“Being pregnant wasn’t on that list?”
“Nope.” He shakes his head. “Not gonna lie, it’s going to be one of the toughest jobs of your life but also the best ever. How could I be disappointed in you for that?”
I shrug and he lets go of my cheeks. I fall back onto his chest. “I’m scared, confused, and exhausted. I’m just so…I don’t know.”
“I get it, kid. I so get it. I’ve been in your shoes before. The only thing you can do is take it one day at a time.”
I nod.
“Babe.” He peers over my head. “Did you just find out and break her cellphone?”
There’s confusion in his question. I giggle at it.
“No! I was talking to Annie and Br-”
I sit up with confidence. “No, I don’t want to hear his name again. This is my story and he doesn’t get to ruin it. You can tell Dad later.”
We spend the next hour talking about everything and nothing. Mom fills us in on the plans for Corn Days, the annual celebration in town.
“Guys, I hate to be the party pooper, but I’m exhausted.”
They both grumble but finally concede, each hugging and kissing me.
“Hey, can we keep this between us just for a little longer?” I ask.
“Of course.” Dad kisses the top of my head.
“I’m going to warn you, though, Lacey is like a living, breathing pregnancy detector, so there’s that,” Mom adds.
“I’ll take my chances.”
Dad wraps his arm around mom’s waist hugging her to his side. She melts into him on instinct. He stops in front of the full-body mirror by my door. He looks from side to side then adjusts the ballcap on top of his head.
“I’m going to make one sexy ass grandpa.”
5
The sun shining in the room finally wakes me up. I haven’t slept this good in months. There are no phantom pains and my mind and soul are finally at ease after relentless self-torture. I roll over to check the time and realize I can’t because my phone is in pieces.
A picture propped on my nightstand captures my attention. I grab and smile wide when I see it and the note attached to it.
My Sweet Girl,
You were out last night when I brought this to you, so I’m writing this. In life, you’ll find there are ups and downs and detours when you least expect them. If you let the detour haunt you and beat yourself up for it, then you lose.
Accept what’s facing you and decide how to make the best of it. Mom told me how worried and upset you were that I was going to be disappointed. I can’t lie and write that this is what I wanted for you. Because it’s not. I wanted you to live out your college years and then settle down, but the fact is you’re still my daughter and I love the hell out of you. I could never be disappointed in you. End of.
This picture is my all-time favorite. It’s right after I swerved on the road facing the biggest detour of my life. The day you were born. I can’t remember who snapped this picture, but it shows and tells all. I couldn’t take my eyes off you. The moment you were put in my arms my life changed forever. Keep this. Hold it close and dig deep when you’re scared. And always know I’m in your corner and here for you no matter what.
Love,
Dad
The tears begin streaming and I’m not even out of bed yet. This picture is everything. The note was a bonus, but I didn’t even need it because the photo shows it all. Dad looks so young, clueless, and absolutely in love, studying me in his arms. It’s all you need—love and a little faith. And that will be my new motto that I thrive, repeat, and live on.
“Ten minutes and we are on the road.” Mom opens the door and hollers.
“Shit.” I sit up and toss my feet over the bed. “Give me at least twenty-five.”