Never Tied Down (The Never Duet #2)(61)

“They’re probably going to be really surprised, Halah. And they might think they’re disappointed at first, but they will come around and they’ll support you no matter what. I know I’ve just met your family, but your parents are so loving and caring. There’s no way they’ll turn you away for this.”

Kalli’s eyes came up to meet mine and even she looked worried. I could see what looked like indecision in her eyes. She gave my hand a squeeze and then asked a question I hadn’t even considered.

“Is the father supporting you with everything?”

The father? For f*ck’s sake, a guy had gotten my baby sister pregnant. Instantly I was enraged, which was why Kalli’s free hand found its way to my chest. My head snapped to look at her, only to see her gently shaking her head at me. Then her hand moved from my chest to my cheek, where she gave me a gentle rub. I groaned, with images of my sister, hugely pregnant, and my fist slamming into some dude’s face alternating through my brain.

“I haven’t told him.” Halah’s voice might as well have been a whisper for how quietly she said those words.

“Oh, Halah…” Kalli said, sounding both extremely sorry for Hal, but also not in agreement with her statement. I, on the other hand, was still angry that some dude had gotten my sister pregnant.

“Who is he?” I barked.

“Ri, calm down,” she answered, still upset, but the crying was tapering off. “He didn’t do anything wrong. We broke up before I found out I was pregnant. He was quitting the boat and I didn’t want a long-distance thing. It’s not like he knocked me up and then ditched me.”

“Who. Is. He?”

“His name is Jordy.”

“Jordy?” I scoffed. “What kind of a name is Jordy?”

“Riot,” Kalli whispered angrily, the space between her eyebrows crinkling as they drew together. “Be quiet. You’re not helping.” She shook her head at me and truthfully, I instantly felt a little bad about my comment. “Now, Hal, why haven’t you told him yet?”

“He took our breakup really hard. I mean, so did I. I love him. But I didn’t want a relationship where I never saw him. He was starting an art program at a really good school, and I know if I tell him, he’ll drop out and come here.”

“Damn straight he will,” I yelled, right before Kalli gave me a slap on the arm.

“Seriously, Riot? Your macho big brother routine isn’t helping.” This came from Halah.

“Don’t listen to him.”

“I’m not.”

“Hey,” I cried. “If you didn’t want me to act like your big brother, then why did you call?”

“Ugh, Riot, I needed to tell someone. I’m terrified to tell Ma and Pops, Jordy can’t know because it’ll ruin his life, and sooner or later, everyone’s going to find out because I’m going to start looking pregnant any day now. Excuse me if I was hoping my big brother could offer me some soothing words or helpful advice. For crying out loud, at least your girlfriend isn’t a complete *.”

“Okay, Hal, calm down,” Kalli said with a soothing voice. “I think Riot is just having a hard time processing the fact that his little sister had to have sex with someone in order to get pregnant.”

I couldn’t help it if I growled a little.

“But seriously, Halah, maybe you should call Jordy and tell him what’s going on. It might be easier to tell your parents if you have a plan.”

“But I know he’ll quit school and come to me,”

I was biting my lip really hard, trying not to explain to her that dropping out of school and coming to her was exactly what he should be doing.

“That’s okay. You shouldn’t have to be going through this alone, anyway. And it sounds like you guys really love each other. It’s not fair to leave him out of the picture. He deserves to have a relationship with his baby.”

As the last words left her mouth, I heard them getting softer. And when I turned to look at her, I saw her features soften too. And then she turned and rested her head on my shoulder and I knew she was out. It was my turn to be the reasonable brother who offered only compassionate advice.

“Kalli’s right,” I agreed. “You need to call him and tell him what’s up. Odds are he’ll show up and that’s okay. It’s okay for him to change the course of his life for this, Hals. There are art schools in San Francisco. You are planning on staying in San Fran, right?”

“I can’t really imagine having a baby without Ma around,” she said softly, and that clinched it for me.

“You need to call Jordy, and he needs to be with you when you tell Ma and Pops. He needs to be there for you. And if you want, I’ll drive up when you tell them as well. Kalli and I are here for you. Whatever you need.” As I spoke I felt Kalli’s hand come to my chest, then move up my shoulder, finally coming to rest on the side of my neck, her thumb gently stroking over my throat.

“Thanks, Ri,” she said, and I could tell she was crying again.

“Don’t cry,” I said softly. “Everything will be okay. You’re gonna be a mom.” That only made her cry even harder.

After ten more minutes of trying to get my baby sister to dry up, she finally got ahold of her emotions enough to agree to call Jordy and get his ass to San Francisco. I ended the call, tossed my phone on the couch cushion next to me, then laid my hand on Kalli’s thigh.