Chapter 4 Elan Tells His Family

The weeks after the paternity test findings were a blur of medical check-ups, court appearances, and circumspect talks with Elan. Together, we were gradually gaining our footing as we navigated this unanticipated journey... That feeling, though, that something was missing-a sense of family and belonging-persisted.

As I was contemplating these matters one afternoon, I received a buzz on my phone from Elan saying, "My mother and grandmother want to meet you." Tonight is dinner at their house. I'll come get you at 7.

My chest seized up with my heart. Getting to know his family? I hadn't anticipated taking such a big move so soon. I gave a brief, "Okay, see you then," in response, and then I fell onto my couch, feeling a little anxious and excited at the same time.

The next evening, I stood in front of my mirror and made the umpteenth adjustment to my dress. I had selected a modestly styled, sophisticated navy blue dress that covered my tiny bump without drawing attention to it. I wasn't sure how much Elan had told his family, and I was only beginning to show at four months along.

Just then, someone knocked on my door. When I opened it, Elan was perfectly attired in a fitted suit. His eyes became a little bigger as he took me in. "You look beautiful," he continued, speaking in a softer tone than usual.

I said, "Thank you," as a blush started to appear on my cheeks. "You look nice too."

The automobile ride was silent, with a palpable sense of tension. Elan finally spoke as we pulled up to a stately estate outside of town. "I should warn you, my mother and grandmother can be... intense," he remarked, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. They may be overpowering, but they have good intentions."

I tried to calm the butterflies in my tummy by nodding. It's alright. Thank you for introducing them to me.

Elan's mouth narrowed into a line. He muttered, "They didn't give me much choice," but he left the car and opened my door before I could find out what he meant.

Elan's hand was just barely touching the small of my back as we approached the house. Before we could even knock, the door flung open, showing a statuesque woman with piercing eyes and dark hair similar to Elan's.

She yanked Elan into an embrace and said, "There you are!" before turning to face me. "You have to be Jade, too. Please come in."

Entering a sumptuous lobby, I was taken aback by the intense greeting.

An elderly lady emerged, her silver hair tastefully styled. She said, "Elan, darling," in a kind but firm voice. "Aren't you going to introduce us properly?"

Elan cleared his throat. "definitely. Jade, this is Eleanor, my grandma, and this is Vivian, my mother. This is Jade, Mom, Grandma."

Eleanor's sharp eyes seemed to take in every detail, and Vivian smiled at me. I tried to keep my voice calm as I added, "It's wonderful to meet you both."

"The pleasure is entirely ours, love," Eleanor remarked, interlacing her arm with mine. "Come, let's sit down and get to know each other."

After we moved into an elegant sitting room, Elan sat opposite from us, looking uncomfortable, and I found myself wedged between Vivian and Eleanor on a vintage sofa.

"So, tell us about yourself, Jade," Vivian said, her eyes glimmering with anticipation. How did Elan and you get together?"

I looked over at Elan, not sure how much to show. He nodded slightly, so I inhaled deeply and told them a trimmed-down version of our night at the club, omitting the more... personal elements.

"How romantic," breathed Vivian. "It's like something out of a movie."

Eleanor laughed. "More like something out of Elan's usual playbook," she remarked, glaring at her grandson. "But this time, it seems fate had other plans."

A strange quietness enveloped the space. I fidgeted at the train of my dress, unsure of what to say.

Elan cleared his throat. "Mother, Grandma, there's something I need to tell you." His gaze momentarily locked with mine as he hesitated, then proceeded. "Jade is pregnant. The baby is mine."

There was an unbearable silence for a while. I watched with my breath held, taking in the news. Then, to my complete amazement, both women grinned broadly.

"Oh, darling!" Vivian let out a cry and grabbed me tightly. "This is wonderful news!"

Eleanor extended her hand to give me a pat. "A baby," she said, her eyes shining. "How wonderful. It's past time this family experienced some fresh beginnings."

