Page 74 of Irreplaceable
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
“Who’s pregnant?” Mom asked, joining us along with Chase’s wife, Mackenzie.
My neck was hot. Itchy. God. I plucked at my top, uncomfortably warm all of a sudden.
This was it. The moment I confessed everything. And after the story posted online earlier today, I knew I couldn’t wait. Ready or not, it was time.
I took a steadying breath before lifting my head and saying, “I am.”
“What?” Everyone’s eyes seemed to home in on my stomach.
I nodded, and Enzo placed his hand on my lower back. “Yes, we’re pregnant.”
And then the congratulations were flying. Hugs and well-wishes. Tears and smiles. I hadn’t realized it, but I’d needed this moment to validate the pregnancy. To make it feel more real.
“Oh, I’m so happy for you.” Mom smiled at me before hugging Enzo. “Both of you.”
Dad came to join us, and he pulled me into a hug. “Congratulations, honey. Are you feeling okay?”
I nodded, wondering why I’d ever worried how they’d react. I should’ve known they’d show excitement and care. “I’m feeling great, thanks.”
“How far along are you?”
“About fifteen weeks.”
“Taking your vitamins?”
I grinned. “Of course, Dad.”
Then it was Landon’s turn. “Aw, Harp.” He pulled me into a hug. My shoulders relaxed, and I smiled through my tears. “Now our kids can grow up together. Well…” He released me and frowned. “At least, I guess they’ll see each other at the holidays.”
I forced myself to smile and nod.
That had been part of my plan for single motherhood. I was going to save up as much as I could and use up all my maternity leave while searching for jobs in the Alondra Valley. Then I’d planned to move home. Maybe find a little house near my parents’. Attend Sunday dinners.
But now, there was Enzo to consider. My family genuinely seemed to like him, and I’d been impressed with how seamlessly he’d fit in. But his life was back in LA. He’d only just moved there to play for the Leatherbacks. He’d signed a contract that would keep him in the city through the end of next season. There was no way he could move here with me, even if he wanted to.
I didn’t want to think about it. Besides, there was no need to decide anything right now. I had months until the baby would arrive.
“Let’s eat,” Mom said, wrapping an arm around both Enzo’s and my waists. “You can tell us everything over dinner.”
As we took our seats around the table, everyone was abuzz with excitement over our news. I felt more relieved than I’d anticipated, and I was grateful my family was so supportive about the pregnancy, about Enzo. They’d only just met him, and they’d welcomed him with open arms.
“So, when are you two getting married?” Chase asked.
I glared at him, silently willing him to shut up.
“What?” He shrugged, glancing around the table. “Everybody’s thinking it.”
“Oh please. We were together for how many years before you proposed?” Mackenzie asked from beside him.
The tips of his ears turned pink. “Yeah. Yeah.”
“Ignore him,” Mackenzie said to Enzo. “Chase can be very protective of Harper.”
Enzo gave my thigh a squeeze, but I was relieved when the conversation returned to other matters. Ethan Archer was expanding Freedom Tiny Homes, and Chase had gotten a promotion. Mackenzie was considering buying a motel to renovate with a friend. Asher Hansley had moved to New York to work for a famous pastry chef. And so much more besides. I was tired from the drive, but I didn’t want to miss a moment.
When Jo excused herself to use the restroom, Enzo ended up holding baby Stella. He cradled her in his muscular, tattooed arms, peering down at her face as if in wonder. I was struck with a pang of longing—both for the man and the idea of him as a father.