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My heart pounded. “I have to go, Mia. I’ll explain later.” I hung up. “I didn’t know you were there.”
“It started raining, so I came back to get an umbrella,” Hannah said, eyes wide.
Placing my hand on my chest, I asked, “Where are Mom and Heath?”
“They’re outside waiting for me.” She looked at me carefully. “You’re pregnant?”
“Yeah,” I whispered. “I was going to wait to tell you.”
“Because you don’t want to tell us you’re leaving?”
“No.” I stepped toward her. “This doesn’t change anything. I won’t leave you guys, although I don’t yet know whereweshould all be living.”
“Owen’s the father?”
How could I lie to her?“That’s why I didn’t want to tell you yet. I’m…actually not sure.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Oh.”
I rambled nervously. “This is very embarrassing for me to admit. But as you know, I’m an adult. And I do have…sex. I’ve always been responsible. But something went wrong. Let that be a lesson to you.”
As she stood there looking shell-shocked, I continued. “The baby is either Owen’s or Robert’s. We had a DNA test and are waiting for the results. We should get them in a few days.”
Vera burst through the door. “What’s taking you so long, Hannah?”
Heath was right behind her.
“Devyn’s pregnant,” Hannah blurted.
My brother’s face went white.
Vera’s mouth curved into an amused smile. “Well, I’ll be damned. I guess you’re more like me than I thought.”
My cheeks burned. That was a huge insult, in my book.
I spent several excruciating minutes sitting down with my brother and mother and regurgitating what I’d explained to Hannah. This wasn’t the way I’d envisioned telling them. Not in the least. The mood wasn’t congratulatory. That’s for sure.
Heath echoed Hannah’s fears. “There’s no way you’re gonna have time for us anymore.”
“That’s not true.” I reached for his hand. “While I wasn’t expecting this, it doesn’t changeanything. I will do everything it takes to make sure you’re both taken care of.”
“Not necessary,” Vera interrupted. “I don’t plan on going anywhere again, Devyn.”
I glared at her. “And how many times have I heard that?”
“This is a wakeup call. I’m gonna be a grandmother, for Christ’s sake. You don’t need to worry about Heath and Hannah. I’ll be here. You take care of yourself, baby girl.”
I didn’t want to get into an argument right now for the kids’ sake, so I refrained from repeating all the reasons she couldn’t be trusted. Not to mention, I’d reminded her several times since she’d been back that I had legal custody of the kids now, so her being here was of little relevance anymore.
I turned to Heath. “Once the paternity results come back, I’ll know a lot more about my plans. But those plans will always include you guys. I promise.”
Much to my relief, Heath and Hannah each came around to give me a hug. Vera refrained from joining in, which was smart, because I wouldn’t have reciprocated.
After my brother and sister sat back down, Vera reached out toward me. “You’re gonna be just fine, Devyn. You’re a naturally maternal person.”
“Well, that’s what happens when you have to raise yourself, I suppose,” I quipped.
“If you let me move in with you, I can babysit,” Hannah suggested.
