Cora

Will is very laid back and seems to just go with the flow, but he isn't fooling me.  The boy is devastated and scared, but he won't show it to anyone.  When I look at him, I see my best friend in his eyes, which makes all of this very hard. 

I almost broke down a few times today, but when my dad came home, I lost it.  My mom stayed busy with Will, and I ran upstairs to my old room only to have my dad follow.  He sat on the bed as I cried and, finally, he looked down at me and spoke.

"What happened with Gray was tragic, but he was ill.  There is nothing you could have done, you weren't aware, and his family should have reached out to you." He said, then reached for my hand.  "I spoke with his father and they regret not telling you.  They tried to get him help, but he just spiraled out of control." He said.

"I feel betrayed and guilty at the same time.  Lisa knew he was troubled, but still urged me to get back with him, but also wanted me to leave Seattle.  I feel like she tried to warn me, but was too scared to defy him.  The last few years she was hiding was unnecessary, but did it to avoid the shame back home.  Now I am in her shoes, but I don't feel ashamed of my baby." I cried.

He pulled me into a hug and held me.  "It seems you've met a great guy.  Tell me about him.." He said.

I pulled back and wiped a tear away, the thought of Blaine making me smile.  "His name is Blaine Lowell, and he is Lisa's older brother.  He is patient, wise, educated, funny, but also conservative.  There's a side of him that I don't think others get to see.  He's loving and kind, but takes responsibility seriously." I said.

"He knows you're pregnant?" He asked, and I nodded.

"Yes, he is willing to be my child's father," I said.

"The dad that never had to be, huh?" He smiled at me, and I smiled back. 

"Yes, and he is adopting Will too," I said.

"I'd like to have a conversation with this man." He said.

"He'll be here for dinner," I said.

"Is he going to ask to marry you?" He asked, and I nodded.

"He wanted to talk to you and Eli first," I said.

"He sounds like a real stand up kind of guy." He gave me a small smile. 

"Yes, I already resigned from my job and plan to move to New York," I said.

He nodded as he thought about it.  "My grandchild will be born into a marriage and none will be the wiser." He said.

Yeah, my dad will appreciate Blaine's conservative values.

I told him the whole story, including what happened with Savannah and Corey.  He isn't happy that my so-called best friend brought me into such a horrible situation, but he's glad it's over.  All the people that hurt us the most are now dead, leaving Will vulnerable for such a young age and leaving scars on everyone.

My dad gave me one last hug before he went downstairs to find my brother, and I went to the bathroom to freshen up before Will sees me.

By the time Mom and I started cooking dinner, Dad and Eli had Will out back tossing a football.  I could see them out the kitchen window, and I was relieved to see Will smile.  It wasn't long before Blaine returned, and I swear every time I see him, my heart is trying to escape my chest. 

"Where's Will?" He asked as I hugged on to him. 

"Out back with my dad and Eli.  Come watch with me." I led him to the back window and he watched with a smile on his face. 

"Your brother looks like your dad." He said.

"Yeah, and they both love football," I said.

I looked up at him as he smiled out the window.  "You do too," I said.

He nodded.  "Yeah, those were some of my best years." He said.

"How did things go with your family?" I asked, and he looked down at me before he pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my head.

"My grandmother is devastated, my uncles are disgusted with Savannah, but at the same time, they are grieving for their little sister.  Mom told Grandma she forgives her, and, thankfully, no further news about Cassidy was brought to light.  They are planning a funeral for Savannah, and Corey's family hasn't said yet what they will do with his remains." He said as he held me.

"I'll go with you," I said.

"I'm not sure you should, you've already been through too much." He said.

I shook my head, as I am still in his arms.  "If I'm going to be your wife, I'm going to be at your side no matter what, Blaine."

He kissed the top of my head again and squeezed me tighter. 

"Does your father know about me?" He asked.

"Yes, and he is looking forward to meeting you," I said.

The back sliding door opened, and Blaine let go of me in time to shake my father's hand.  Dad invited him to the den for a scotch, and before I knew it, they were both out of sight.  My mom returned to the kitchen with a smile on her face. 

"Your father will like him." She said.

I have no doubt about that, they are both perfectly conservative and share many of the same values.  By the time dinner was ready, all three men returned with smiles on their faces.