Page 152 of Tempting Miles
“Oh, Lord.” She presses a hand to her chest. “If this is to celebrate what I’m thinking, here come the waterworks.”
I kiss the top of her head. “Let’s go before you ruin the surprise.”
A soft laugh escapes her before she takes a couple of calming breaths.
“Everyone, please come to the living room!” I shout while trying not to let the bottles hit the floor.
I’m shaking with anxiety at how our families are going to take the news.
Once the glasses and bottles are safely on the coffee table, I walk over and stand by Penny’s chair.
I look down at her, silently asking her if she’s ready.
She gives me a blinding smile.
“We’re grateful everyone was able to be here today,” I begin, but my wise-ass brother interrupts me.
“Well, it’s not like we don’t see each other every week,” River mutters.
“River,” I warn, “what I’m trying to say is important.”
He starts retying his ponytail like he suddenly has somewhere else to look.
“As some of you know, Penny and I have been in a situationship for the last six months.” I grin when Penny rolls her eyes. “And things kind of came to a head when she almost married someone else.”
Mama and Granny both freeze in horror.
“We can explain that disaster later,” I rush to say. “But what we really wanted to share is that Penny officially moved in with me. We’ve finally admitted how we feel about each other…” I reach for her hand. “And this November, we’ll be adding a baby to the family.”
I wait for my words to sink in.
When they do, Penny’s mother shoots up from the couch.
“Oh my goodness, Penny Bean.” Her voice trembles as she rushes toward her daughter. “Did I understand correctly? Am I going to be a grandma?”
Penny laughs through watery eyes. “Yes, Mami. I’m ten weeks pregnant.”
The room erupts. Cheers. Gasps. Crying.
Mama wraps me in the biggest hug of my life.
“My boy,” she whispers tearfully. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised, with the way these two look at each other,” Granny says from her chair, and everyone laughs.
“Penny, darling.” Mr. Levine looks completely stunned. “You were pregnant with Miles’s baby and still going to marry Easton?”
I feel Penny tensing, and anger floods my system.
“With all due respect, Mr. Levine,” I say carefully, “we didn’t find out she was pregnant until after we left the club.”
My words seem to appease him slightly.
“But under no circumstances,” I continue firmly, “am I going to let anyone make Penélope feel judged or ashamed for what happened.”
Penny moves closer to my side while her mom shoots her husband a warning look.
“We’ve talked through everything,” I say. “We understand why she felt trapped into marrying that asshole. We’re committed to each other, we’re excited for this baby, and we wanted to share that happiness with the people we love.” I hold his gaze. “If you can’t accept that, then I’m going to ask you to please leave.”
