Page 97 of Her Filthy Grump
“Yes, we hope to work toward that.” I arch an eyebrow as Layla throws her arm over her mom’s shoulders.
“Mom, you can tone down the twenty questions.”
“I’m feeling him out.” She dismisses her daughter and shifts her attention back to me. “What’re your future plans?”
“Yes.” Chief Monroe strides into the room and crosses his arms over his chest. “What exactly are your future plans?”
My heart skips a beat and then pounds double time in my chest. “We want to have a summer wedding.”
“Let’s see the ring.” Katherine grasps Layla’s free hand and holds it to the light. “Very nice. That’s a beautiful ring.” She lowers her arm to her side and nods at me. “You have good taste.”
“Thank you.” I wince. This next bit might not go over as well. “But, in the meantime, we’re thinking about living together.” Should I duck? Punch him in the face? Play dead?
Chief Monroe’s eyes narrow into slits. “Is that so?”
“Dad, I’m an adult. Please, remember that.” Layla drops her arm from her mom’s shoulders, steps toward me while tilting her head sideways and arching her eyebrows. The look is supposed to be intimidating but on Layla, it’s not working. “I love Kameron, and we’re getting married.” She gnaws on her bottom lip. “Although, I hope you’ll support us and be a part of our lives.”
Katherine studies me. “Which house?”
“Mine.”
Her mouth flattens into a thin line. If there was a nearby ruler, I’d worry she was going to smack the back of my hand. “Why?”
“My place is in better shape and newer.”
She tips her chin outward. “Is there room for a baby?”
I blink.Did Layla tell her?
“Mom.” Layla gapes at her with an open mouth. We’d decided not to break the news to her parents–yet.
“Don’t try and pull the wool over my eyes. I saw the starstruck look in your eyes when you talked about him, but your whole expression is more. You’re pregnant.”
“Fine,” Layla sighs.
Fuck. This is going to go to shit.I walk the rest of the way to stand behind her. We’re in this together. No matter what happens. But why couldn’t I keep my dick in my pants or at least have enough control to grab a condom? It was right there.
No. I straighten my shoulders. It wasn’t a mistake. I want Layla and our baby. But I’m not letting her take the brunt of their anger. I place my hand on Layla’s back. “Ma’am. It’s my fault.”
“Did you force my daughter to have sex with you?”
“No. Not at all.”
“Did she beg you to wear a condom?”
“Well, no….” At this point, I’ve stopped breathing, and if she had a shovel, I’d start digging my own grave.
She presses her lips together and then laughs. “You two are adorable.” She smacks her thigh. “Come on in. Let’s celebrate. Your dad and I want lots of grandbabies, so we’re beyond thrilled that one’s already on the way.”
Fuck.I roll my eyes.She’s just like Layla. I’m screwed if there are three generations of these women to flip my world upside down.
“I’m not ready for this.” Chief Monroe shakes his head, trudges across the floor and offers his hand. “Congratulations, son. Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you.” I wince as his grip tightens, squeezing until it feels like my eyes are going to pop out.
“Dad!” Layla snaps.
“I’m your dad. It’s my responsibility to make sure he’s a strong enough man for you.” He laughs, lessens his grip, and wraps his arms around us. “I suppose you expect to keep your job now that you’re staying in town.”