Finding Stone (The Stone Brothers Series) (Volume 1) (17 page)

I step into the terminal and see Kelly waiting. A wave of emotion rolls through me. She comes running and we embrace for several minutes. She was way more than a best friend. She’s like a sister to me. Seeing her makes me realize some of what I have left behind here in Kentucky. Things are the way they are supposed to be. Even though my plans in life have changed, I love where my life is heading. I love Noah. I love our baby and I look forward to the life we will create together.

"It's so good to see you, Kells. I have missed you so much."

"You too, girl. I can't believe you're here."

"I can't believe I'm here either. I don't know if I'm ready to face my parents, but, it is what it is."

"Do you want to go grab something to eat first?"

"No. I'll probably call you after I tell them. We may need some time apart."

"Okay, sounds like a plan. Let's do this. They'll be okay. You'll be okay. Just maybe not today," she says as she hugs me one last time.

On the drive home, I take in the scenery. It's not much, but it's home. As we enter our hometown, so many memories come rushing in. We pass the only small dairy bar in my town. I always loved going there. Best ice ever can be found there. Yes, ice, the good crushed kind. I see my old elementary school. A place called the Gravel Pit. I never really understood why it was called that. It's just dirt, no rocks, no gravel, just a bunch of dirt and water. I used to see people fishing there all of the time.

I know we are almost home when we drive down the tree-lined road. It looks like a tunnel of trees because the tops of the branches meet. I feel nervous energy creep in. I realize I have been holding my breath. I’m about to hurt two very important people in my life. That doesn't sit well with me. As we pull into the driveway of my parents’ small white-sided house. I send Noah a quick text letting him know that I made it home. Once I take a deep breath, I open the car door. I called them last night and let them know that I had a few days off and wanted to come in.

"You sure you don't want me to stay? I will, just say the word. I'm here for you."

"No, thanks though. I just need to get this over with." I say as I grab my carry on bag.

I walk through the front door and my mom meets me at the door and pulls me into her arms.

"Oh Molly, I have missed you so much. It doesn't seem like it's only been a few months ago that you left."

My dad then takes me from my mom's arms and hugs me as well. "I'm so happy you made the trip. I can't wait to show you how much progress I made on the truck."

My dad has been working on his "antique" truck as long as I can remember.

"It's still junk, Molly. Don't let your dad fool you."

I smile. My mom has hated that thing for years.

"Hey. It's not junk, Annie. It's a diamond in the rough, a work in progress," my dad grumbles.

"I'm sure it's great, daddy."

We spend the next couple of hours talking a little bit about everything. They talk about the going ons at the church, who's been sick, who's passed away. I get caught up on all of the small town news. I just let them talk. I haven't told them about the shooting at the hospital or the break-in at the apartment. They already worry enough about me as it is.

"Hey mom, I was thinking we could order some dinner. My treat. Maybe Giovanni's?" Hands down, Giovanni’s pizza is the best in this town, even better than Chicago-Style pizza.

"That sounds good. We haven't had pizza in a while. I'll go call it in."

When mom comes back to the living room, I realize that I have been putting this off long enough.

"You've sat here for the last couple of hours and listened to your dad and I talk your ears off. Tell us Molly, is Chicago what you thought it'd be?"

"It's actually been very different from what I thought it'd be. I love it, though. I've learned a lot at the hospital. I have a boyfriend. I've made several friends."

"A boyfriend?" My dad raises his eyebrow. I smile. I knew he would catch that.

"Yes dad, a boyfriend. His name is Noah Stone. He's a doctor at the E.R. where I work. He's really good to me and I love him."

"Well, don't let him foil your plans."

My face drops. I've never been good at hiding my emotions. I should have waited until after dinner.

"I have come to realize that some of my plans have changed and I'm really okay with it."

They both stand up and come over to me.

"What's going on? Are you OK?" My dad asks truly concerned.

"Please sit, ok?"

I watch as my parents take their seats on the couch.

"Molly?" My mom says and my dad is just looking at me.

"I'm pregnant."

"What?" my mom says in a shocked gasp.

I look at my dad. I don't see the anger I thought I'd see. I see something far worse, disappointment. I start to cry.

