Marathon

Chapter 14

Over the next week, Veronica had gotten extremely close with Robert's family. They had come a long way from the first day they met. She could tell that it made Robert incredibly happy to see everyone getting along.

"Hey Deb?" Veronica walked into the kitchen to have a conversation with her future mother in law.

"What can I do for you honey?"

"Has Robert said anything to you about our fight?"

"He has."

"What is your opinion."

"My opinion doesn't matter in this situation honey. But I do know that he does want a family. He very badly wants a family with you. I just think he's scared."

"You don't have to tell me, but has he told you what he's scared about?"

"Not specifically, but something you have to understand about my son is that he feels things deeply. His fear could manifest into something bigger."

"What should I do? I don't want to pressure him. But do I bring it up again?"

"Wait a week, talk to him when you get home."

"Will he feel pressured?"

"Be gentle. I'm sure he'll be fine. That boy loves you with everything he has. The girls weren't kidding when they said he's never brought a girl home. Robert needs to make sure the person is right for him before they meet his family and you are obviously the right person."

"I love him too. He's my best friend."

"Don't sweat this too much. You two will have a family eventually. My advice, if you want it, is to take the time to enjoy each other's company. Just be together without any interruptions."

"Thank you. Really." She walked around the counter and gave Deb a huge hug.

A few hours later, Robert and his sisters came home from their day out. He looked around the house for Veronica and found her packing the clothes in the bedroom. It was their last day in Australia and she was making sure they had everything packed.

"Babe?!"

"Bedroom!" Robert poked his head in and smiled.

"Whatcha doin?"

"Packing our clothes."

"Fun." He entered the room fully and closed the door behind him. Veronica was in the middle of folding one of his shirts but he reached out and took it from her and turned her to face him.

"Everything ok?" She asked.

"I was talking to my sisters and-"

"Right. As one does."

"Babe, come on this is serious."

"It is? What's going on?"

"I changed my mind."

"About what? You haven't made any- oh my god. Y-you changed your mind about-?"

"Yeah. Let's do it."

"Are you serious? Or did they talk you into it just to make me happy?"

"No! It was all me."

"Fucking hell I love you so fucking much Robert Manion! We're- we're gonna have a family. But not quite yet. I need to do the show and I can't do that if I'm pregnant."

"We'll wait until the show is over. Or maybe a month or two before the show ends."

"I can't believe you changed your mind."