Page 43 of Stuck with You
I bite my bottom lip, not knowing how to make the big announcement. I haven’t thought this through. All I know is that I want to tell him in person. And now, with him sitting in front of me, his beautiful eyes on me, I’m frozen.
“What’s going on, Corrie?” he asks again, concerned.
My eyes well up. I can’t help it. I’m just so happy, I could explode.
“What is it, Corrie?!” he asks. Now he’s really worried. “You know you can tell me anything. Whatever it is, I’m here for you.”
I’m full-on sobbing now, sniveling into the palm of my hand. I swallow hard and finally choke out, “I’m pregnant.”
His jaw drops, and for a second, he’s speechless, which is very unlike him.
I nod at him repeatedly, confirming what he’s heard. I know he doesn’t believe it.
“How far along?” he asks. He’s worried just as I was.
“Twelve weeks today,” I tell him. “I would have told you sooner but I was so afraid to miscarry. I didn’t want to get your hopes up for nothing.”
He presses his lips together, trying to hold back the tears but it’s no use.
“I guess one of those three times was the winner,” I say, all smiles. “I’m so glad I let you have your way with me.”
He rubs his face, still speechless. His eyes are brimming, full of emotion.
“I’m so sorry, Jacob. I’m so sorry for what I’ve put us both through. I just thought you’d be better off without me…”
He shakes his head, still in tears. “How could I be?”
“I love you so much,” I try to explain, “and I just wanted you to have everything you deserve.”
“All I ever wanted was you, Corrie.”
Now I’m sobbing too — we are quite the sight.
The server comes our way, oblivious. “Oh, um… I’ll give you folks a minute, and come back later.”
“I know you went though a lot growing up, Corrie, but you never have to worry with me. I’m not your dad. I won’t ever leave you. I’ll always be there for you and the baby.”
My heart swells — I’m so glad I haven’t managed to screw everything up. “Does that mean… that you don’t hate me?”
He smiles. “Of course I don’t hate you. And if you’ll have me, I’m all yours, baby.”
I hop to my feet, and prop myself right down on his lap. “Of course I’ll have you.”
His large hands cup my face, and his mouth presses against mine. The taste of tears lingers on our lips.
We’re kissing in the middle of our favorite restaurant, and I don’t care what anyone thinks. As far as I’m concerned, Jacob and I are the only ones on this planet right now.
There’s just him and I. Forever.
And baby.
