Holding my smile, I shake my head, noticing his parents are here. They open the front door to welcome us. Excitedly, I take Micah’s hand walking to greet them. The quiver in my stomach is not helping my nerves.
“Hello sweet girl, come on in and see your new home.” His mother Skylar greets me like we’ve been friends forever. No awkwardness at all, she takes me in for a hug and walks us through the door. She’s just as beautiful as Micah. Both of Micah’s parents are tall, light hair and blue eyed. No wonder they have good looking children. Micah and his dad share a few hugs and laugh following us inside.
Letting go of his son, David gives me a hesitant nod. “Hello Elsa, I’m so happy for the both of you.”
Really! Nervously, I rake my hands through my unruly hair. “Thank you so much.” It’s barely a whisper, but I’m too busy swallowing more than usual. Damn nerves.
Wanting to avoid a conversation I know is coming, I look around the house, keeping my attention occupied on anything but them. My first impression is Wow! The inside is decorated with modern fixtures. Wood floors, gray, granite counter tops, and top of the line stainless steel appliances. A dream kitchen to cook in, yeah, I could see me baking up a storm in here for sure. Micah and his parents are busy chatting, so I continue exploring. A large brick fireplace is the central focus point in the living room. Even better, the fireplace has large bookcases on each side of it. Enough room to put my favorite books, note to self, need to buy many more books.
Walking behind me we venture up the staircase to the second floor. Each of them are pointing out different features they think I would like, it’s odd I’m the last actually to view the house. In all honesty, I love everything about it.
Micah stands out in front of the doors to the master bedroom, it has two doors that are currently closed. The gleam in his eyes tells me I’m in for a treat. Opening them one at a time, he says, “this is the best room in the house, babe.”
I raise my eyebrow at him, only to have him return it with a sexy grin.
Opening both of the doors, what I notice first is the view from the big, wrap around windows. The house backs up against a wooded area. The back yard is fenced and large, a great place for a dog and someday children. Okay, not letting my mind even think of kids. The attached bath is so big it’s ridiculous.
“Holy crap, this is insane, Micah.” Everywhere I look, it keeps getting better. This room is so large, it’s amazing. Heck, I could even put a couch in here. That’s how big it is.
“Great, isn’t it?” The sparkle in his eye says it all.
“This house is perfect for you two, a lot of room to grow into,” Skylar says while she rubs Micah’s back. Both of his parents are commenting how much they love the house.
The house has three bedrooms in all, entirely decorated in neutral tones. I love it, not a thing I would change.
“We only need furniture to fill this house,” I say not to anyone in particular.
“Oh honey, we will help with that,” Skylar says mentioning all the furniture she is going to donate to us. My head is swimming with how fast this is all going.
We spend the next hour walking around, talking all about the things Micah would change. I’m beaming with excitement, and nodding with my agreement. Of course I don’t care what he does with it, leave me alone in the kitchen, and I’ll be golden. Still can’t believe we will be living here…as a couple. It’s all so unbelievable, if this is a dream…do not wake me up.
His parents walk us out to Micah’s car saying our good-byes. I thank them profusely for all they have done, but they keep telling me it’s no big deal. Micah is happy, and that is the only thing they care about. It’s then I find out we are having dinner at their house. Grimacing, I know what I’m in for…questions. Oh boy, time to relive it again as the day has come for the talk of their long-lost grandchild. I’ve avoided seeing them since I got back together with Micah. I know I can’t avoid them any longer so we just need to get it over with. The sooner we do, the sooner we can all learn to cope.
WE ALL GATHER in the living room after dinner. At least I got to eat before the acquisition begins. Time to take some deep breaths and just answer them as honestly as I can, not sure what else they could want from me. I brought my picture of him to show his grandparents. They have a right to see it.
All eyes settle on me, and my mind is playing out worst-case scenarios. My irrational mind worries they will end up hating me. It's all I can think about and replaying the events that cause my heart to palpitate. Letting my eyes settle on each of theirs, I’m silently seeking reassurance that they will understand I only did what I was forced to do.
I start the conversation, fingering my necklace and shifting, unable to get comfortable. “I found out I was pregnant shortly after Micah left…not why or where he went. Not knowing how he felt, it never crossed my mind to come to you all.” I say looking at his parents finally letting my eyes settle on Matt.
Mostly the question and answer part of the night went off with no yelling or shouting. They listened, cried and put themselves in my shoes. It shocked me, if I’m honest because Micah had a totally different reaction when he found out. Tears were shed, and regrets were shared, but we made it through. The picture of him is what caused his mom and dad to break down, and it tears my heart apart once again. Matt’s face is just as shocked, only this time he is more agitated after seeing his nephew’s picture.
“I want to find him, I have a right to find him,” Matt exclaims.
The room goes silent. All eyes shift my way.
“I don’t know the first thing about trying to find him, Matt. My parents, as you know, set it up, the only thing I know is Catholic Charities was the agency. Beyond that, nothing.” My eyes widen and my shoulders sag.
Dave then spoke up. “What city did you give birth in, Elsa? You mentioned you gave birth while staying with your aunt, right?”
Nodding. “Yeah, I was in Waterloo.”
“Then that is where we start. I know people who can help.” Matt says while pulling out his phone. “I’ll just text him to call me when he can, he does this sort of stuff.”
“You mean Tyler?” Micah asks.
“Yep,” Matt says while still texting, Micah just nodded his head.
“Should we ask my parents for any documents, they have to have something?” I cringe even saying it. My parents are the last people I want anything from.
Skylar says unashamed, “I don’t want a thing from those people, they have done enough to hurt my family. I’m sorry Elsa, but your parents piss me off. They should have told us…FIRST.”
Can’t argue with her there. I keep my mouth shut and just nod my head to agree.
Micah’s rubbing my shoulders. “Ready, baby? Let’s get you home.”
Hell to the yes, I need to get out of here. Enough reminiscing about my past for one night. Great if Matt’s friend can help, but I’m not fully convinced he can. Micah’s been quiet on the subject of finding Michael, and I’m afraid to ask him what he thinks. I’m not even sure of my feelings. I’ve never even considered trying to find him.
Lying in bed at Micah’s, neither one of us want to be alone. We need each other. We both work early tomorrow, but tonight is about holding onto one another. Micah cradles me under his chin, nuzzled up against his warm chest, his breathing calms my own. “Pretty girl, get some rest. You are beyond tired, and I know our evening was not easy for you. Hell, it wasn’t easy on any of us. How do you really feel about Matt trying to find him?”