Wes Dalton

Before I could knock, a figure approached from the stairs through the colorful translucent glass on the side of the front door.

"Are you early? It feels early. They're in the kitchen," Laurel greeted me at the door with a sleepy smile. She turned and wandered into the downstairs bathroom.

Quietly closing the door behind me, I made the assumption that some may still have been asleep. Yes, I was early. By an entire half-hour, but I knew they wouldn't mind. Sarah had once mentioned that both of her parents admired timeliness. As much as I didn't give a shit about her dad, I respected her mom too much.

As I walked through the hall leading into the kitchen, I could hear people in the kitchen. Their voices were low, but I knew Sarah's voice.

"I don't want to talk about it, mom. Please just drop it?"

"Baby, I know this is a sensitive topic for you, but—"

"Mom! Please just stop." Sarah's voice was a harsh whisper, but her mom ignored her.

"But, I think you need to talk to Wes about it, at least."

Stopping in my tracks as Jill said my name, I was just around the corner from them.

"Mom—"

"Sarah," Jill said sternly.

"We will talk when I am ready. I'll talk to him when I'm more sure."

I suddenly had less doubt in my assumptions from the day before. Pregnant.

The small amount of excitement I had felt before disappeared due to Sarah's reaction. 'Sensitive topic...' There was so much more I didn't know about Sarah.

As I rounded the corner, Sarah's back was towards me and she was blocking my view of Jill.

"Them things are pretty accurate, I'm not sure there is much use-" Jill shifted her weight as she stood from leaning against the counter. "Wes! So good of you to come. I didn't even hear you come in!" With a glance at the stove's clock, she added, "and you're early. Coffee?"

"Please, thank you." Walking up behind Sarah, I wrapped her in my arms and leaned my face into her hair. "Good morning. How are you feeling?"

She stayed silent for a moment when her mom continued speaking to her, "Anyway, I just wanna see if it works better." Jill smiled at me and then attempted to clue me in to their conversation, clearly covering their prior topic, "Kitchen scale that is more accurate than what I got now and baking season is all the time. So, all's I'm saying is it's my next kitchen purchase."

Whatever anxiety and tension the conversation had caused, started to ease with her mom's cover conversation. "Okay, mom. Sounds Good to me."

Sarah leaned into my embrace, looked over at me and said, "I'm alright. I am so sorry about yesterday. I feel much better this morning."

I played unaware to make her more comfortable, but by what I had walked into... shit, I didn't know what would happen next between us.

Jill handed me a steaming mug and showed me where the sugar was and her assortment of creamers that were in her fridge. It was clear that coffee was more than just a drink to her and she enjoyed every single cup.

While Sarah changed, the kids ate and chatted with Jill and me. Cason was still on his guard, but it seemed like I was making some progress. Laurel gushed about the park and how her friend had taken her the summer before.

I'd never been, but amusement parks were something my entire family had enjoyed when we were younger.

Jill drove us and I paid. Refusing to hear anything different, I made sure to get to the clerks before she could pull her wallet out from her purse. Jill made a few protests, but by lunch, I had hidden her card in my wallet after snagging it from her while she failed to pay for the kids' lemonade.

Hand in hand, Sarah and I walked through the park with her family. Laurel and Cason spent most of the morning dragging us to their favorite rides and parts of the park.

Sarah stopped and gripped her stomach, looking sick.

"You okay, babe?" I asked her.

She shook her head and attempted to fool me with a weak smile, "I'm fine."

"We should stop and do lunch, use the bathrooms, and make sure we can plan out the rest of our day. Don'cha think?" Jill wrapped her arm around Sarah's shoulders and pulled her into a half hug.

"Sounds soooo good to me," Sarah said as she stretched her back and rolled her shoulders.

I peered over at the kids who were barely listening. They jittered about where they wanted to go next, in opposite directions. Interrupting them I said, "There's a good spot. Kids, Momma, would you all mind holding down the fort while Sarah and I grab food for everyone?"

"Sounds like a plan, Sugar." Jill gave me a wink and nudged Sarah into my arms.

I wrapped my arms around her and whispered, "I know you're not feeling well. If you want, I'll grab everything, and you can go sit."

"I'm fine. I can still help."

"I know you're fine," growling in her ear. Smoothing my hands down her lower back, I held her closer. Her breathing stuttered as I pressed a kiss below her ear.

"Wes..." Her voice was breathy and brought on a whole new hunger.

"Also, I know..." I'm not sure why I said it, but it was out. Shit.

Pushing back from me, shock written all over her beautiful features. She said, "Know what?"

"I know about—"

"MOM!" Cason came crashing into us. Pushing between us and forcing her attention on him. "Can we please get more lemonade? It is the best here and Granny says we shouldn't spend that much, but I really want more. Please!?"

She laughed as she combed her fingers through his sweaty hair, "Of course we can get more lemonade. It is lunch, and Mr. Dalton said this was all on him, so we'll get that while he orders food." She looked up, smirking at me as she held her hand out.

