"Yeah, Bethany?" Deacon asked.
"Can you meet me in the back yard again tonight?" she asked.
"Sure," he replied. "As soon as I get off?"
"Yeah. I've gotta go," she whispered.
"Sure. See you then."
Deacon worked happily throughout the day. When his shift was up, he met Bethany on the back lot. In two days it would by time for her to get back to school. Luckily, it was her senior year and she was already eighteen, but the youth still worried Doug and Carrie enough that they bombarded his answering machine while he was at work.
"Let's talk," she whispered, walking with him to the beach. They walked further away from the lot, and she seemed cautious.
"What's going on?" Deacon asked seriously.
"I took a test, Deacon. You're the only man I've ever been with, so it must be yours," she whispered. She then started to cry. "I love you, but I'm not ready for this!" she sobbed. Deacon held her.
"I'm already a father. I'll help you in any way possible," Deacon whispered.
"Daddy will find out, I just know it! He'll kick me out, and I'll have nowhere to go!"
"Come live with me if he does," Deacon smiled. She looked up and he wiped her tears. "We'll fall together. Here's my address and here's the OB/GYN my ex used. Call and schedule an appointment, and I'll take you to them. Make them as late in the day as possible."
"Are you sure you're ready to do this?" she asked.
"Do we have a choice?" he replied. She kissed him and then began leading him back to the yard. Deacon was scared for her, but didn't show it until he reached his car. He began driving, faster and faster, towards the city. He just hoped everything would turn out okay.
