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She steps forward and wraps her arms around me in a tight hug. “I’m sorry if I overstepped. I just love you, Jay.”
Her words hit me hard. We’ve never been the type of siblings to say we love each other. I don’t know how to respond for a moment. “I love you too,” the words finally find their way out of my mouth.
We stand there for a moment, just holding each other, before she pulls back and gives me a small smile. “So, what’s the plan? Have you two figured out what you’re going to do?”
“We’re taking it one step at a time. We’re going to see a doctor, figure out our options, and make a plan from there. But one thing’s for sure–I’m going to be there for Violet and the baby, no matter what. You don’t have to worry about my commitment.”
Hannah nods, her smile growing a little. “That’s good to hear. You’re going to be a great dad, Jay.”
I’ve known for less than an hour, and this is the first time someone has said those words to me. Coming from Hannah, who was just berating me for not being responsible, who doesn’t have a dishonest bone in her body, it’s overwhelming.
“Thanks,” I take a deep breath. “I hope so.”
Charlie offers me his hand. “Congratulations.”
And I shake it.
We talk a bit more before I need to get back to Violet. It’s just past eleven now, and I hope that Violet is sleeping. Hopefully still in my bed. I’ll talk to her more tomorrow.
As I drive back to my house, my mind is racing with thoughts of the future. This isn’t how I pictured things going, but I’m determined to make it work. I’ve always wanted kids one day. I just didn’t know that “one day” would be so soon.
When I arrive, Violet is sitting on the porch, looking lost in thought. She looks up as I approach, a small smile on her face.
“You're awake?” I ask, coming up to sit down next to her on the creaky porch swing.
“I was worried about you. Where’d you go?”
“Worried about me?”
She nods. “You didn’t say anything, and you just left.”
“I went to speak to Hannah in person. She and I… needed to talk things out.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “What did you say?”
“We had a good talk. She understands now. She’s going to back off and let us handle things, but she’s there if we need her. I told her we need support, not judgment.”
Violet nods then nestles her head into my shoulder. “That’s good. I was worried about how she’d take it.”
“She’ll be fine,” I say, taking her hand in mine. “But there’s something I need to tell you.”
She looks at me, her expression wary. “What is it?”
I take a deep breath, feeling my heart pound in my chest. “I want to be with you, Violet. Baby or no baby. I want us to be together. I asked you to be my girlfriend before I even knew, and that’s still what I want.”
She squeezes my hand tightly. “But this changes things. It’s not just going to be me anymore. Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. I love you, Violet. And I want to be with you. We’ll figure this out together, one step at a time.”
I can see her trying to hold back tears. “I love you too, Jay. I’m so scared, but knowing you’re with me makes it a little less terrifying.”
“We’ll get through this. We’ll make it work.” I squeeze Violet to me.
For the first time in my life, I have some people really counting on me, and I intend to be there for both of them.
It was only a month ago that the sexiest redhead I’d ever seen sauntered through the doors of The Rusty Oak and back into my life. It’s funny… when one moment changes your life forever, you don’t know it until long after the fact.
Of all the bars Violet could have walked into that night, I’m so goddamn glad it was mine.
