Maya, how old are you? her father asked softly. I swear, its like youre not at university but still in primary school. Love is all well and good, but you need a roof over your head, food on the table, dont you? Wheres the fire? Do you really need to get married tomorrow? No ones against your Oliverinvite him round, lets meet him properly, speak to his parents Am I wrong?
David, are you nearly home? Grace called her husband at work.
Almost. Just wrapping up.
Well, hurry. We need to talk, she said abruptly.
Has something happened? Davids voice tensed.
Not yet but it will. We need to talk. Grace sounded flustered but not panicked yet.
Fifteen minutes later, the head of the household stepped inside.
Whats going on? he asked cautiously.
Change your clothes, wash your handsthe world wont end if you take five minutes. She kissed him and nudged him toward the bathroom.
Soon, he reappeared in the living room, dressed down.
Come on, Grace led him to their daughters room. Maya sat on her bed, eyes red.
Whats happened? David kept his voice steady.
Ask your daughter, Grace huffed. Go on, Maya, tell him!
Maya folded her arms, turning toward the window.
Right. David smacked the table. Either you both tell me calmly, without the dramatics, or you sort it out yourselves. I just got home.
Were getting married, Grace announced, dripping sarcasm. Today, apparently.
David blinked. Just like that? To whom, if I may ask?
Maya stayed silent, so Grace answered for her.
Oliver Whitmore. The boy whos been round lately.
Ah. So Maya?
Still nothing.
Right. Enough games. Do I need to beg for answers now?
We love each other! Maya burst out. Hes perfect, and were getting married!
At least were getting somewhere, David sighed. Is he in your class?
Same course, same year.
First year, David muttered. Kids
Were not kids! Were eighteenadults!
Fine. Then lets talk like adults.
I dont want to! Itll just be, Youre too young, wait, get stable, test your feelingsblah, blah, blah! You dont understand real love!
Maya, Im not trying to ruin anything, David rubbed his temples. I just want to understand. You love Oliver, he loves yougood. You want to marryboth of you?
Maya nodded defiantly.
Great. And where will you live? How will you afford it?
That doesnt matter! Love is enough!
Maya, how old are you? Davids voice dropped. Because right now, you sound like a child. Love doesnt pay rent or buy food. Why the rush? No ones against Oliverinvite him over, lets talk properly. Am I wrong? he glanced at Grace.
Very right. But theres one problem theyre in a hurry for a reason.
Is Oliver being deployed?
No. Not Oliver. Grace exhaled. Maya, tell him.
Im pregnant, Maya muttered.
David went very still. I see. And your plan?
Get married! Have the baby! And dont you dare talk me out of it!
Calm down. No ones forcing anything. But does Olivers family know?
Hes talking to them tonight.
And?
He hasnt called yet.
Right. When he does, tell me. Now, let me eat before I faint from hunger.
In the kitchen, Grace reheated dinner while David sat, lost in thought.
What do we do? she whispered.
No idea. Lets hear what Olivers parents say first.
Dinner barely ended when bad news arrivedOlivers parents were furious, refusing to support them.
Fifteen minutes later, Maya walked in, phone in hand.
Olivers mum. She wants to talk to one of you.
Grace crossed her arms. You handle it.
David took the phone, putting it on speaker.
Hello, this is David Hartley, Mayas father.
Lorraine Whitmore. Olivers mother. My son just informed us hes involved with your daughterand given her *condition*, theyve made grand plans. Youre aware?
We are.
Good. Then youll understand we refuse to entertain this nonsense. Our son must finish his degree, build a career. Marriageand a childis out of the question.
Funny, we never planned this either. But your son is involved. Whats your solution?
Not our problem. First, I doubt its even Olivers. Second, this shotgun wedding tactic wont work. Your daughters after securitywere a well-off family. But we wont let her trap him. Olivers agreed to end this. Goodbye.
The line went dead. David exhaled, facing his family.
Heard that? Well, well handle it. The babys innocent. Take a gap year, well help. But those people well deal with them later.
He pulled Grace aside. Stay with Maya tonight. Ill sleep in her room.
An hour later, the doorbell rang.
Who the hell? David yanked the door open to find Oliver.
You.
Moments later, Oliver stood in the living room.
You came for me? Maya lunged forward.
Yes. Oliver turned to David. Sir, Im taking Maya with me.
Oh? Where?
Well find a flat. Were adultsplease dont stop us. He took Mayas hand.
Wait, David held up a palm. Your mother said your whole familys against thisincluding you.
Not quite, sir. That was her decision. My father follows her lead. I pretended to agree, then took my wallet and left.
Davids eyebrows rose. Impressive. And how will you afford this flat?
Ive saved upI run a blog. Itll cover rent for months.
David smirked. Grace? Shall we let her go? Hes sharper than we thought.
Grace hesitated. Its late
Exactly. Oliver stays here tonightguest room. Tomorrow, you both work on reconciling with his parents. No dropping outespecially you, Oliver. Maya can defer. Well help, but we wont carry you. Registry office first, big wedding later. Agreed?
Oliver nodded.
Maya pouted. But I wanted the whole thingdress, flowers
Not now, Oliver cut in. Well celebrate properly later.
Fine.
Good. Bed, everyone.
Later, Grace cornered David in the kitchen.
You changed your mind fast.
After that woman? I was livid. Then this boy shows upready to stand by her. Thats a man. Ill give him my daughter.
Grace kissed him. Youre always right.
She left to settle everyone inknowing the storm was far from over.
