I was shocked. “A mother of three?” I blurted out. Both Michelle and Jack stared at me in shock. Jack realized I’d understood and gasped, “You speak French?”
Michelle, overwhelmed, looked down and whispered, “I’m sorry, Tom. I should’ve told you sooner. I was just scared.”
“Scared of what?” I asked, my voice shaking with confusion and hurt.
She explained, her voice cracking, “Before I met you, I started the adoption process for two children. I’ve always wanted to adopt, but it’s been a long journey, and I didn’t think it would actually happen. But now, I’m getting them in a week.”
The news hit me hard. “A week? You’re going to be a mom of three in a week?” I said in a barely audible whisper. Michelle nodded, tears in her eyes. She was clearly torn, afraid of losing me or scaring me away with the big change.
Jack then spoke up sincerely, “Mom didn’t mean to lie to you. She was scared you’d leave, and I didn’t want to get attached if you were going to bail.”
The realization that I was about to be part of a family with three kids instead of just one was overwhelming. I said, my tone sharper than intended, “I get it, Michelle. I really do. But this is huge. I’ve been trying to rebuild my life, and now you’re asking me to just… what? Jump into fatherhood?”