“Do you get recognized often, Dirk?” my mother asked.
“No, not really,” Dirk answered as he gave me a quick smile. I returned it and focused on the menu.
After we all placed our orders, Dirk reached for my hand and squeezed it as he spoke. “I’m sure you’re all probably wondering why we asked you to join us this evening for dinner.”
I stole a quick glance around the table. My brother took a drink from his beer, and my mother and Kimberley both wore wide grins.
“Well, since you informed me that you were moving in with Merit, I’m going to safely guess you’re dating,” Kimberley said.
It was my mother’s turn. “I always knew the two of you were meant to be together. Ever since that kiss behind the barn at the chicken coop!”
I rolled my eyes as my brother chuckled.
Dirk drew in a breath and slowly let it out. Things would get out of hand if we didn’t rein them back in.
I cleared my throat to get everyone’s attention. “We are moving in together, yes. But, we’ve got some other news we need to share with you.”
The three of them stared at us.
I looked at Dirk. We never actually decided who was going to break the baby news.
“Do you want me to tell them?” he asked as he ran his thumb gently over my hand.
With a smile, I asked, “Do you mind if I do?”
“Not at all,” he said with a wink.
Butterflies swarmed in my stomach, and I felt my free hand settle on it to calm myself. With a slow breath in, I exhaled and faced the three sets of eyes that were patiently waiting.
“Dirk and I are expecting a baby in February. February twenty-fourth, to be exact.”
I looked at my brother first, who wasn’t the least bit surprised, of course. Then, I turned my attention to my mother. She looked stunned. Finally, Kimberley wore a smile so big and bright that I couldn’t help but smile in return.
“I knew it! I just knew it!” she exclaimed as she stood and rounded the table. First she kissed Dirk, then she pulled me up and wrapped me in a tight hug.
“This is the best news I’ve had since we lost Brad. Thank you, sweetheart! Oh, thank you for this!”
“Are you certain of the due date?” my mother asked.
I prayed the disappointment on my face didn’t show. Those definitely weren’t the first words I wanted her to utter.
“Positive,” I said, my voice void of any emotion. If I thought too much on it, I might start crying.
“Wait, if you’re due in February, then you’ve been together for a few months. Why did you keep it a secret?” my mother asked.
Michael set his drink down and glared at Dirk but didn’t say anything.
A flash of hurt raced through me. That was really all my mother had to say about the news of our baby?
“Things were complicated between us at first,” Dirk said as I slowly sat back down and he took my hand.
Kimberley rubbed my back and then awkwardly sat back down next to Dirk.
“Are you getting married?” my brother asked.
Anger replaced my hurt. “Does it matter?” I could feel Dirk’s eyes on me.
“Yes, it matters,” Michael said. “We have the farm to think about.”
I felt my eyes widen, and I was positive my face was riddled with both anger and shock.
A bitter laugh escaped. “This isn’t the 1800s, for shit’s sake, Mike. A man and woman can have a baby without being married. But, to clear anything up, yes, we’re getting married.”
Kimberley let out a squeal of happiness and clapped.
My mother, however, sat there with no expression on her face whatsoever.
The utter pain I felt in my heart was hard to ignore. I desperately fought to keep the tears from my eyes. The idea that my mother wasn’t happy for me nearly left me frozen. After everything that I’d done for her and for this family. I took a drink of water and then waited. She clearly had something on her mind.
When she didn’t speak, Dirk did. “Lori, I’m getting the impression here that neither you, nor Michael, are happy about the baby.”
My mother sat up straighter and smiled. “I’m not upset about the baby, or you getting married. Like I mentioned earlier, I always thought the two of you would end up together.”
“Then why do you look like I just told you bad news?” I asked, hating that my voice wobbled some.
“I can answer that,” Michael said.
“Michael,” my mother said in a hushed voice.
“He’s Dirk. He’s a manwhore, sis.”
Anger shot through me. “That is enough, Mike!” I said as I shot my brother a hard look.
“Okay, let’s not call names,” Kimberley stated.
Michael looked at Dirk’s mom. “I’m sorry, but it’s true. He’s never made it a secret that he likes to hit the sack with a plethora of women. He’s got a dangerous job, and he’ll be gone ninety-five percent of the time, leaving you alone with a baby. And what will he be doing? No offense, Dirk, but I don’t really see you being a faithful husband.”