Family Reunion by Nancy Thayer (ereader android .TXT) 📗

she had resources, she had a family who would help her. Well, Eleanor would; Ari wasn’t sure about her parents. And families were made in all sorts of ways.

But what would this mean for her personal life? Right now, it was Beck who made her feel as she’d never felt before, but everything with him was new. A summer infatuation? In reality, Ari thought Beck had feelings for her. If they had all the time in the world, she was sure their mutual attraction would blossom into love. But if she was pregnant by another man, a man who would not claim the baby, what would they think? What would they do? She had less than two months on the island, and that wasn’t enough time to create a serious relationship. Was it?

And what would she do about her own plans for her life? She was supposed to start working toward a master’s in early childhood education at Boston University in September. According to her math, she’d be having a baby in February. Her plans had been to get an apartment near B.U., maybe share with a friend, take courses and do research. She could do that while pregnant. She could do that even if she had a baby. Couldn’t she?

By the time she got to the car ferry, she was exhausted. Too tired to head up to the snack bar, she swallowed the last few ounces in her water bottle, put her seat back, and slept until the ferry docked at Nantucket.

The sky was still bright as Ari slowly drove her car down the ferry’s ramp and onto solid land. As she passed through town, she saw people talking, laughing, buying ice cream, and she remembered that the world could be a beautiful place. Life could be good. At Main Street, she stopped her car at the crosswalk. A woman strolled across the street, wearing a baby carrier holding a plump little girl—Ari assumed a girl because the baby’s fine hair stood up in a whale’s tail, tied with a pink ribbon—across her chest. The woman looked dreamily pleased with herself and the baby was wide-eyed and happy, kicking her legs, waving her arms.

So that could be me, Ari thought. It was a happy thought.

The road to ’Sconset was two-lane, the speed limit thirty-five miles an hour, the fastest speed allowable on the island. Forests lined both sides of the road, with a bike path winding along on the south side. Bikers cycled along, women and men pushed baby carriages, and a woman rode a tandem bike with her young son at the back. The woman’s dark hair streamed out behind her as they flew along, and her little boy pedaled furiously, a huge grin on his face.

I could do that, Ari thought.

—

When she arrived at her grandmother’s house, she was delighted to find a chicken stew waiting for her in the Crock-Pot. She ladled a bowl for herself and went out to sit on the deck with Eleanor.

Eleanor was gazing at the ocean. She turned toward Ari with a smile. “How did it go?”

“He wants nothing to do with the baby. He said he’d pay half for the abortion.”

“That is one possibility.”

“I know, but, Gram, I’ve made up my mind. I want to keep this baby. I want to have this child. I know it’s awkward and difficult, but I’ve decided, and I’m glad.”

“If that’s your decision, you know I will help you,” Eleanor said.

“Thank you.” Ari sank into her chair and gratefully spooned the rich, delicious stew into her mouth. “I’ve got to go one day at a time, and right now I’m ravenous. I forgot to eat lunch. I didn’t know I was so hungry until I came in the house.”

“Tell me more about Peter,” Eleanor said.

“Basically, he wants nothing to do with the baby. Ever.”

“He’s still angry with you for breaking off with him.”

“I’m not sure. He says he’s already found someone he’s serious about. Her name is Lacey.”

“Well,” Eleanor said, searching Ari’s face, “you don’t love Peter. So that’s okay, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Having finished every last bit of the stew, Ari leaned back in her chair. “It’s great, actually. I had nightmares that he might want to be together again. I’m glad Peter’s found someone else. Now I don’t have to feel guilty for breaking off with him. I’m just tired. The roads were jammed. I listened to music, and that helped, but I’m glad to be home.”

“I need to tell you, Ari, that your father phoned me, looking for Alicia.”

Ari put her head in her hands. She loved her father, and she hated him for having an affair. “What did you say to him?”

“I told him his wife had gone on a trip. I told him you and I and Alicia knew about his affair. He wanted to come here and talk, but I hung up on him.” Eleanor’s voice was shaking. “I might not have been the perfect mother to Alicia, but I am her mother, and I’m angry and hurt for her.”

“Yes,” Ari said quietly. “Me, too.”

“But this isn’t a problem I can solve,” Eleanor said.

“I know,” Ari agreed. “I can’t solve it, either.”

They sat together quietly for a while.

“So!” Eleanor clapped her hands on the table and rose. “I’ve got Masterpiece Mystery! to watch.”

“I’ll tidy the kitchen and take a shower and be down in time to watch it with you,” Ari told Eleanor. Rising, she picked up her bowl and started toward the glass door. Pausing, she turned to her grandmother and said, “Gram, thank you.”

Eleanor looked surprised. “For what?”

“Everything,” Ari told her, and smiled and went into the kitchen.

Eighteen

Monday morning, Ari set off for Beach Camp. The sun was bright, the sand hot, and the water cool. The children were adorable. The sun was shining and the day flew past.

As she drove home, her cell buzzed. Without looking at the number, she answered.

“Hey, Ari.” It was Beck. His voice made