“Are you two getting married or something?” Laura inquired.
“Not quite,” Nick stated.
Before she could think any further about it, the words spilled from Michelle’s mouth. “I’m pregnant.”
“With my baby,” Nick added.
“WHAT?” Jane exclaimed.
“You mean…you’re having a baby,” Laura said softly.
“Yes, I am. I’m having this baby, and we’re raising it.”
“Nick, have you thought about this? Have you thought about what’s going to happen to your career?” Bob asked evenly.
“Of course I have, but I can’t exactly walk away from this. She wants to have this baby, and I was there that day as much as she was. I’m not going to let her do this by herself. And you know what? I wanna have this baby, too. It’s not just her.”
“You mean you’re willing to give up your reputation over this?” Jane demanded.
“Absolutely. I don’t really have a choice.”
“I’m not exactly happy about this, son, but that takes guts. That’s a damned respectable thing to do,” Bob stated. “And as for you, Michelle, it’s a wonder you decided to keep the baby.”
“Mom, say something, please,” Michelle requested timidly.
“I can’t believe you’d be so irresponsible, but I guess it’s a little late now. I just hope you two know what you’re getting into.”
“Does anyone else know yet?” Jane asked.
“No, no one but me and her and the doctor,” Nick answered.
“Well, I guess the only thing I can do is congratulate you.” She gave her son a hug and then hugged Michelle. “Are you the girl Nick is seeing?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“So you two are happy together, then?” Laura asked.
“Absolutely. We couldn’t be happier,” Nick stated, grabbing his girlfriend’s hand.
“That’s the important part.”
“When do you plan on telling your brother and sisters?” Bob asked.
“Probably tomorrow.”
“Joey is coming to visit tomorrow,” Laura stated. “He couldn’t make it tonight because he had to work, but he’s coming tomorrow and spending the rest of the weekend. You can tell him.”
“Gee, I’m looking forward to that,” Michelle said sarcastically. “He’ll kill both of us.”
“I’m not so sure. He should be in a good mood, since he just got engaged to Jenny.”
“Is she coming, too?”
“He wasn’t sure. She was going to try to get off work.”
“If she comes, she won’t let him kill us.”
“Have I ever met Jenny?” Nick asked.
“No, you haven’t. She’s been dating Joey for three years, but she’s never been here,” Jane stated.
“Okay, everyone. It’s time for me to turn in. I’m still full from the meal,” Bob said, standing up. He hugged Michelle and gave his son a pat on the back. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” they said together.
“I suppose we should get to bed, too, Jane,” Laura groaned. “Good night.”
“Good night,” everyone said.
When Jane and Laura left, Nick kissed his girlfriend gently on the lips. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Can I stay here tonight?”
“I don’t wanna freak out your parents any more than we already have,” she giggled.
“I think they took it really well. I expected them to murder us.”
“Maybe they’re saving that for my brother to do. He’s not gonna be happy, Nick. I mean, look at how you acted when BJ said she swore off guys. You were ecstatic.”
“Not really. I was kidding.”
“Still, how would you feel if she got pregnant?”
“Hmm, I guess you’re right. I’d beat the guy to a bloody pulp.” He sighed. “Can we not think about that now? We’ll worry about it in the morning.”
“Okay, good night.” She looked up at him. Even though she was tall, she still had to stand on her tiptoes to kiss his lips. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. I’ll see you in the morning.”