Shaking my head, I pulled a fifty from my wallet and handed it to her. "Anything for you," I paused before pulling the money back. Smiling at her shock, I handed the money to Cason whose face lit up. Her jaw dropped and she feigned shock and irritation that he had the power of President Grant.

Laughing as I watched them take off away from me, he ran with her close behind him.

With two trays full of food, I made my way back to our spot. I grabbed some water bottles to make sure everyone stayed hydrated. Stuffing two into each of my cargo pockets of my shorts, I smiled as Jill welcomed me to the table and hurried over to help.

"Goodness, Wes. Looks like you bought a buffet!" Jill commented.

"I realized I didn't know what the kids would want, so I got a little bit of everything." I stood there feeling proud with my hands on my hips as the kids dug in and the women shared a laugh. "What?" I looked at Sarah.

She tried to hold back her proud smile as she took a bite of fry. "You did good. Thank you."

Opening the map and we figured out the last few hours of rides and shows before the end of our trip. Lunch wrapped up and bathrooms were visited.

The end of our visit came to an abrupt end when Laurel tripped and skinned her knee. We located a medical station where they did a better job of cleaning her up than my water did. They cleaned the cut and bandaged it, but she barely wanted to walk.

Without much hesitation, I scooped her up as her tears turned into giggles and carried her back to the car. By the time we left the parking lot, Laurel was out, and Cason was looking like he was soon to follow his sister.

"Goodness! We sure do have a tired bunch," Jill said as she exited the highway.

"I can carry them in, if you'd like. What? About 10 minutes to the house?" I replied to her from the passenger seat.

"All three of them?" She said with a look over her sunglasses.

Glancing in the back seat, Sarah's arms draped each of her kids' shoulders. All three of them were snuggled, the best they could be with seatbelts, in the back seat.

"And yes, 'bout 10 minutes out," Jill finished.

"Then there is no harm in me resting my eyes too." With that, I reclined my seat slightly and crossed my arms. With a deep sigh I closed my eyes and let my body unwind.

Hushed voices and my name woke my awareness. Without moving or lifting a lid, I listened to Jill and Sarah.

"A few minutes, why?" Jill asked.

"You're sure?" Sarah asked as she pulled herself up on my seat. I could feel her breath on my neck as she kissed my shoulder.

"Yes, of course I'm sure. He let out a cute lil' snorin' sound. Plus, he didn't respond when you said his name, just now. Did he?"

"Yeah... I donno what to do momma. What the fuck am I gonna do?" Sarah said in a groan as she sat back into her seat.

"You're gonna tell him, that's what you're gonna do!" Jill got a little louder and I could hear her turn in her seat to address her daughter.

"Shhh, Momma! I don't need him waking up to this. Can we figure it out later?"

"Mhmm, just don't wait too long. I'm not sure I can contain this kind'a news. You know I'm bad at keepin' this kind'a stuff hush!"

"I know. I know momma. I do appreciate you biting your tongue, though."

"I love you, baby. No matter what happens. I love you and will always be here for you. I hope you know that."

"Yeah, I know." Sarah's voice got even quieter, and the car slowed. "Baby... Cason... Time to wake up, we're home. Laurel, honey... Wake up, little love."

I could tell when Jill pulled into the driveway. The slant of the drive and her speed were enough to know. The car lurched and I blinked the darkness from my vision.

"Hey there Sunshine! Sorry for the sudden stop," she smirked, knowing full well that a stop like that had been intentional. "We're home!"

"Do I need to carry anyone?" I stretched and glanced in the back seat as Cason and Laurel yawned and rubbed their eyes. "Looks like my services aren't needed this evening."

"Speaking of... Would you like to stay for tacos tonight, Wes?" Jill touched my arm as I unlatched my seatbelt.

"I'm not sure I could turn down tacos. I'd love to stay... Unless you're trying to get rid of me, Sarah?" I joked as I looked at her over the roof of the vehicle.

She dropped her chin and gave me a playful glance as she helped Laurel out of the car. "You're growing on me, Wes. I think I'll keep ya."

"You heard the boss, Jill. I am allowed to stay." Holding her gaze, I replied to her mother.

Jill ushered the kids into the house, ordering them to clean up and help with dinner. As Sarah and I climbed the front steps, I caught her wrist and turned her into my arms.

"Dalton," she said.

"Sarah," I replied before pressing my lips to hers.

"What was that for?" She whispered into me.

"Do I need a reason to kiss you?"

"No, but—"

I kissed her again. Her body melted into mine as I pulled her closer. Finally releasing her mouth, she laid her head against my chest and sighed.

"Thank you for today."

"Shouldn't I be thanking you?" I asked her.

"You paid for everything. You made it happen. So, for that I am thankful. My kids had a blast and I know they will sleep well tonight."

"What about you, Sarah?"

"Oh, I definitely will be passing out as soon as my head hits the pillow. I'm exhausted."

