Page 31 of A Minute Past Midnight

“I'm okay with that, but can we wait for a while before you meet them? I don't mind meeting your parents. Your grandmother is the sweetest. Just make sure she's there when you do introduce me. It'll make me feel more comfortable since I already know her.”

“Whatever you want to do.”

“Thank you. For everything.”

“No thanks needed, baby. I got you.”

I smiled as he put the car in reverse, then drove out of the parking lot.

Maybe this was finally the blessing I needed to show my parents that I did it without them. I was sure by the time I got settled, telling them about the baby wouldn't be as bad as I thought it would be.

By the time Juliana’s brand-new 2026 Audi pulled off behind me and followed me through the wrought-iron gates of my property, I’d checked my rearview mirror more times than I wanted to admit. Not because I didn’t trust her driving. I just liked seeing her there.

The second we pulled into my wraparound driveway, Juliana parked beside me and climbed out of the car.

She looked back at it.

Then back at me.

Then back at the Audi again.

I leaned against the side of my truck, crossed my arms, and smirked. “You gon’ stand there staring at it all night?”

Her eyes narrowed. “I paid good money for this car.”

“Correction.” I pushed away from the truck. “You spent my money.”

She smiled and shrugged. “Same difference. You sure this isn't too much? I swear I don't want you to feel as if any of this is necessary.”

“It's absolutely necessary, baby. I want you to be comfortable. Whatever you want or need, I'm here for you.”

“You must really like me.”

I laughed under my breath as she walked toward me. “You love it?”

“I do.” Her smile softened as she looked over her shoulder again. “I really do.”

“Good.” I reached for her hand and intertwined my fingers with hers. “Come on. Let me show you where your baby daddy lives.”

Juliana looked up at me with a smirk.

“Oh, you think you’re funny?”

“Very.”

My house sat proudly at the end of the driveway, a colonial-style home with a classic brick exterior, tall white columns, and windows that caught the golden glow of the setting sun. The wraparound porch stretched across the front and curved around one side of the house, complete with comfortable seating and hanging lanterns.

Juliana slowed as we approached.

“Oh, wow.”

That one reaction made me smile. I opened the front door and stepped aside.

“After you.”

She walked inside, and I watched her take everything in.

The entryway opened into a spacious floor plan with high ceilings and warm hardwood floors. A sweeping staircase stood to one side, while the main living area opened beautifully into the dining space and kitchen.