"I'm pregnant, about five weeks. I wanted to come tell you in person. Noah wanted to come as well but I thought it'd be best if I did this myself. He'll be flying in on Thursday though. He wants to meet you all."

"You've only been gone for a couple months. I don't understand." My mom is still reeling.

"I know."

I look over at my dad. He doesn't say a thing. I see him stand up and walk out the back door. It slams behind him. I stand to go after him. I hate that I've hurt him this way. My mom grabs my hand.

"Don't, Molly. Leave him be. You've dropped a bomb on us. Give him time to sort through this."

"Maybe I should call Kelly and have her pick me up and visit with her for a bit?"

"Yes, I think that would be best Molly."

I feel hurt, almost rejected. It’s not what’s happening, still it stings.

"Okay."

As I start to walk away, I leave some money on the table for the pizza. I go to grab my bag when I hear my mom say my name.

"Molly?"

"Yeah mom."

"Just know your father and I love you."

I start crying again and lean down to kiss my mom on the top of her head. She touches the hand I placed on her shoulder.

"I love you both too. I'm sorry it happened this way, but I’m not sorry about this baby."

I ended up having dinner with Kelly and decide it's best to just stay the night with her. I'll go back to my parents in the morning. Kelly tries to cheer me up, but I just want to go to bed.

Before I do, I decide to call Noah.

"Hey baby. I've been wanting to call. I wanted to see how it went. I miss you like crazy."

"It didn't go very well. I'm staying with Kelly tonight. My mom talked to me a little. My dad got up and stormed out, he's so disappointed in me. I can't blame him though. I was raised better."

"I'm sorry. Know this though, I love you. We will get through this together. This pregnancy may have not been planned, but I believe it was meant to be. I know this is stressful. Just try to calm down, remember that little baby inside you and how much he needs you to be strong."

"I'm trying. It's just so hard. I think I had myself prepared enough to not overreact. I'm just sad is all.”

"I love you, Molly. I'll see you Thursday."

"I love you too, Noah. I can't wait to see you."

"Me either. Get some rest. Molly, just remember, I'm only a phone call away. Call me anytime."

" Okay, Noah. I'll talk to you soon. Night"

"Molly, just remember, no regrets."

"No regrets, Noah."

Morning comes early when you can't rest. I've had some morning sickness this morning. I managed to eat a few crackers and drink some water. Kelly doesn't do well with vomit. It's almost comical. She's a sympathy puker. She sees someone throw up; she throws up too. I get myself cleaned up. Kelly apologizes for not being able to help me. I just laugh and tell her it's okay. I jump in the shower and get ready to head back to mom and dad's.

When Kelly drops me off it takes a moment for me to build the courage up to find my dad. He's the one I really need to talk to. I hear a tool fall in the garage and walk over. Upon opening the door, I see my dad with his hands on the open hood. His head is down, shoulders bent. I can tell he hasn't slept either because he is still has on the same clothes from yesterday. Guilt consumes me. I walk over, grab the wrench, and hand it to him. He looks at me and lets out a deep breath. His eyes are red rimmed.

"Daddy, I'm sorry."

"What were you thinking, Molly? You had plans. Do you plan on coming home? I've always wanted you to make your own way. You've always had good head on your shoulders. What happened? Did I not raise you right?" He keeps his head held down.

"I’m not sure what my future holds right now. I know that I am going to be a mother. You're going to be a papaw and that's not going to change. Yes, I wish things had happened differently. This pregnancy was an accident, but I am happy. I want Noah and he wants me."

I watch my dad shake his head.

"This is killing me, Molly. I thought I'd rejoice with excitement when the time came for you to be a mother. I hate feeling like this. I've never even met this boy. I know nothing about him. Judging by the length of time you've been gone, you don't really know him either."

I know he has a point. I understand why he's so upset with me, so upset with this situation. Here I am, the preacher's daughter, pregnant and unwed. I would be upset with me, too. I have had the last few weeks to come to terms with all of this. Dad hasn't.

"Dad, please listen to me. Please look at me. I'm happy, truly happy. I am so sorry this hurt you, that I hurt you."

