I stop in my tracks, stomach tightening. “People in town have figured it out?”
She nods, her face pinched. “Yep, word is out. Brooks said people keep asking him questions about it. He’s kind of annoyed, but I think he’s just a little hurt Zander’s crew doesn’t need him. You know how he feels about his role in this community.” She looks genuinely upset for him, and of course she does. He’s her husband. “Anyway, how are you?” Her gaze flicks down to my stomach as though it’s glowing neon.
“Fine.” My throat is tight, and the word sounds like a lie even to me.
“Did you tell mystery man?” she whispers.
“No.”
“Because you don’t want to do it over the phone?” She falls in step beside me as we climb the hill toward the barn.
“No, I just haven’t yet.” The words scrape out of me.
“What about seeing a doctor?” she presses.
The crack in my patience isn’t her fault. It’s the weight of spending these past few days with Zander. The way I’ve almost blurted out the news several times. Then I play out the conversation in my head. You’re going to be a father… how do you feel about that? Gotta go? Yeah, I get it, you’re not ready for me or a kid. See ya.
“Nope.”
“Romy.” She tugs on my arm, halting us at the back door.
“What?”
“You can’t just ignore it.” Her matching brown eyes dig into mine.
“I’m not… I’m just trying to survive, you know?” My voice cracks, and I hate the weakness there. Why can’t I just tell him and be done with it?
She nods, and that sympathetic look nearly undoes me. “I know, but you need to take the necessary steps. Do you want me to call? I’ll do it. I might be able to pass as you.”
I blow out a breath and shake my head.
“I can call, really. Let’s call Briar and get a number for her OBGYN.” Her eyes are pleading.
I take her hands, grounding both of us. “I’m fine. I’m good. I appreciate the help. I do. And after I can get this Zander… Shaw’s thing up and running, I’ll make the plans. It’s still really early.”
She exhales a frustrated sigh, and I feel the weight of her worry. I’m sure it’s hard since she’s the only one in our family who knows. It’s never fun bearing a secret alone.
“Hey.” Zander’s voice cuts in, pulling my spine up taut.
He clocks us, looking over with a confused sort of expression, and suddenly I’m hyperaware of the flush on my face and the way my sister’s hands are clasped in mine.
“Where’s your big bad bodyguard?” Lottie asks.
“He’s on his rounds of the security detail.” He looks inquisitive, and I hope he doesn’t suspect anything.
“Leaving you all alone on the ranch, huh?” Lottie says.
Zander slides his thumbs into his jean pockets, rocking back as if he’s posing without even trying. “It appears so. Is there a mean side of Romy I should be worried about?”
Lottie looks at me, then at him. “Um… no. We all have our roles in this family. I’m the mean one, Bennett is the straightlaced one, and Romy is the romantic and eternal optimist.”
Zander’s gaze snaps to mine with curiosity. “Is that so?”
Lottie follows his look, smirks, then adds, “She used to be, but there’s this guy?—”
I cut her off before she detonates my dignity completely to the least romantic man I’ve ever met. “We gotta go, and you better get to the store.”
“Saylor’s there holding down the fort. What are you two up to today?” She lingers, nosy as ever, and Zander’s eyelids lift.
