Unexpectedly Expecting || BWWM

12 weeks

"Good. Let me know if you need any help." He said before moving my towards the display in the front window.

I nodded, my mind racing. I couldn't tell him what I'd just discovered. Not yet. I needed time to think, to figure out what this meant for me and my baby.

But I couldn't help my curiosity.

"Jeffrey," I said, keeping my tone casual.

"Yes?" He turned back to me, his expression open.

"Can I ask you something? It's...kind of random."

"Of course," he said with an encouraging smile.

"Do you...only have one kid?" I asked, feigning casual interest.

His face softened. "Yes, only my boy."

"Oh," I said, pausing for a second. "What's your son like?"

Jeffrey hesitated, his smile turning wistful. "Dean...he's a good man, though he's had his fair share of challenges. He's passionate about his work, but he's still figuring out his path in life."

My chest tightened. Dean. Hearing his name spoken so fondly by Jeffrey only made my emotions more complicated.

"What does he do for work?" I ask hoping Jeffrey tells me about his company.

"He works for my other business. I'm actually hoping to give him the company once he's married and established."

"What other business?"

"Oh I own Keller enterprises. Hence, the name." Jeffrey chuckles and I actual feel relief that he's being completely honest with me.

"I'm not sure how I didn't know that." I laugh.

"Well that's one of the reasons I hired you. You didn't seem to know who I was at all and just wanted to work."

I smile warmly at his words knowing he knew I was a good person to hire. He saw I wanted to just be a hardworking employee not a fan with an "in".

"I'm guessing one of these magazines revealed it all?" He glanced towards the stack and I quickly shake my head.

"No! I just was curious about who I'm working for. I feel like all I know about you is how nice you are."

I can see Jeffrey isn't exactly buying it but leaves it alone. He just smiles and nods his head going back to the front window display to take some things down and put some things up.

—-

By the time I pulled up to my mother's house, the sun was dipping low in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the neighborhood. My nerves, however, didn't share the serenity of the evening.

It had been weeks since I'd seen my mother or my sister, Zyla. The last time we were together, I was barely eight weeks pregnant and still managing to hide it under baggy sweaters. Now, at three months and already looking much further along, there was no hiding anything.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of my car, my oversized coat doing little to conceal the noticeable bump.

The scent of home—rosemary, garlic, and the faintest hint of my mother's favorite lavender cleaner—hit me the second I opened the door.

"In the kitchen!" my mom's voice called before I could even announce myself.

Of course, she knew it was me. She always did.

I stepped inside, pulling off my coat as I walked toward the kitchen. The sound of laughter met my ears, and when I rounded the corner, I found my mother stirring a pot on the stove while Zyla leaned against the counter, scrolling through her phone.

"Finally decided to show your face, huh?" Zyla said with a raised brow, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips.

My mother turned, her warm smile faltering slightly as her eyes dropped to my stomach. The wooden spoon in her hand froze mid-stir.

"Hi," I said, my voice tentative as I stepped further into the kitchen.

"Hi?" Zyla repeated, clearly not catching on yet. "That's all you've got after weeks of silence?"

I placed a hand on my belly instinctively, and my mother's eyes softened as she set the spoon down. "Ivory..."

Zyla's gaze flicked between us, confusion knitting her brows. "What's going on?"

"I'm pregnant," I said, the words tumbling out faster than I intended. "I wanted to tell you both earlier, but... I didn't know how."

For a moment, the only sound in the kitchen was the bubbling of the pot on the stove.

Then Zyla let out an exaggerated gasp. "Wait—you're pregnant? And you didn't tell me? Me! Your sister! I'm supposed to be the first to know these things! I knew you were pregnant!"

"I know," I said quickly, holding up a hand. "I'm sorry, Zyla. I just... I needed time to process everything myself first."

My mother, meanwhile, stepped closer, her gaze fixed on my stomach. "How far along?" she asked softly.

"Three months." I say even softer

She took a deep breath, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then, to my surprise, she reached out and placed a gentle hand on my bump.

"You should have told me," she said, her voice kind but firm. "You know I would've been here for you."

"I know," I said, my voice breaking slightly. "I just... I was scared. I didn't know how you'd react."

Zyla crossed her arms, still feigning offense. "Scared of Mom, maybe. But me? I'm the fun one! You know I'd be thrilled."

I laughed softly, some of the tension easing. "I know. I'm sorry, okay?"

Zyla sighed dramatically, but her lips quirked into a grin. "Fine. I forgive you. But only because I'm going to be the coolest aunt ever."

My mom shook her head, a small smile breaking through her serious expression.

I smiled, grateful for her humor. But my mother's gaze brought me back to the moment.

"Ivory," she said gently. "Are you okay? Do you have someone... supporting you in this?"

I hesitated, the image of Dean's face flashing in my mind. I couldn't exactly explain that situation right now.

"I'm okay, Mom," I said finally. "I've got this."

She studied me for a long moment, then nodded. "Well, you know I'd prefer you to be married before starting a family." Her tone wasn't judgmental, just matter-of-fact.

"I know," I admitted.

"But what's done is done," she added, her voice softening. "You're my daughter, and I love you. This baby is a blessing, and I'll be here for you every step of the way."

Tears welled in my eyes as she pulled me into a warm hug. "Thank you, Mom."

Zyla joined the hug, squeezing in dramatically. "Don't forget about me! I'm here for the snacks, the baby cuddles, and the occasional babysitting when you want to sleep."

I laughed through my tears. "Thanks, Zyla."

As the three of us stood there, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I wasn't sure how I was going to navigate everything—Dean, the baby, my job—but at least I had my family. And for now, that was enough.