Chapter 22

22

Sofia

A month has passed since Rhett and I found out we're going to have a baby. A lot has happened, and tonight we're finally telling our parents. Mom is coming to dinner with us, we decided to tell them all at the same time. I'm scared to death, but ready to do it.

The only people who know are Cooper, Jodi, and Daniel. They do, because my morning sickness gave it away pretty quick. They pick up the slack when I need a moment.

I'm ten weeks and at the last appointment Rhett and I were able to see the baby and hear its heartbeat. I started to cry at the little blip and the beautiful sound. He leaned into me, pressing his forehead to mine as we listened to our baby's strong heartbeat. The sound filled the room and my heart with joy.

Now, as I stand in front of the mirror getting ready for dinner, I can't help but feel nervous about telling our parents. Rhett comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his hands on my still-flat stomach.

"You look beautiful," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my neck.

I lean back against him, drawing comfort from his solid presence. "I'm so nervous," I admit. "What if they're not happy?"

Rhett turns me in his arms to face him. "They're going to be thrilled, baby. Our parents love us and they're going to love this baby too."

I nod, trying to believe his words. "You're right. I'm just overthinking things."

He kisses me softly. "It's okay to be nervous," Rhett says, cupping my face gently. "This is a big deal. But I promise, it's going to be fine. We're in this together, remember?"

I take a deep breath and nod, feeling calmer already. Rhett always knows how to soothe my anxieties. "Together," I repeat, leaning up to kiss him softly.

We finish getting ready and head out to meet our parents at the restaurant. My mom is already there when we arrive, and Rhett's parents show up just a few minutes later. After warm greetings and hugs all around, we settle into our seats.

As we look over the menus, I can feel my nerves building again. Rhett must sense it because he reaches under the table to squeeze my hand reassuringly.

We make small talk as we order our meals and wait for our food to arrive. I can feel the anticipation building inside me. Rhett and I had agreed to share our news after we ordered but before the food came.

Once the waiter leaves with our orders, Rhett clears his throat and takes my hand. "So, we actually have some exciting news to share with you all," he begins.

I feel all eyes turn to us expectantly. My heart is pounding but Rhett's steady presence beside me gives me courage.

"Mom, Dad, Eve," Rhett continues, smiling at each of our parents in turn. "Sofia and I are having a baby. We're going to be parents."

His mom is the first to react. "Oh my gosh. That's amazing!" she exclaims as she jumps up, coming around the table. She pulls me into a hug and then kisses my cheek before she hugs her son.

I look at my mom and freeze, my smile falling from my face, she pushes herself back in her chair. "How could you be so irresponsible, Sofia?" She gets up and walks out.

"Mom?" I run after her.

She bleeps her locks and opens her door. "You barely know him, Sofia. This will end badly for you, and then you'll be a single mom like I was."

I watch her drive away while tears roll down my cheeks.

"Sofia?" I turn to find Carol standing behind me. She opens her arms and I run into them. I sob as she hugs me tightly. "Don't cry, sweetheart. It's going to be okay."

Shaking my head, I cry, "She hates me."

She tips my head back and wipes my tears away. "She doesn't hate you, honey. This is just big news, and it can be a lot to take. Just give her some time to get used to it."

"What if she doesn't?"

"Then that will be her loss, but guess what? You're not alone. You have Stephen and me, but most importantly you have Rhett. Do you want to go back inside and eat?" she asks as she brushes my hair back.

I take a deep breath and nod, wiping at my eyes. "Okay. Thank you, Carol."

She gives me another warm hug. "Of course, sweetheart. We're family now."

Carol keeps an arm around me as we walk back into the restaurant. Rhett immediately comes to my side, wrapping me in a tight embrace.

"I'm so sorry, baby," he murmurs, kissing the top of my head. "Are you okay?"

I nod against his chest, drawing comfort from his solid presence. "I will be. I just... I didn't expect her to react like that."

Rhett pulls back slightly to look at me, his eyes full of concern and love. "I know. No matter what, you have me. You have us. We're in this together, remember?"

I nod, feeling grateful for Rhett's love and support. "Thank you. I love you."

"I love you too," Rhett replies softly, giving me a gentle kiss.

We rejoin his parents at the table. Stephen reaches over to squeeze my hand. "We're so happy for you both," he says warmly. "This baby is going to be so loved."

I feel tears welling up again, but this time from the overwhelming love and acceptance from Rhett's family. "Thank you," I manage to say. "That means so much to me."

Carol smiles at me. "We meant what we said before—you're family now, Sofia. We'll be here for you, Rhett, and the baby every step of the way."

As we eat our dinner, Rhett's parents ask excited questions about the pregnancy and our plans. Their enthusiasm helps lift my spirits, even as I still feel a pang of sadness about my mom's reaction.

"Have you had your first ultrasound yet?" Carol asks eagerly.

I nod, smiling as I remember that special moment. "We have. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. It was amazing."

"Oh, how wonderful!" Carol exclaims, her eyes shining. "Do you have a due date yet?"

"The doctor estimates early February," Rhett shares, squeezing my hand.

Stephen grins. "A Valentine baby. That's perfect—right at the end of football season."

We all laugh at that. The conversation continues to flow, focusing on happy topics like nursery ideas and Rhett's parents sharing stories from when he was a baby.

"Sofia, I hope this baby is like you because this one"—his mom points at Rhett—"never liked to nap once he hit a year old."

I laugh, while leaning into him. "Why is that not surprising."

As we're finishing dessert, Rhett turns to me. "Are you ready to head home, baby? You must be tired."

I nod gratefully. The emotional roller coaster of the evening has left me drained.

We say our goodbyes, with Carol and Stephen giving me warm hugs. "Remember, we're here for you both," Carol assures. "Don't hesitate to call if you need anything at all."

"Thank you," I reply sincerely. "That means so much to me."

On the drive home, Rhett reaches over to hold my hand. "How are you feeling?" he asks gently.

I sigh. "Honestly? A mix of happy and sad." The night has definitely taken its toll on me because I yawn widely.

He pulls my hand to his mouth, kissing the back of it. I'm half asleep by the time we get to his place, so all I do when we get back is undress and collapse onto his bed and promptly pass out.