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We all file into the apartment, and I turn to face my father. I know this is a defining moment for me. I must step out of his shadow now and stop letting him ride roughshod over me and what I want, and more importantly, what Mackenzie needs.
“We need to talk to you first, Dad,” I say firmly. “We have something to tell you.”
His gaze flicks between us. “Go on,” he says, his words terse.
“I’m pregnant,” Mackenzie blurts before I can say anything.
For a long beat, my father simply stares at her, but then, to my shock, his face breaks into a genuine, warm smile.
He nods and swallows, and, to even more shock on my part, I realize he’s trying to blink away tears.
Eventually, he speaks. “That’s wonderful news, Mackenzie. I’m sorry your mother didn’t live to hear this news, but I know that baby will carry a part of her forward into this world, and as such, it’s a miracle.”
“You’re not pissed?” I ask him.
“Three months ago, I would have been, I imagine. But so much has happened. I’ve reevaluated a lot.” He clears his throat.
“We need to talk about where to raise the baby,” Tino says.
My father’s face darkens, and for the first time, I see a flicker of anger.
“Here, of course,” he replies, as though there’s any question in the matter.
“Really?” Mackenzie says as if she can’t believe how easy this is. “You’re okay with that?” She hesitates and bites her lower lip. “There is something else, something big, and you might not agree, but it’s important to us.”
My father nods, and I speak up, for her, and for all of us. “We’re not going to find out who the father is.”
Nataniele is silent, and it’s as though we’re all holding our breath, waiting for his response.
Finally, it comes.
“I mean,” he says, “I understand why you might feel that way, but there could be legal implications. It might leave Mackenzie and the baby vulnerable.”
“Not if we all name the baby as our next of kin,” Tino says. “Not if we all give Mackenzie some money, now. Then she’ll be safe in her own right, financially, at least.”
Nataniele doesn’t look exactly happy at this news, but he slowly gives another nod. “If that is what you all want, then I’ll respect it. I might not agree, but these are your lives, and your child, so you must do this the way you wish.”
To my surprise, Mackenzie walks up to my father and pulls him into a hug. “Thank you, Nataniele.”
He hugs her back stiffly and then pulls away, his cheeks red at the show of affection.
“What about your…condition? You’ll need extra monitoring throughout the pregnancy, won’t you?”
She nods. “Yes, it’ll be a high-risk pregnancy. I’m going to need extra medical care.”
“We’ll get you the best there is,” he says.
“I already told her that,” I add.
He turns to me. “I haven’t given you your present yet. I think with this news, you’ll find it is even more apt.”
I wonder what the hell it could be. Money?
Nataniele clears his throat. “You can’t all stay here living in separate rooms.”
“I know. We had thought maybe the den,” I begin.
He holds his hand up. “No, that’s preposterous. There’s no natural light down there, and it’s no good for a baby. These rooms would be much better.”
