Pelican's Landing

Chapter Eighteen

For all her brave words, Jordan was actually nervous. Of course, she knew Annie was as well. They’d had a nice dinner with pleasant conversation, and she and her mother had finished off the bottle of wine. She could tell by her father’s demeanor that he was now ready to go home. She glanced over at Annie and raised her eyebrows. In return, Annie blew out a nervous breath and nodded. But before Annie could speak, Jordan decided to take the lead.

“Mom…Dad…there’s something we need to tell you,” she said. “Well, Annie…but still.”

Her mother frowned and glanced between the two of them. “What’s wrong?”

Annie stood up, twisting her hands together nervously. “There’s no easy way,” she said. “And I so wish there was.”

“Okay, girls, you’re scaring me,” her mother said. “What is it?”

Annie looked over at her and Jordan nodded.

“As you know, I’m pregnant,” Annie said. “What you don’t know is that…Matt is the father.”

Her mother’s face turned ashen. “What?”

“I’m so sorry,” Annie said immediately.

Jordan stood up. “Don’t say you’re sorry,” she said. “It took two. It wasn’t just you.”

Her mother held both hands up. “Okay…stop. Now…what?”

Jordan walked in front of her mother. “Annie and Matt…were…”

“Dating?”

“Not exactly,” Annie said.

“Then what?”

“Mom…let’s don’t go into details,” Jordan said.

“Of course I want details,” she said. “You’re telling me that Matt fathered a child?”

“I know you’ll want to do paternity tests and all,” Annie said. “And that’s fine. I just thought you should know.”

Her mother leaned back in her chair. “You’re pregnant with Matt’s baby?”

Annie nodded. “Yes.”

Her mother turned her gaze to Jordan. “And you knew?”

Jordan nodded. “Yes. She told me a few weeks ago.”

Her mother looked back at Annie. “I had no idea that you two were involved. I mean, I’m glad to know that he had someone, but I wish he’d shared that with me.”

Annie looked at her helplessly, and Jordan gave a slight shrug. Was it so bad to let her mother think that Matt had a love in his life?

Her father finally stirred and she recognized the shock on his face. Shock…and something else.

“Matt’s baby?”

Annie simply nodded and that nod brought a smile to her father’s face. “Wow,” was all he said.

Her mother got up and went to Annie, wrapping her arms around her. Annie looked at Jordan over her mother’s shoulder and Jordan saw the relieved look in her eyes. She smiled at her and Annie seemed to relax into her mother’s hug.

“A baby,” her mother said. “We’re going to have a baby.” She pulled away from Annie, her smile big. “That’s wonderful news, dear. We, of course, will help you in any way you need.”

“I’m glad you’re living here with Jordan,” her father said. He looked at her. “You’re not charging her rent, are you?”

“No, Dad.”

Annie held her hands up. “Look, I didn’t tell you this because I wanted anything from you. I don’t. But you deserved to know that Matt…well, that Matt—”

“Annie, it’s only right that we support this child, that we support you,” her mother said.

Jordan stepped forward. “Mom, let’s give it time to sink in, okay. Right now, Annie is fine living here. And there’s a lot of time to go.”

“When are you due?” her mother asked.

“The end of January,” Annie said.

“Matt was born in January.” Tears gathered in her mother’s eyes, and Annie was again engulfed in a hug. “That’s wonderful.” Then she pulled back and studied Annie. “You’re not even showing yet.”

Jordan watched as Annie’s hand went to her abdomen. “My clothes are getting a little tight,” she said.

“It’ll happen soon enough.”

Her mother then went over to her father and hugged him. “Isn’t this wonderful news, Dave?”

“It sure is.”

Annie glanced over at her with a smile, then took a step in her direction. Jordan walked closer too, letting their shoulders touch. Annie leaned into her.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Told you,” Jordan whispered back.