Page 144 of The Clover Chapel (Jamison Valley 2)
This phone call was absolutely Steffie’s idea. The apology too. The word “marriage” sounded like it had caused him physical pain. But I decided just to accept it and move on.
“Thank you. I appreciate your apology.”
“Very well. Now that we’ve settled that, let’s discuss our vacation plans. Steffie has convinced me to spend some time getting to know your husband.” There was that tone again. “Please plan something for the two of us do alone while you girls catch up.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged,” I said.
“Fine. Now we have other news.”
“Yes?”
“I’m pregnant,” Steffie announced.
I reached out a hand, swiping it in the air, trying to find anything to hold onto. My legs were giving out and I was light-headed.
“Fuck. I’ve got you,” Nick said, rushing to catch me. It was a good thing he had been standing close or I would have hit the floor. “Breathe, Emmy.”
I nodded, pulling in a few breaths to stop my head from spinning. “I’m okay,” I said, steading myself.
“Emmeline?” my father called out. “Are you all right?”
“Yes. I’m fine,” I said, putting the phone back to my ear. Completely shocked, but fine. “Congratulations.”
I swallowed down a familiar nausea. It was the same one I’d gotten when I’d walked in on my father screwing Steffie. Not that I wasn’t happy for my friend, but the entire situation was just so . . . weird. Steffie had told me that she never wanted children. It was one of the reasons why she was content dating my father. She had said that with him, there was no risk she’d get pressure from her husband to procreate.
“Thanks,” Steffie said flatly. She sounded about as excited as a woman getting a pelvic exam.
My shock from earlier was replaced with concern for my friend. “I’m excited to see you,” I told her.
“Me too.”
“Call my assistant if you need any of our travel information,” my father said. “I’ve got to go.”
I said good-bye and hung up, staring at my phone for a minute, trying to figure out where to start with my recap for Nick. Can you please take off a few days from work last minute? My father, a man who will likely hate you no matter what you do, is coming in two days. Oh, and, I am going to be a big sister.
I decided to start at the beginning, and five minutes later, he was as stunned as I was.
“Are you sure you’re okay with them visiting?” Nick asked.
“Do I have a choice? I’d like to see Steffie but this is all so awkward. My father is fifty-eight years old. He’s having another child. With my friend and college roommate.”
I paced through the room and took calming breaths, trying to ease the knot in my stomach. It wasn’t uncommon for older men to father children, and they were getting married, after all. But this rushed visit, their pregnancy announcement, it all felt off.
“Your dad and I are going to have problems if he’s an asshole to you. He’d better watch his attitude,” Nick declared.
“Let’s hope he decides to come here with an open mind,” I said. “I’m shocked that he apologized to me, though I suspect it was Steffie’s idea. Regardless, I’ve never heard him admit he was wrong before. Maybe he’s decided to mend some fences. What do you think?”
“I think he’s a fool for the way he’s treated you, but if he’s genuine, I’m sure you two could work things out. You’re the most forgiving person I’ve ever met. You’ll make the right choice.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” I said.
“Your capacity to look past people’s faults astounds me. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I left you the night after our wedding and you still found it in your heart to forgive me. I don’t know if anyone else would have done that.”
“That’s because I love you.”
“Yeah? What about my dad? His club got you kidnapped and the first time you saw him after getting out of the hospital, you hugged him. That’s amazing, Emmy. You give people your love freely and don’t hold their mistakes against them. It’s what makes you a wonderful teacher. A great friend. The perfect woman. Your dad won’t have to do much to right his wrongs. All he has to do is open that door and you’ll let him in.”
His words warmed my heart. He always knew what to say to boost my spirits.
