I shrugged, not really worrying about it. “You’re a good man, Derek, whatever party you decide to run with. So when are you making the announcement?”
“That was part of why we wanted to talk to you two,” Mom said. “The party would like to make an announcement within a month, to capitalize on the momentum the primary debates have caused on the national scene. They think that if they wait too long, they’ll not get the traction that they want, and there’s a chance that they could lose the seat to a Democrat challenger.”
“You know I’m not overly worried on which party is in charge, Dad,” Kade said. “Hell, if anything, I’m kind of Libertarian.”
“I know, son, but I was hoping, if you two could find the time, you’d come down in two weeks for a press conference. The party thinks that since I’m divorced, it will play better with the whole family values crowd if I have you guys here with me for the announcement. I’m not saying you have to speak.”
I looked at Kade, who nodded. “Sure, Layla. Send us an email of the details. I think we’ll be flying in instead of driving. I think one marathon road trip a month is enough for me. So what else are you two waiting to tell us?”
There was a heavy pause on the other end of the line, and Kade and I looked at each other for a long time before shrugging. Finally, Derek came on the line again. “Well, as you know, Layla and I, we’re kind of youthful for people our age.”
“Dad, if you’re trying in your uncomfortable way to say that you two have sex, I’ve kind of assumed that for a while now, and most likely Alix has had the same assumption,” Kade replied with a laugh. If Derek only knew what his son and stepdaughter were up to. “And?”
“Well . . . “ Layla said, “Long story short: Alix, Kade . . . congratulations. You’re going to have a baby sibling.”
I stared at the phone, shocked. I could feel Kade next to me, and from the reaction of his body, he was as surprised as I was, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the phone. “Guys?”
“Y—yeah, we’re here, Dad,” Kade said, taking his arm from around me to lean forward, his elbows resting on his thighs. “Just that’s a hell of a bomb to drop into a conversation. I mean, I’m happy for you guys, but holy shit. Talk about unexpected.”
“You should have listened to the conversation your father and I had when I found out,” Layla said. “I know it’s going to be difficult, but we’re going to get the best prenatal care.”
I shook my head and chastised myself. Mom wasn’t looking for acceptance, she was looking for support and love from the daughter who hadn’t given her enough of either in a very long time. I leaned forward, next to Kade, and took his hand. “Mom, I’m so happy for you two, and I know that you and Derek are going to make great parents. You both did a great job with the two of us, okay? Together, you’re going to turn out a child that’s going to blow the two of us away. Just, you have to give me a second to wrap my head around all the consequences. So are you hoping for a girl or a boy?”
“Well, that’s where Derek and I are in disagreement,” Mom said. “He wants a girl, since he had a boy. I’m wanting a boy since I already have the perfect daughter.”
Tears prickled the corners of my eyes at Mom’s compliment, and I blinked hard to prevent them from spilling down my cheeks. “I’m not perfect, Mom. I screwed up too much of the past sixteen years for me to be perfect. But I hope I can be a good daughter, and I guess a good older sister.”
“I know she will,” Kade said next to me. “And I know we both are looking forward to coming down and celebrating with you both. Send me the details, guys, and we’ll be there.”
The rest of the phone call wrapped up quickly, and afterwards Kade and I sat back, both of us still shocked. I looked at him, and I swore his face probably wore the same slightly dazed expression I knew I had. “Uhm . . . wow.”
Kade nodded. “That about sums it up.”
“As if that doesn’t make our family situation weirder,” I said, sitting back and laughing. “Step-siblings, with a shared half sibling now. Holy hell.”
Kade grew quiet, sitting forward again with his hands dangling between his knees. “Is it too much for you?”
I grew serious, and knew there was only one answer that I needed to give. Getting off the couch, I slid in front of Kade on my knees, taking his hands and kissing them. “No, Kade, My Kade.”
He studied me for a minute, then reached up and stroked a lock of my hair out of my face. “You scare me, Alix. You know that?”
“Why?” I asked, staying where I was. Kneeling before him filled me with a sense of purpose, of calm and of peace. Where else would I want to be?