Page 111 of Sugar & Shadows

This was my worst-case scenario.

Except that I felt lighter than I had in a long time. Like somewhere in that maple grove, I’d dropped the performance.

I could deal with the fallout later, including what my parents had to say. What mattered now was Sabrina. Making sure she understood that we were in this together. Because no matter how complicated my feelings were for this woman, she was the mother of my child. And even though we spent most of our time together arguing, I liked being around her.

For most of my life, I’d worked to be what others needed me to be. Anticipating needs, compromising, and minimizing my own desires.

But with Sabrina? I couldn’t put on that mask. I was myself. Raw, messy, and unfiltered. She made me forget to smile politely and triple-think before I spoke. She made me honest.

Beside me, she looked out the passenger window, her beautiful face stained with tears.

And I knew for certain there was nowhere else I’d rather be.

As soon as we stepped into my house, we pulled out our phones to catch up. The silence between us wasn’t hostile. More shell-shocked. Like we were survivors of a twenty-first-century social media hurricane.

I had endless texts and voicemails. From my parents, members of town committees, even the local newspaper.

Logan:

Congrats on the baby. Also, you’re a meme now!

Harper:

I could hug you. The viewer count hit 12K. Fire emoji

Josh:

Can you please keep your drama off our farm?

Jasper:

Welcome to the club, Dad. It’s fucking great.

Mom:

Gabriel, call me right now!

Dad:

Your mother is quite angry. You should probably call soon.

Nina:

Wow, Sabrina punches HARD. #Goals

Nate:

This is great. Now Mom will get off my back about joining dating apps.

Olive Foster:

I’m already working on the baby blanket!

Mom:

You can’t just drop this on me. If you don’t pick up, I’m coming over.

Dad: