“You’re an extension of Zander, so you’re our family too. We’ll protect both of you. We’ll keep the secret as long as you think you need us to. But as someone older and wiser, I’m telling you—it always comes out. Better to be ahead of it than behind. You’re too smart not to know that, Beau.” She releases our hands, stands, and leaves the table.
“Fuck, I just got schooled by Romy’s mom,” I mutter.
“Yeah,” Beau murmurs.
“Did she just say we’re part of her family?” I ask.
“Yep.”
I shake my head and blow out a breath. “Fuck. That’s heavy.”
“Yeah, it is.”
But for some reason, it feels like maybe it’s the good kind of heavy.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Romy
Zander and I have started doing nightly walks around the lake. We talk about things, but nothing about the baby and all the questions we probably should be addressing. He tells me about life on the road and funny stories about him and Beau when they were younger. I tell him stories about growing up on Plain Daisy Ranch and the games I used to play with my cousins.
Before tonight, on all our walks, other than when we told my parents, we’ve never ventured over to my family’s part of the land. Where my parents live, Lottie’s finished house, Bennett’s house that’s under construction, and my vacant parcel of land.
I slow my walking when we come upon it. I’m not sure I’ve ever truly thought about the house I’d build here.
“So, this is my parcel of land,” I say, signaling to the empty piece of land in front of us. “This is mine to build on whenever I want.”
Zander steps up off the walking path, crossing the property line. “You have a great view of the lake.” He turns, facing me and staring as the sun sets on the other side. “Why haven’t you built here yet?”
“Finances for one. Second… I don’t mind living with my cousins. You know, I’m not really big on being alone.” It’s the truth, as embarrassing as it is. I don’t want to build a house, even if I could afford it, just to live in by myself.
“Why don’t you like to be alone?” he asks, coming back over and holding out his hand. “Walk it with me.”
I accept his hand and walk onto the land I’ve been ignoring until recently when I realized I’m the last one of my siblings to build here. “I’m a people person. I like to be around other people.”
“I can see that. You’re easy to talk to and enjoy sharing things with others.” His hand stays secure around mine. “We’re opposite in that way. I like being by myself, and I don’t open up to anyone.”
I knock my shoulder to his. “And why is that?”
He shrugs, his gaze not veering in my direction. “Probably because I’ve spent most of my life by myself. Most of it only being able to rely on myself.”
“Would you ever want to talk about that? Growing up in foster care?”
He stops us and turns me to face him. “There isn’t a lot to say. There are successful stories of kids in foster care. I’ve known a couple. But whatever you assume, you’re probably right when it comes to my experience. And I’m not going to taint those rose-colored glasses of yours. I like that about you.”
I wish I could change his mind, but maybe sharing makes him relive it, and he’d rather keep it in the past. “Well, I’m here if you want to talk about it.”
He squeezes my hand. “I know. Thank you…” He lets out a long sigh. “Anyway, Beau is on my ass about us making some decisions.”
I guess this is his way of changing the subject because he doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. “I can only imagine. What does Beau want now?”
He chuckles, and we walk along the perimeter from the road that the driveway would be off and then circle back.
“He wants us to decide on how we plan to be co-parents, and he wants us to get some paperwork done.”
His Adam’s apple bobs, and his shoulders seem more tense. I’ve suspected and wondered why I haven’t been asked yet about a paternity test. He must feel uncomfortable bringing it up, so I might as well save him the trouble.
“You know, I mean it when I say I’ll take a paternity test. I’m sure Beau’s pushing you on it, and I’m fine with doing it. Please, just?—”
