adds warmly.
If they’d yelled at me, maybe I’d be able to keep it together. But this support and love? The deepest affection wells in my chest; I’m the luckiest person ever to have these two people as parents. Tears gather in my eyes, and I swear, I’m going to break down and sob like a kid. I blink hard to dry them up. Big girls don’t cry. Growing up with three older brothers and four male cousins taught me that.
“It’s okay, Jo,” Mama says, coming around and putting an arm around my shoulders.
I blink harder and faster as tears come in greater quantity. “I always wanted to make you proud.” My voice is wet.
“We are proud of you,” Papa says. “We couldn’t have asked for a better daughter. So yes, okay, in a perfect world maybe you’d be married first, but it isn’t like you’re some teenager unable to take care of herself. You’re a successful career woman. You shouldn’t have to marry someone who isn’t right for you just to make us feel better. We don’t want that.”
“Your papa’s right.” Mama squeezes my shoulder and pulls me closer until our heads touch. “Husband, no husband, there are plenty of positive male role models for the little one, Jo. Don’t worry about anything. We can help you raise your baby, but we can’t help you find the other half of your soul. And you should never settle for less than that.”
All the weight on my shoulders vanishes. And I dab at my eyes and look at her, feeling light and grateful. I honestly had no idea how my parents would react, but I never thought they’d be this supportive and understanding.
Papa nods. “Your happiness is what’s important. As long as you remember that, you can’t ever let us down.”
The biggest and thickest lump gets caught in my throat. My parents are the best. My family is everything.
We all hug together, and I close my eyes, relieved and happy in their love.
Then, as I leave, I put my left hand over my belly protectively. Abruptly, the sight of my empty middle finger reminds me of the announcement I didn’t get to make—and the threat Aaron made against my papa. I’m going to do everything I can to help him maintain his dignity until he retires.
Chapter Seventeen
Edgar
I’m not happy about being kicked out of the meeting. Jo’s parents are likely less than thrilled with the botched proposal—that initial “no” was not a good sign—and obviously plan to talk to her about it without me present.
They seem like reasonable people. I pray they aren’t like my own parents and blame her behind closed doors. I meant what I said. Jo didn’t do anything wrong.
I see the hostess who tried to stop me from barging into the private party room as I walk out of the restaurant. She flushes a bit as I walk up.
“Sorry about that, sir. I didn’t realize you were a friend of the family.”
“Not your fault. I should’ve been clearer.” Remembering what Manny said, I hand her a hundred-dollar bill. “For my food and drink.”
“Oh my goodness.” She lets out a surprised laugh. “This is way too much. We don’t have anything that’ll set you back a hundred dollars. Besides, Manny and Bea never charge their guests.”
I don’t have the heart to shatter her illusions about her boss couple. “Then let the waitstaff split it. I don’t mind,” I say, as my gaze skims over the hardworking crew carrying trays heavily laden with food.
“Thank you! That’s very generous.” She beams.
“My pleasure.”
Then she leans a little closer and lowers her voice. “Do you want to go out the back way?”
“Uh…not especially. Why?”
“Jo’s brothers and cousins went out.” She jerks her head in the direction of the parking lot. “They seemed…determined. I’m sure they’re going to want to have a talk. They always do with all of Jo’s boyfriends.”
Ah, that. Not surprising. They’re overly protective and in denial about Jo’s sexual activity. They would have believed she was just gaining weight when her bump started showing.
“Thank you for the warning, but I’ll be fine,” I say.
“Okay. But watch out for Angel. He does kickboxing. He’s usually not violent, but he isn’t shy about getting physical.” With that, she waves goodbye.
Her concern is sweet, but unnecessary. I know how to take care of myself. Tony isn’t the only one who frequented the boxing gym in Tempérane. And I’m not bothered by violence. I just don’t consider it necessary in most cases.
On the other