I turn and walk towards the house.

"Mom?"

"In the kitchen, Molly."

"I just talked to dad."

"I saw Kelly dropping you off. I figured that's where you went. He's really having a hard time. He feels like he's failed. We both do. He just needs time. He didn't even come to bed last night."

"Mom. I'm sorry I hurt you guys. If I could change the hurt, I would."

"Honey, we love you. Everything will work out. Let's just give it time. God always has a plan even when we don't."

"I will. That's why I wanted to come. I wanted to be able to tell you myself. I wanted you both to be able to see my face and believe me when I tell you that I love this baby, that I love Noah.”

"Oh honey, is this boy good to you?"

"Yes, mom. He's so good. He's a good man. He loves me for me and wants only the best for me, for this baby. I can't wait for you to meet him. You'll see."

"I can only pray you're right Molly."

We spend the rest of the day in uncomfortable silence. Mom gave a couple reassuring smiles. Dad came inside, but still isn't talking to me. I made supper for them, and then decided to go to my old bedroom. This day has been emotionally exhausting. I call Noah to let him know things aren't perfect but they are better than yesterday. He gives me his arrival information. Tomorrow morning can't get here soon enough. Just as I am starting to fall asleep, I hear my bedroom door open. My dad comes walking in and sits at the end of the bed.

"You said yesterday that that boy is coming here. I want to have a one-on-one conversation with him. I'd like to pick up this Noah tomorrow, just me. You can stay here with your momma."

"Why dad? I don't want you to be mean to him. It took two to get in this situation. You can't put all of the blame on him."

"I just want to talk to him. Man-to-man. Please don't warn him it'll be me. I want to see what kind of man he is."

"Alright dad. I trust you."

It takes everything in me to not send a quick text. I know I have to give this to my dad. I know that Noah will prove his worth to my dad. I have faith everything is going to work out.

I scan the waiting area for Molly. Late isn't anything new for her. I laugh thinking back to the first day I met her. I get my phone out to call her. I only have a carry on so I don't need to go to the baggage claim area.

"You Noah?" I turn and come face-to-face with who I believe to be Molly's father. She has his eyes.

"Yes, sir." I hold out my hand to shake his. "You must be Molly's father. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Madden." He takes my hand and firmly shakes it.

"Please, call me Jay. I wanted to come pick you up and asked Molly not to say anything. I wanted to be able to talk to you man-to-man without distractions."

This is really uncomfortable, but I love Molly and she loves this man. Whatever I need to do to put this man's mind at ease, I will.

"Okay, I only have this so I'm ready."

He takes off walking and I follow. He says nothing. Just leads me to the car. I want to break the silence, but I will let him lead. It takes several minutes before he starts to speak.

"I need you to understand, Noah, I'm having a real hard time with this. She's my only child. Molly has always been so headstrong. She has always had such a clear path in life. Now I feel like it's so muddled. I don't want her to feel like she has disappointed me, but in truth that's how I feel. She seemed so set in life just two months ago and now she tells me she's going to be a mother. Tell me what you think of all of this."

"Jay, I love your daughter very much. I understand that we have been on a short time table. From the moment I met Molly, I knew she was different. I just never knew how much she would change me. I know that I have experienced much more in life than she has. I guess it comes with age. I’m not sure if she told you but I am thirty-five. I know to some that is a big age difference. She has already brought so much joy into my life. I don't ever want to keep Molly from her dreams. I'd like to be a part of them. I don't know what the future holds, but I can tell you this, it will only be better with her in mine."

"What if she decides to go back into the missionary field? That's where she found her calling to be a nurse, to want to make a difference. Is that something you'd be interested in? How will she be able to do that with child on the way?"

"Well, sir, Jay, my answer to that is that people with children do missionary trips all of the time. I've given thought to doing a mission trip. I have been out in the field before. Not an actual missionary field, but very close to it. I've been overseas. I just left the Army two years ago. When I left, I came back to my hometown and took a position as an E.R. doctor. That's where I met Molly. I’m sorry. I don’t know how much she has told you."

"The only thing she has told her mother and I is that she had a boyfriend then two minutes later she tell us she's pregnant."

