“Fine. And I’ll let Evelyn know as well.”
“I guess that’s a good idea. I know I’m been scatter-brained.” There was no point in denying it. When she’d been little, he’d always called her his little dingbat. She knew it was for a good reason and she’d never been hurt by it. But she’d still do what she could and let Leah know, if she would listen.
“Have you told the father yet?”
She couldn’t look him in the eye as she shook her head.
“You have no idea how to contact him do you?” he asked with a heavy sigh. The minute shake of her head drew another heavier sigh from him. “Okay. I suppose this means you’ll be quitting the store and moving back home?”
“No,” she said, finally finding her voice. “And I’m going to be finding my own place, too.”
He leveled her with his “come on” look and said, “Seriously? You have no way of making a decent enough living doing what you’re doing at the store. You’ll need day care, rent, groceries, clothes and shoes…” That last jab really hurt even though she deserved it since up until now he’d been the one paying for her shoes, clothing, and handbag habit.
“I’ve already talked to Uncle Marvin. He’s going to rent me the little apartment above his computer shop.”
“Honey, have you seen that place? It’s tiny, and by your standards it’s a total dump.”
She had seen it and while he was sort of right, she already was envisioning it as her home. “No it’s not. I can make it work.”
He raised his eyebrows and said, “Just one of your shopping sprees would fill it to the ceiling.”
“I won’t be doing that anymore,” she said firmly, thinking of all the shoes and clothing she’d be packing up that night to take to a designer resale boutique in San Antonio. She had to plan ahead for when she needed to purchase maternity clothes. She was disgusted with herself, recalling how nonchalantly she’d handed over her father’s credit card to pay for all of it over the years. Plus, there was no point in holding on to items that wouldn’t fit her soon.
When she looked up at him, she saw speculation in his eyes, as though he wondered if she was telling him the truth or perhaps if she was fooling herself. The resolve inside her grew as the seconds ticked by on the grandfather clock in the corner of his study.
“Okay, Presley Ann. Here’s what I’ll do—”
“Daddy, I don’t expect you to do anything. I just needed for you to know about the baby.”
“Let me finish, honey. I respect your desire to make a go of it on your own. I often hoped you’d do that, prior to this morning. I’ll keep you on my insurance and pay any medical expenses you incur.”
“Dad, I—” Conflict tore at her. The medical bills were going to pile up and she knew that. It would be the largest expense she had, at least short term. She was proud but she wasn’t completely stupid. She did need his help even though she wouldn’t have asked for it. “I don’t know what to say.”
“I don’t expect you to say anything. In addition, I’ll pay for the formula or lactation consultant after the baby arrives and for the diapers the first year. Basic disposables, though. No diaper service or fancy diapers.”
“Dad—”
“Hush,” he said gently. “Even though it would’ve hurt her to know all of this, that’s what your mom would’ve done for you if she was here.” He paused for a long time and then a bittersweet smile crossed his lips and tears filled his eyes. “Before your mom died, she used to tell me that I spoiled you too much. That if I didn’t push you to spread your wings, you’d never leave the nest willingly. I—” His voice sounded like his throat was clogged and he rubbed his fingers against his eyes hard.
She was around his desk in a matter of seconds and down on her knees with her arms wrapped around his shoulders. “I’m so sorry I disappointed you, Daddy. So sorry.” His familiar scent of Wrigley’s Spearmint gum and spicy aftershave comforted her as he hugged her back while struggling to control his emotions.
“Dad, I know I’ve always been a hot mess for you to deal with. I know it’s going to take time but I’m going to make it. You have every right to be furious with me, to write me out of your life, and to mark me off as a failure. But I’m not and neither is this baby. I’m going to show everyone I can do this—including myself.”
He lifted her chin with a gentle hand. “Was the father nice to you? Is there any chance he’d be involved?”