Chapter Seventeen
HADLEY
I exhale deeply for the fifth time as we approach Arrowood Farms. Cayden takes my hand, squeezing as we turn to see the wooden frame at the entrance above our long driveway. “I have to stop here why?”
“What’s one truth about an arrow?” I ask the sign. Imagining my father’s smile as he did to me what my grandmother did to him.
I wonder about her often, if she’s happy in heaven watching her sons all grown and living lives she would be proud of.
Though I never met her, she is very much a part of our family.
“Hadley?”
I glance at Cayden. “My grandmother was steeped in traditions. She didn’t have an easy life, my grandfather was abusive and…he caused a lot of havoc in the lives of the people I love. My grandmother, according to my father and uncles, was a saint. She walked on water and loved her boys more than anything in this world. Whenever they would pull up to the farm, she would stop at this sign and ask them each the same question…what’s one truth about an arrow?”
“I can imagine as ten-year-old boys they loved that.”
I giggle. “Oh, they did. Daddy says that he would roll his eyes, and Uncle Declan was the worst. He would try to just stay silent and see if she would give up, but she never did.”
“I see where you get it from…”
I slap his chest playfully. “Anyway, the crazy part is that she knew her kids so well, she imparted wisdom in this truth that would help them overcome their own worst fears. So, all of us have them too and while we have never—not once—been forced to stop and say it, none of us will ever let them drive without doing it. ”
Cayden chuckles. “That’s some reverse psychology right there.”
I shrug. “Maybe in the beginning, but for me, it feels like I get to know my grandma each time I say it.”
He leans across the center console to kiss me. “What’s one truth about an arrow?”
“The target might move, but if you move with it, and take the shot at the right time, you’ll never miss.”
“I like that,” he says softly.
“It’s funny how true it is. My target never stays stationary and each time I’ve taken that shot, I’ve somehow come out okay at the end.”
“Like with me.”
I smile and shake my head. “Oh, yes, you are the best shot I’ve ever taken.”
“Are you ready to go tell your family? As much as you may want to keep the pregnancy a secret, they’re going to see the evidence of it.”
In the last two weeks, my once just slightly bloated stomach has very clearly turned into a baby bump. My office has been amazing about not saying anything to my face or asking, but it’s clear they’re all aware as well. Still, Cayden and I wanted to tell our families before anyone else, even co-workers.
“Let’s go.”
We arrive at the beautiful house my father had built for my mother. It sits on the back part of the property and the land is divvied up between my uncles. So, we all live fairly close.
“Here goes nothing,” I say as we exit.
The front door is unlocked, as it always is, and I push the door open, smiling as my entire family is gathered around in the living room. Dear God, I can’t even ease my way into this. All eyes are focused on me, and then shift to Cayden. “Everyone, this is Cayden Benson-Hennington. My boyfriend.”
Uncle Sean steps in, reminding us all that he knows a Hennington. “I’m Sean Arrowood, Hadley’s uncle and I played ball with your dad. We were good friends and it’s been a while since I talked to him, but he met Hadley.”
I grip Cayden’s arm, hoping it comes across as reassuring. “Yes, I was like, eight and we’ve covered that.” I look at my dad, whose jaw is clenched tight and I can see my mother trying to lend him the same support I am giving Cayden. Might as well get it over with. “Anyway, Cayden, this is my mom and dad. ”
My mother, who is also a saint, steps forward first. “It’s nice to meet you, Cayden. Welcome to our home.”
Cayden looks at ease as he moves to her, giving her a hug. “I really appreciate it. We had talked about going to Tennessee and visiting my parents, but Hadley really wanted to come here first. I know it was last minute and a surprise.”
Mom gives my dad a stern look. “Well, we’re glad you’re here, aren’t we?”
My father looks like a statue, a very pissed off statue. His brows furrow as he looks at me, probably wishing he could wring my neck since I didn’t tell them I was bringing my boyfriend. Then he looks at Cayden. “Yes, welcome. We have guns.”
My mother’s eyes widen and she tweaks his arm. “Ignore him.”
“I was also a SEAL.”
“He was also dropped on his head,” Mom says.
That’s enough. “Daddy!” I really hoped after all this time he could at least pretend to be nice. I was wrong.
