Page 75 of Flawless

“I’m relieved,” I said. “And excited. And scared.” I bit my trembling lip. “And it just hit me; I have my first game-changing choice to make. And it’s not even a choice. I have to cancel my first headlining tour because it conflicts with my due date.”

The tour had already been in the works for almost a year. Announcements had been made. My label had been promoting it. Tickets would be going on sale soon. And I’d be letting so many people down.

“Wait, what?” Cam reached for my hands, pulling me up so I was in a sitting position. He looked into my eyes. “What are you talking about?”

I’d been thinking about this since I learned about my pregnancy, obviously, but hearing the doctor tell me my due date meant I couldn’t hide from it anymore. I had to have one of the most difficult conversations of my life with the president of my label, Luc Spencer, and pray it didn’t end my career.

“I was supposed to start my first headlining tour on April 30, right here in Nashville.” I sighed. “I guess that won’t be happening now.”

I felt guilty for being sad. I’d be celebrating something a lot more important than music–the birth of my first child. But it still stung a little, to renege on my tour, if I was being honest with myself.

“Sweetheart, I had no idea.” Cam’s broad shoulders slumped. “Why didn’t you say anything? Your first headlining tour is a huge deal.”

“It’s not stadium shows or anything,” I reasoned. “Just arenas. But it is a pretty big deal to me… and my band.” I tipped my head back. “I feel like I’m letting so many people down. Not that I don’t want this baby,” I said, quickly. “You know I do.”

“Of course, I know that. You have every right to have mixed feelings about this, Ry. Anyone would. It’s okay to be excited about the baby and disappointed and sad that you have to postpone this incredible opportunity you’ve waited years for.” He swore softly. “And I can’t help but blame myself. I’m not a kid. I know the pill isn’t foolproof. I should’ve used a condom and you wouldn’t be in the position of having to choose between⁠—”

I pressed my fingertips against his lips. “It’s not your fault. It’s not my fault. And it is a blessing. I’m already in love with this baby and I know you are too.”

“Of course, I am. But I hate that you have to give up so much to⁠—”

“What about you? You’ve offered to give up everything to be here for us.”

He nodded, before a half-smile softened his features. “I think it’s pretty obvious we’re both willing to do anything for this kid. And I’d say that makes him or her pretty damn lucky, wouldn’t you?”

I laughed, suddenly feeling lighter. We’d figure this out. Together. “Have you told your parents I’m pregnant?”

He rolled his head back. “Don’t even get me started on that.”

I winced. “Uh oh, they weren’t happy?”

“Are you kidding? They’re thrilled.”

I smiled. “Oh, thank goodness.”

I’d only met his parents once, but I had no doubt they would be amazing grandparents because they’d done such a great job with Cam and Eden.

“Have you told your mama?” Cam asked, gently.

I groaned, letting my head fall forward. “Uh, no. But I guess I’ll have to. Soon.”

“We’ll visit her tomorrow and tell her together.”

I considered telling him I could do it alone, but realized I wanted Cam by my side. Not only when I was facing my mama, but through all life’s ups and downs.

Huh. How about that? I wasn’t willing to do life alone anymore. I didn’t see that coming.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Cameron

When Rylee woke up the next morning with a serious bout of morning sickness, I tried to convince her that visiting her mama could wait, but she was hell-bent on getting it over with. And I was determined to be by her side in case she needed my support.

So, after we’d gone through the security clearance, and I used my position to gain access, even though I wasn’t on the approved visitor’s list, we were waiting in hard plastic chairs in a common visitor’s lounge when a guard led her mama in.

She looked a little better than she had the last time I saw her, but still had that perma-scowl etched on the hard lines in her face. I didn’t know how this woman had given birth to Rylee, who was so quick to smile and laugh, making friends wherever she went, and firing up a crowd.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded, scowling at me, as she slumped down in the chair across from me. “If you’re here to ask for my daughter’s hand, don’t waste your breath.”