I sat there, taken aback by their response. I had not anticipated this at all. Elan seems equally taken aback.

"You're... happy about this?" he asked, His brow furrowed in perplexity,

"Of course we are!" stated Vivian. "Elan, you're not growing any younger, my dear. It's time for you to get married and have a family."

Eleanor gave a nod of consent. She said, "Your father would be so pleased." "He always wanted to see the McWell line continue."

Elan's mouth tensed. His tone strained, "This isn't exactly a planned situation," he murmured.

With a suave reply, Eleanor said, "The best things in life rarely are." Her eyes sparkled as she turned to face me. "You really have to come and stay with us, Jade, my dear. We have lots of space, and you'll need assistance getting ready for the new baby."

Taken aback by the offer, I stumbled, "Oh, I... that's very kind of you,"

"That's settled then," said Vivian. "The east wing will be ready for you. There, you'll feel completely at ease."

"Now wait just a minute," Elan abruptly sprang to his feet." You can't just decide this without consulting us."

Eleanor furrowed her brow. "Moreover, why not? Who better to give Jade the support she needs than family?"

"We're not..." Elan started, looked at me, and stopped. "It's not easy. Jade and I are still getting to know one another."

His comments caused a knot to form in my chest. Were we really only "figuring things out" at this point?

Vivian dismissively waved her hand. "More justification for Jade to remain here. Without the distractions of the city, the two of you can get to know each other better."

"Mother, Jade has her own life and her own job," Elan replied, his voice tense with annoyance. She cannot simply leave everything behind and go here."

As I sat there, getting more uneasy, they talked about my future as if I wasn't even there. "Um, perhaps we could discuss this later?" I made a hesitant suggestion.

Eleanor gave me another hand pat. "Obviously, my dear. We do not intend to overburden you. We can't stop being happy about the baby."

The remainder of the evening flew by in a whirlwind of well-mannered dialogue and insightful inquiries. My brain was spinning by the time Elan and I departed.

There was stillness in the car for a few minutes, and then Elan started talking. With a hushed voice, he apologized for that. "They can be... overwhelming."

I looked up at him, examining his features against the fading light. "I answered gently, 'They appear to care a lot. "It's not a negative thing.

Elan let out a sigh. "They don't understand, yet they mean well. This isn't a story from a fairy tale in which everyone lives in the family mansion happily ever after."

More than I cared to admit, his comments hurt. "What is it then, Elan?" I couldn't contain my hurt as I asked. "What are we doing here?"

He had a prolonged period of silence. When asked, "I don't know," he eventually said. "Jade, I'm trying. I am, truly. All of this, though, is so... unexpected. I need time to get used to this."

I gave a nod and turned to watch the city lights as they zipped by outside the window. I mutely answered, "I understand," despite the part of me that wanted to yell that we were short on time. Our child was on the way, prepared or not.

Elan turned to face me as we pulled up to my apartment building. I admit that my family can be difficult to manage. However, they are concerned. Furthermore, I also care. Regarding you and the infant. All I ask is for your patience."

I looked him in the eyes and noticed the mixed feelings he was carrying. I answered, "I can wait patiently." "But Elan, whether we're ready or not, this baby is arriving. We must assess our current situation."

I put a palm on my developing bump and watched his car pull off. I said, "Well, little one, it appears we have a pretty interesting family waiting for us." Hopefully, your father will arrive before you do."

As I ascended the stairs to my flat, the events of the evening were racing through my head. Elan's family had greeted me with unexpected warmth, but their excitement had just brought out the ambiguity in my relationship with Elan. I couldn't help but think as I was getting ready for bed: could we actually start a family together? Or were we just two strangers brought together by an unforeseen turn of events?

I sighed and climbed into bed, covering my bump with one hand. Regardless of what was ahead, I knew one thing for certain I was certain of one thing: with or without Elan's full cooperation, I would do all within my power to provide this child with the love and stability they deserved.