Chapter 11

We used my car to drive together to my parents’ house. I knew my parents would be at home. They had probably just finished dinner.

I parked in the driveway and we walked together to the front door.

Stopping in the doorway, I could feel Ray stumble to a halt beside me. From the corner of my eye, I saw him glance at me curiously, probably worried I was going to chicken out.

Of course, I didn´t.

I knocked on the front door and waited. My heart thumped in my chest. Ray took my hand in his, squeezed, and gave me a reassuring smile.

He wanted me to make the announcement. So, I’d announce.

“Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. If anyone cares to know, Ray and I are having a baby.”

With that said, I turned to stalk off. Ray remained outside the front door, staring after me.

“Are you coming?” I asked Ray.

“Kara, get your tail back here!” my father shouted out. He sounded pissed at me.

I muttered a curse, closed my eyes, and turned in Dad’s direction. Ray and I stepped into the living room, our hands linked together. He sat at my side, and gave me a reassuring smile. We looked at my parents in silence for a few seconds.

It surprised me just how comforted I was by Ray’s automatic show of support. He might be a quiet, reserved person, giving off the impression he was shy. But he had a backbone. He didn’t back down from certain duties, even ones that made him want to run for the hills.

“You’re pulling our leg, aren’t you?” Dad finally said, as he glanced from me to Ray. “I mean, you two...” he shook his head as if he was trying to get rid of negative thoughts.

“I’m so disappointed in you two,” my mother growled, and glared disapprovingly between Ray and me.

“So ... when’s the wedding?” Dad asked.

Ray looked expectantly at me. “That’s what I’d like to know.”

He bent down on one knee, took my hand in his, and said, “Kara Grant will you marry me?”

Mom gasped.

I should have guessed Ray was going to do something like this to me in front of my parents.

“Get up, you romantic fool,” I hissed.

“Not until you answer.” His eyes were dead serious and locked on mine.

I sighed. Too bad my sister Jenny wasn’t here. She would have taken my side.

“No, I won’t marry you,” I said, clearly and loudly enough for all to hear. “You can’t peer-pressure me into a marriage. You should know me better than this.”

Ray rose from his bended knee in one smooth gesture. His face flashed red.

I hadn’t meant to be harsh, but come on!

“Kara, please.” Ray took my hand and a familiar warmth shot up my arm.

“We’re not getting married,” I said, and pulled my hand from his.

“I want to know why there’s not going to be a wedding,” Mom growled.

“That’s none of your concern, Mom,” I said, with a defying look.

“No, I want to hear this reason, too,” Ray said, crossing his arms over his chest and cocking me an arch look.