She didn't need to say it, I could hear it in her voice. "I wasn't referring to sleep, I was asking if you had fun today."

"Oh," She looked up at me as a smile slowly spread. "I had a great time. I loved seeing you with my kids. I'm actually a little surprised by Cason."

"How so?"

"He had told me the other day," She paused and shook her head, weighing the decision to tell me. "Now, don't make fun, but he told me the other day that he is the man of the house. That he doesn't like thinking that won't be the case anymore. But today... Today he had fun and seemed to open up a little more. Especially when you agreed to go on that monster roller coaster right after we ate lunch!"

"Oof. I'll admit, that may not have been my best decision," I said as I gripped my stomach.

She let out a heart-felt belly laugh before giving me a big squeeze. "He hasn't had good male influences in his life. It means the world to me that you are here, and he is warming up to you."

"I'm more than happy to be a good influence on him," I said as I tugged her chin to look at me. Tears spilled from her eyes. "Oh, hey! No... Baby, why are you crying?" I thumbed the tears away as they slid over her cheeks.

With a sob she said, "I'm okay. I p-promise." She wiped her face on my shirt as I kissed the top of her head. "They are happy tears, if you'll believe that."

Another sniffle and sob muffled in my shirt before she finally took a deep breath. I continued smoothing over her hair, holding her close, and rubbing her back as she recovered.

"I'm sorry," Sarah whispered.

"Sweetness," I lifted her chin to look at me through her tear soaked lashes. "I think I know what's going on. I think I know but until you tell me, I don't know anything." Her eyes went wide and her lip began to shake. "Don't say anything until you're ready to. Okay?"

"I'm pregnant!" The words seemed to burst through her, like they were ready to come out before she was ready to say them. Her body shook in my arms as she slammed her hands over her mouth.

"You are?" I asked as I felt my suppressed smile surfacing.

"OhMyGod! I said it! I said it out loud..." She said through her covered mouth. Her words muddled into a groan.

"You're pregnant," I repeated with a wide smile.

Her horrified expression pulled at my heart strings and the tears started again. Hugging her to my chest, I saw the front curtain move. Jill's face appeared from the dark interior with a knowing smile on her face. She nodded and disappeared again.

"And you're okay with this?" She said as she pulled back slightly, looking up at me.

"Yes! Of course I'm okay with this." I quickly processed the fact that this was probably not how she wanted me to find out and that there were a lot of unspoken reasons for her holding back. "You and I can talk about all this later. For now, please know that I am extremely happy about this and what it may mean for us."

Her huge eyes shown back at me as they brimmed with tears. She took a long shuddering breath before she sighed, "Okay."

"Come on, babe. Let's get you cleaned up. See if your mom needs any more help with dinner," I said as I guided her into the house.

"Psh, that woman has been cooking for a week expecting me. She probably just has to open containers, heat what needs to be hot, and set it all out for us." Wiping her face, she turned to me; composed and strong as ever. "I'm okay, really. We need to talk about this, but you're right, we have time. This wasn't how I envisioned you finding out, but I'm glad you know now. I'm going to go help mom. You may need another shirt, though."

My shirt was wet from her tears and I didn't care. I shrugged and said, "It's all a part of my job, baby. Superhero boyfriend... It has a nice ring to it," I jested as she smacked my arm. "I do need to find the bathroom, first though. I'll see you at the dinner table."

The clatter of plates and silverware greeted me as soon as I rounded the corner to the kitchen. Cason was arguing with Laurel about what side of the plate the knives went on.

"Good Lord! The knives go on the right side of the plate, facin' inward so your neighbor don't get the idea you wanna stab'em, but, really, it doesn't much matter! We are just having tacos!" Jill corrected as she placed a large bowl of taco meat in the middle of the table.

"Here momma. I cut three," Sarah said as she handed her mother a small green bowl full of freshly sliced avocado.

"Goodness, you didn't need to cut 'em all."

"Oh, but I did. Wes would eat that entire bowl, if you let him," she said as she pointed the knife at me.

Looking at Jill, I beamed at her. "She's not wrong. I could eat those all day, every day. No matter the meal, I could probably find a use for avocados."

Jill chuckled and said, "Well it is good to have another avocado lover in the house! Sarah, you know they will be good for the baby, too."

It was clear she wasn't thinking when she said it and regretted it as soon as both kids said in unison, "What baby?"

Cason's brow pinched and the corners of his mouth turned down as he asked, "You're pregnant, mom?"

Laurel's forehead wrinkled and eyes went wide as Laurel shouted, "I'm going to be a big sister!?"

Sarah's eyes went wide before she glared at her mother.

Jill's mouth formed a tight frown as she looked to me for help.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, smiled, and allowed the chaos to erupt around me.

Knowing Sarah and the situation we had found ourselves in, it seemed the entire evening was going awry.

As I opened my eyes, I gravitated towards Sarah, I wrapped my arms around her and whispered into her hair as the kids and Jill ensued with the chaos of questions, accusations, and responses.