“What? I’m letting your boyfriend know that he’s in a house with a man who was trained to kill and has firearms. It’s like a disclosure agreement. No one can claim they weren’t aware of the situation.”
Uncle Jacob bursts out laughing and then claps Cayden on the shoulder. “Don’t let him scare you, kid. He wasn’t a very good or scary SEAL. He worked on phone lines or some shit.”
Dad tilts his head with a smirk as he looks at Uncle Jacob. “Want to test that theory?”
“My face is worth millions. I’d like to keep it that way.”
The snicker from the room is enough to ease the tension. “Yeah, millions of nothing.”
“Let me take your coats.” Mom moves forward with her hand outstretched and I panic. Oh, God. No, she can’t take my coat. I am not ready for this part. Dad already said he had guns and this is going to go over like a lead balloon. “Hadley?” Mom urges.
I need to do something outside. Yes, where it’s cold. Where I can keep my coat on. “Why don’t I grab the bags?”
Cayden’s hand reaches out. “I’ll get them, baby.”
This is not a time for chivalry damn it. “I need some air.”
And to never have to tell my father what’s beneath this coat.
“What’s wrong? You’re leaving? If it’s your father, I’ll kill him for you!” My mother promises and then shoots daggers at my father.
God, I am screwing this up so bad. I am a grown woman who is in love with the man beside me. We are having a baby and that’s that. I need to stop being a chicken, and face the firing squad…all of them. “Nothing, Mom. It’s fine. I’m not leaving. I’m sorry.”
“Okay,” she says. “Give me your coat and we can get you guys settled upstairs.”
“Fine.” I remove my coat, watching everyone around me as they see my hand move to my stomach, resting on the bump. “So, Mom, Dad, Cayden and I have some news…”
Dad is the first to speak. “Yes, it’s clear you do.”
The tone in his voice makes me want to weep. I should’ve told him sooner, and not like this. He might have been upset, but I miscalculated. Cayden’s hand rests on the small of my back, and I take the encouragement he offers. “I wanted to tell you before. I really did, but I’ve been so busy at the firm and Cayden and I have been trying to get things in order.”
Dad looks to Cayden then, ignoring my little tirade. “When’s the wedding?”
“Umm, what?”
“The wedding. I expect it’s soon? Are you already married?” Dad asks, finally looking at me.
Well, he’s out of his damn mind. “Were you married when I was born?” I toss at him.
“Irrelevant. You’re pregnant and he needs to marry you.”
I look at my family who all seems to think my father is onto something. “Are we in some weird time warp? Since when do we have to get married to have a baby?”
“Since you’re my daughter and are pregnant.”
Oh, now I’m pissed. Now I want to flip tables. They are all hypocrites and I am going to enjoy this dressing down. My mother grins, as though she knows what’s coming from me. I really love my mommy. I take two steps so I’m in front of my father.
“Seriously? What about Bethanne? Were you married when she was conceived? You had two kids without being married.” Then, I look at each of my uncles, all of them with children before they were married. “What about you, Uncle Declan? Uncle Sean? Uncle Jacob? Any of you? Are we suddenly to believe that babies out of wedlock aren’t a family tradition? I was just keeping the dream alive here, following in all your footsteps.”
“She’s got us there,” Uncle Jacob says. “The girl is too smart for us. ”
I always loved him. I mean, I love all of them, but Uncle Jacob always spoiled me rotten and he is the most levelheaded about things.
“Shut up, Jacob,” Mom says to him. “Hadley, I…I’m just…you’re pregnant.”
“I am and it’s fine. I know it’s a bit of a shock and seems fast, but Cayden and I are happy and, well, I hope you’ll be too.”
Cayden rubs my back, kissing the top of my head. I turn to him, feeling loved and supported. I love him so much and while this was scary, it changes nothing. I am having a baby with him, we have a home, happiness, and nothing will change that. He grins down at me and I know he’s thinking the same.
My dad clears his throat and shocks everyone with the words that come out of his mouth. “We’re happy if you are.”
“We are?” Mom asks.
“She’s a grown woman and we’ve done a good job raising her. Clearly, we missed the safe sex talk somewhere along the way, but…she’s always made good choices.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“Congratulations to you both, may you have a daughter so I can sit back and enjoy the hell you’re about to endure.”