Close As Lovers

Twenty-Six.

Song: Merry Go 'Round- Kasey Musgraves

The night before we left for Montana had finally arrived. Wes and I packed everything we would need for two months, and luckily, the semester had drawn to a close so we didn't have to worry about school while we were away. I sat on the edge of my bed, watching the wind ruffle my curtains as thoughts lingered through my mind. I knew staying with Daniel for so long would force me to see how sick he was, and how quickly it would progress. I also wondered if my step-siblings would like me or even want me around, and what his new wife would think of his first born daughter. Not knowing any of these answers had me slightly on edge.

"Molls, you're doing that thing again." Wes raised his eyebrow as he kneeled in front of me, resting his hands on my knees, and I met his eyes. "You're worrying about stuff that you shouldn't be worrying about right now."

I sighed, leaning forward to rest my head on his shoulders as his arms wrapped around me. "I know. I'm just hoping I didn't make the wrong decision by going back home with him."

"If you feel like it is after we get there, then I'll bring us home. I don't want you to worry about any of it, alright? It's not good for you or the baby."

Wes' arms tightened around me and I sighed again as I wrapped my arms around his neck, enjoying the warmth of his embrace and finally relaxing. We stayed in each other's embrace for a few minutes before he pulled away, his fingers brushing against my cheek. "It's time to tell them, you know. They're coming home today, and we'll be leaving for two months."

I rubbed my swollen belly as I nodded, looking away from him. I knew he was right. My parents deserved to know before I came back with either an even bigger bump or an actual baby in my arms. I had kept it from them as long as I could without raising suspicions.

"I want to, but I'm scared," I glanced down at my stomach, tears brimming my eyes. "What if they disown me? What if they hate me?"

Wes grabbed the back of my head, pressing it against his chest, and wrapped his arms around me again. He sighed as he ran his fingers through my hair. "They won't hate you, Molls. They love you. I couldn't see them throwing you out over something like this."

I nodded, and Wes hugged me tighter before he let go and continued packing. Once we were finished, we walked down to the living room and sat on the couch. Mom and David were supposed to be home in an hour, and to say I was nervous would be an understatement. Wes tried to calm my nerves by telling jokes or playing my favorite movies, but nothing helped.

Later in the evening, the front door knob twisted, and mom and David walked through the door. Nova was the first to greet them. I silently thanked her, because it helped me calm down slightly and gave me a little more time to prepare. Once she ran back to her room, mom and David walked into the living room. They gave Wes and I a hug, and then when they caught sight of the look on my face, they sat down on the couch across from us.

"What's wrong, honey?" Mom asked, her eyes filled with worry. "You look pale."

I inhaled, grabbing Wes' hand and placing the other on my stomach. "Mom, dad... I don't really know how to tell you this..."

I glanced at Wes, and he nodded, sending me a reassuring smile, and I sighed before looking at my parents. "I'm pregnant."

Mom's eyes instantly filled with tears as she leaned over, pressing her hand gently against my stomach. Tears escaped her eyes as she looked up at me, a small smile on her lips. "I'm going to be a mawmaw?"

"Yeah," I smiled, my eyes brimming with tears again. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

Mom chuckled, rubbing my stomach as more tears fell. "I'm so happy for you, Molly. Even though I wish you would've finished school first, I know how strong and independent you are, and I know you and Wes will be the most amazing parents. You'll have a beautiful family. David and I will always support you."