“Are you on your way, honey?” my mom asked again. I guess they hadn’t seen the tea room post yet. That’s one benefit of having old parents.

“No… um. I’m actually in New York… I got an opportunity to be on The Brittani Shepard Show.”

“New York! The Brittani Shepard Show? For what?” Her voice was laced with excitement and confusion.

“I’m giving out haircut tips and tricks. The show will air in a couple of weeks.” I told them that hoping maybe my television appearance would overshadow the next part.

“That’s so good, Phileigh! I guess cutting hair is getting you somewhere after all. I’m so proud of you, baby.” She smiled at the screen, and my head dropped, knowing that pride was about to be short lived.

“You got this,” Kellon whispered as he squeezed my hand for moral support.

“Um, I… uh… I have something to tell you.” I swallowed down my nerves.

“Yes?”

“I’m p-pre-gnant.” My voice trembled, and the line fell silent. Their smiles flattened.

“Pregnant!” my mom shouted.

“By Kellon Barnes?” That was my dad. Of course, that was all he cared about.

“Well… um no⁠—”

“Yes, sir.” Kellon spoke over me, cutting me off.

My eyes darted to him. I didn’t know he was going to do that. We’d told his mom the truth. I thought that had applied to my parents as well. I guess not. My father slapped the table.

“My grandbaby gonna have an MVP for a daddy! Baby girl, you did well.”

“Really?” my mom snapped, setting her tea down. “Phileigh, are you serious? You’re telling me you’re pregnant with no ring on your finger? And I had to find out over the phone? Is this how we raised you?”

I swallowed hard. “I know, Mama. I didn’t plan for it to happen this way.”

“Well, of course, you didn’t plan it. That’s the whole problem. If you planned it, you’d be somebody’s wife, not a damn baby mama!”

“Mama—” I started, but my dad cut in.

“Bea, come on. She’s grown. Didn’t you just say you wanted grandchildren?”

“I do, after she’s married like a proper woman of God. Not becoming someone’s baby mother. It’s a disgrace.”

“Mrs. Read?” Kellon slid the phone out of my hand. His jaw was tight. “With all due respect,” he said politely. “I’m here. I care about your daughter, and I care about this baby. We ain’t doing this by the textbook, but that doesn’t garner disrespect. I am a stable man and capable of taking care of my responsibilities. I’d appreciate it if you respected that.”

My dad nodded, visibly as impressed as I was, though I was sure Kellon couldn’t do anything wrong in his eyes. My mom stared for a long time with her face twisted up before finally responding.