My phone buzzes again, but it’s not Cope.
Dad: Tonight at Red Herring’s. Dress sharp.
What the hell?
Me: I’m busy.
Dad: You have a dinner with your future in-laws. If it’s any consolation, the trash next door will be there too.
Me: What? Why?
Dad: Stop asking a million questions and show up. Seven.
Moments later, Cope texts me.
Cope: Dinner????? Don’t they torture us enough just by existing?
I let out a snort as I reply.
Me: Get over here and quick so I have time to fuck you before we leave.
His nonresponse over my joke has me chuckling.
Red Herring’s is an upscale restaurant that overlooks the Missouri River. It’s a place I’ve been to a thousand times with my parents. The most expensive restaurant in town, usually reserved for celebrations. Now that Cope and I are here, and we find the large table, I realize we’re celebrating with Police Commissioner Jesse Sounder’s family and also Mayor Glenn Michaels’ family. I cringe because I hate this schmoozing shit, but it’s Cope’s gentle palm at the small of my back that keeps me going.
At least if I have to do this, we do it together.
Eyes burn into us and I catch the stare of the mayor’s son, Jett. He was friends with Cope when we weren’t speaking. Now, he’s dating his ex. You’d think the guy would be happy he got the girl. Instead, he watches Cope as though he’s someone who can be devoured.
Poor Jett doesn’t realize Cope is the one with fangs here.
Jett quickly looks away and it’s then I understand he’s lost to a stare down against Cope. Pride surges through me. Cope is the strongest guy I know. Some twerp won’t be able to intimidate him.
I’m not worried about Jett, though.
My eyes drag along the table to where Bryan sits at the head of the table. The place to his left is empty. For Cope. On his right are Gil Collins and his family, including Leah. Across from them is my family. As soon as my dad sees me, he puts on his fake front. He and Mom chirp about how wonderful it is to see me and Copeland together. Like old times. Fake. Bryan watches us with interest. I try to pull back so as not to gain his suspicion, but he’s already locked onto his son like a missile on a target.
“There you are,” Gil Collins greets. “Leah needs a good cheering up.”
I lock eyes with Leah, who seems seconds from breaking apart. Rushing over to her, I slide into the seat next to her and hug her. “What’s wrong?” I ask against her hair.
Her body trembles. I feel Cope’s gaze on me, burning with worry. With a quick nod, I let him know I’ll handle it. He needs to deal with his father. My own father starts in on a little speech. Talks about the community and its future. Blah, blah, blah. I don’t care.
“Talk to me,” I whisper.
Leah pulls away slightly and her watery eyes glisten with emotion. “Something bad.”
I frown and take her hands into mine, straightening her ring on her finger. “How bad?”
She sniffles and shrugs.
“Not good enough. Tell me.”
“I’m pregnant,” she chokes out.
Jett, from the other side of me, drops his fork, making a loud clang that has several adults turning their heads our way. I try to explain, with my eyes only, to Cope that this is bad. Real bad.
“You’re pregnant?” Jett asks loudly.
Her eyes widen when people start whispering.
“Don’t worry,” I assure her before turning my attention to the table. “This changes nothing. Having a baby a little sooner than we thought is just something we’ll figure out together. Right, sweetheart?”
Her face sours, but she nods quickly, eager to have the attention off her.
“In that case,” Dad bellows. “You should get married sooner. You can’t have a baby and not be married.”
I shoot him a murderous glare. “There’s no rush.”
“Now I beg your pardon, son,” Gil grumbles. “If you’re going to knock up my daughter, then you’re going to make an honest woman out of her. I will not have her be known as the town trash.”
She flinches at his words and Jett snorts. I glower at him until he looks away.
“We’re not getting marr—” I start, but Dad stops me with his booming voice.
“This weekend. Before school goes back in session. We’ll start looking for starter homes. I can book a minister to perform the service—”
“It’s not his,” Cope cuts in.
Leah starts shaking her head in warning. For whatever reason, she doesn’t want them to know whose baby it is. We’ve been on Christmas break and I’ve mostly been wrapped up with Cope. For all I know, she and Max could be broken up now. What the hell is he doing?
“What?” both Gil and my dad hiss. I gape in horror. Leah’s not much better from beside me. And Bryan? Bryan smirks in a devilish way that indicates he knows exactly what his son is going to say. Triumph is written all over his face.