 "All I can say to you is that I am truly sorry how this pregnancy happened, but I'm not sorry Molly is pregnant. I am sorry we didn't have a chance to meet first. I'm sorry that we weren't married first. I can't imagine what you're feeling."

"It's not a good feeling, Noah. Molly has always been a free spirit. I tried when she was younger to rein her in, but I couldn't. I realized she just saw the world differently. I truly thought she'd make a difference. She is the light of our lives. I guess what it boils down to is I’m afraid she is going to be hurt. As headstrong as she is, she can also be naive. Do you plan to marry Molly?"

"If you only knew, she is making a difference, Jay. She has made such a difference in my life, to those around her. She has allowed me to start living. Growing up in my home, life was rough. There was physical and emotional abuse from my father, abandonment from my mother. She left when I was six. I have two brothers that I'm very close to. Other than that though, I've simply shut people out. Well, until your free-spirit daughter came into my life, like a storm. I would love nothing more to marry your daughter. It has nothing to do with the pregnancy. My wanting to marry her has everything to do with the love out loud daughter you raised."

I look over and he has a slight smile on his face.

“When Molly was first born we started praying for her future husband. That he was safe and worthy of our daughters love.”

I am not religious person at all. In fact, I’ve never been to church unless it was to attend a wedding or a funeral. Hearing Jay say that to me made me realize he is the reason she is the way she is. He loves people he doesn’t even know just like Molly. We sit in silence for the rest of the ride. I think he is trying to find a way to accept this. There isn't much more that I can say and honestly, there isn't much more that I can do. Molly and I are going to have a baby. We will be in each other’s lives for a very long time.

While Jay drives, I look around and can't help but enjoy the scenery, lots of green grass and rolling hills. The houses aren't on top of each other. I can tell factory work is a big source of income for the area. We've passed a few refineries. We even pass a few hospitals. Nothing like back home though. I notice her dad is watching me.

We pull into a neighborhood, so I assume we are close. I see Molly standing in a concrete driveway. She's waving her hands and smiling so big. I can't help but smile and wave back. Her childhood home is small, but well kept. White siding with white shutters on the windows. They take pride in what they have. I open the car door and Molly comes running, jumping into my arms. Her smile lights up as I wrap my arms around her.

"I've missed you," she whispers in my ear. My hand goes to her stomach.

"I've missed you too. Any more spotting? Cramps?"

"The spotting has stopped. I've had a bad bout of morning sickness, though. Fun times."

"Is something wrong with the pregnancy?" I'm surprised to hear her dad ask.

"I had some bleeding. My doctor told me keep my activity light and gave me a week off of work. So far, no complications. Everything seems to be good right now."

"Well, you shouldn't be running around or getting upset," he scolds her. I smile. He might not know it yet but he going to love this baby too.

"I'm trying, dad. Well the running, I just forgot. I was just so excited to see Noah."

She squeezes my waist and smiles at me.

"Well, lets just stay in for the next couple days. Just in case. We can all catch up on some much needed rest."

As we walk inside, I see her mom come around the corner. Molly might have her dad’s eyes, but she looks exactly like her mom.

"Hi. I'm Noah. It's so nice to meet you."

"I'm Annie. I'm glad you made it okay." She just gives Jay a look.

"I'm going to start dinner." Molly chimes in.

"No, you're gonna sit down and put your feet up. We'll just order in some dinner." I see Annie look at Jay.

"She's had some bleeding and her doctor told her to take it easy."

"We'll order in." Annie says. Her eyes now show worry.

We have Chinese food delivered. Dinner was a little awkward. Talk was kept to a minimum. Molly and I talked about Chicago and the different things to do there. I let them all know that I got a hotel room. I hate staying away from Molly, but this is her parent's home. I don't want them to think I'm being disrespectful. I know we aren't married and I know her father would not allow me to sleep in his daughter's bed.

Molly is going to drive me to the hotel. I'll get a rental car tomorrow.

"I wish I could stay with you, Noah."

"I know, me too. Right now you need this time with your parents."

"I know. I love you for respecting them."

"I want them to accept me. I need for them to accept me."

"I know they will. Just give them a little time."