’ve got so many things to look forward to.” I feel myself getting choked up, a lump in the back of my throat. “Sorry, I think it’s just hitting me, all the excitement of it. I’m just…I’m so happy, Mom.”

“You sound it, sweetie. Happier than I’ve ever heard you before. I know things have been tough for you over the years so I’m glad you’ve found a man worthy of you. You deserve the world, honey.”

I’m crying happy tears now, unable to stop myself. “Thank you. You don’t know what your support means to me.”

“You must come for dinner tonight. Bring Tate. I want to meet him. And wait until your father hears. We’re going to be grandparents! You’ve made me so happy. How about you come over for around six o’clock? How does that sound?”