That evening, the Flanagans weren't the only family having an early dinner that was about to go sideways, except the Whelans had at least made it to dessert unscathed.
Dahlia has had many opportunities to bring up the subject. Still, she couldn't muster the courage, not yet.
As soon as her dad headed to the kitchen to bring dessert -it was ice cream day-, she quickly got up and dragged her mom to her room upstairs.
"I can't. You do it," she said to her mother.
Matilda agreed immediately.
"What? No! I have to do it myself. Do I? I can just wait a bit longer. We're getting married soon anyway."
Her mom's cooperative nods weren't what she was looking for.
"Way to be helpful, Matilda."
"Lia, I can't make decisions for you anymore."
"why not?"
"We're beyond that, don't you think? I'll just support whatever you choose to do."
"Being pregnant is so troublesome already."
"You're pregnant?" Lia jumped in surprise at the sound of Caleb's voice.
Her little brother was sent to retrieve them since their share of ice cream was melting. Caleb was many things, quiet was certainly not one of them. However, he was a fast runner. He raced at the speed of light, screaming 'Lia's pregnant' at the top of his lungs the whole way to the dinner table.
"well, now you don't need to worry about telling anyone."
"Great. Just great," she fumed, but somehow she was relieved. She had dreaded that moment for a while and had no idea how to tell her father and siblings. Her brother yelling the news across the house was not how she wanted it to happen; though at least she didn't have to think about it anymore, and for that she was glad.
When they were back downstairs, Lia was greeted with cheers and congratulations from her siblings, except for her father, who held a serious expression on his face.
"Does Laurent know?" He asked.
She nodded in approval.
"Let's pay the Flanagans a visit."
While Matilda was trying to convince her husband to calm down and postpone his sudden visit, Daniel hurriedly sneaked out of the house with Hermes and sent him to give their neighbors a heads-up. When Henry makes a decision, it could prove to be quite challenging to dissuade him from going through with it.
By the time Henry and his family arrived at his sister's house, everyone was gathered in the living room. Laurent jolted from his seat at the sound of the doorbell and shook at each step Henry took in their direction, bolting inside uninvited.
Despite Henry Whelan being a fairly laid back and friendly person, he could be very intimidating when certain circumstances arise, especially when it came to his family.
With the same quick and energetic pace as her father, maybe even more so, Lia jumped ahead to stand beside her fiancé. Laurent leaned in discretely and murmured in her ear as their hands reached out to hold each other, "they know". The kids bounced on the pillows scattered on the carpet and helped themselves to the food laid out before them, their eyes peeled, watching, waiting for the events to unfold.
"Henry, what a pleasant surprise," said Dil to stir up a conversation, in vain.
His expression was perplexed, yet untelling. Was he angry? Was he disappointed? Was he happy? No one could tell.
"Why don't we all sit down for a moment, have a calm and civilized discussion," said El, "Kids, bring those pillows please."
The silence was heavy. No one dared to speak up given all attempts ended up a failure. Everyone awaited. Henry finally opened his mouth. No. He hesitated. Once, twice... The third time is a charm.
"Laurent!" He addressed his future son-in-law.
The latter mutters a confused 'Yes?'
You'd think the anticipation would prepare him but he was as rattled as when the doorbell rang.
"I'm guessing you know of the situation." He says, his eyes traveling to Lia.
"I do!"
"What do you have to say for your defense?"
"He definitely pleads guilty," says Vernon, with a smirk on his face.
He was not the only one amused. He certainly was the only one arrogant enough to show it though, besides the kids who were trying to muffle their giggles at the 'grown-ups' command.
"Dad, what are you s-"
Laurent stopped Lia before she could go on reprimanding her father, gave her an assuring 'I can handle this' nod, and, with all the courage he was able to gather, he answered the question with heartwarming honesty and sincerity.
"The circumstances are not ideal but we had decided on a small wedding from the start, I doubt that having it a tad earlier would be an issue. We've agreed that Lia should move in with me as soon as possible so that I can take care of her and be there during the pregnancy as much as I can, any way I can. It wasn't in our planes to have a baby so soon, yet, it happened and we want it no less than we would have in the future. Children are a big responsibility. We have a few months to prepare and we'll be ready, as ready as anyone can be when their baby is born. We'll be counting on your support and solicited advise through it all. We've talked about this and we both think that you guys are the best example we could ever have; we really hope to be as good spouses and parents, as devoted and loving to each other and to our future child as you have been. Lia is the one for me, I've never doubted it. I believe that we are meant to be and I hope that working hard together and doing our best will be enough."
Given that Laurent was a man of few words, usually devoid of subtlety, everyone was moved by his kind words and special effort, most of all Lia who leaned in and gave her devoted fiancé a light kiss on the lips.
Henry took a final look at the couple before standing up - everyone was at their feet simultaneously - and facing them.
"I guess that leaves me no other choice," he said, rolling up his sleeves and getting closer, "than to congratulate you!"
He squeezed the couple in a tight bear hug and chanted happily, "I'm going to be a grandpa!"
"Dad? you're not mad?" Lia asked.
"Mad? Of course not. I am delighted. A grandchild is a blessing. I have a feeling she will grow up to be my favorite. Sorry kids."
"She?" Exclaimed Laurent.
"Hopefully," Henry replied with a large smile.
Dillon tapped Henry on the shoulder,"Damn it brother, you had us worried about the long silences and stern glares."
"Hahaha. The look on your faces, Priceless!"
"Well played, uncle." Vernon always approved of such trickeries.
"Now that this is out of the way, let us celebrate," Says El,"and Matilda, brother, we have much more to discuss with you."
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