Bennett groans. “Oh my god, of course. I should’ve expected this. I’m excluded just because I’m the guy. If I was another girl, it’d be different.”
Romy cuts him off, lifting her hand. “Those who kept a lot of their own secrets from us can’t throw stones.”
Bennett and Delaney share a look and nod as if Romy is right. I’m more curious than ever to know their story now.
Brooks and Delaney step up to congratulate us both, then Romy looks around the room. “And hey, we’re not going to tell the girls. I’m really sorry.”
Her smile fades for the first time tonight, and I hate that it’s my fault. If I was an average Joe, everyone could know.
I clear my throat, wanting to step in so Romy’s not in this alone. “Listen, I’m sorry, but that’s my fault. I don’t want you to keep secrets from your family. That’s not my intention. But unfortunately, Romy is right. We have to be careful. I don’t know your girls, and I’m sure they’re great secret-keepers. But in my experience, it doesn’t take much to coax something like this out of anybody, much less a child. Please don’t take this as me not trusting them. It’s just safer for all involved this way.”
Delaney bursts out laughing. “Oh my god, I totally understand. Leia told her teacher the other day that she saw Bennett and me wrestling in the shower. Kids talk. So, no worries. They won’t be told until you’re ready to tell everybody.”
Romy and Lottie say in unison, “Eww.”
Brad cuts in. “What about the rest of the family? When are we able to tell them?”
Guilt burns through my chest like a bullet hole. His daughter’s pregnant, and I’m sure he wants to shout it from the rooftops. But because of me and who I am, he can’t.
Romy touches my arm as if she’s trying to save me. But I don’t want to be saved. I don’t want them thinking my life will be a burden on theirs, but I suppose it already is. There’s no way my life doesn’t have a ripple effect through their world.
“It’s just for now,” I say. “Eventually we’ll tell everybody. But there will probably need to be NDAs signed. It’s all very legal, and I apologize ahead of time for Beau. He’s a little neurotic. As of right now though, the extended family can’t know.”
Darla purses her lips and looks at Brad. She’s upset. She wants to tell her brother, her sister, their families who live on this ranch. Nieces, nephews. And because of me, she can’t share this news. Her silent disappointment hits harder than any words.
“Listen, I’ll go over it with Beau again. He was just in shock when we first told him,” I add.
“Beau knows?” Bennett’s voice spikes with anger. “Who else knows? Does your whole crew know? Romy, I’m your brother. I’m your blood. How could you not tell me?”
“Oh Bennett, relax,” Lottie shoots back. “Look at the secrets you were keeping all those years.”
Bennett grumbles, and Delaney slides her hand under the table to his thigh, calming him instantly.
“Honestly,” I say, needing to make them understand, “Beau is my family. He isn’t blood, but he’s my brother in all the ways that count. That’s why he knew first. Yeah, it’s his job with all the legal stuff too, but he’s my family nonetheless.”
Romy’s hand slides into mine, and she squeezes. I turn to her, and she offers me a soft smile.
Brad lifts his hands. “All right, all right. Let’s everybody just calm down. So, when’s this happening? When’s our new bundle arriving?”
Thank you, Brad.
Romy beams. “Oh, Dad, I just went to the doctor.” She runs into the other room, digs through her purse, and comes back with the ultrasound pictures, spreading them out on the table like treasures. “Here’s the baby. I’m eight weeks along.”
Everyone at the table lights up. The pictures get passed around, smiles blooming on each of their faces.
And me? For the first time since I walked into this house, I breathe easy.
It feels good to share this with them, to see people smiling at the thought of a part of me coming into the world. But it also hits me hard, cracking me open in ways I’m not ready for.
Because looking around this table, one thing is clear—my child is already loved. Loved without anyone even knowing him or her yet. Unconditionally.
Just the fact that they’re going to be born is enough for this family to be excited and anticipate their arrival.
And that… that’s some heavy shit I’m not ready to unpack just yet.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Romy
