…He pulls me into his arms and I cry like the baby I’mcarrying.
Chapter 5
Maverick
Neverknew I’d be so excited, but I am. Really, I’m about to burst. Whenwe teach kids how to ride, I just about gush. I love kids. Alwayshave. And it doesn’t matter to me if Ellie and me are together ornot. I’m going to be the best dang daddy I can be to this kid. Myown daddy taught me real well. He was the best there is. God resthis kind soul. It doesn’t matter that Ellie’s not excited about it.I’ll be excited enough for both of us.
“What’s with that shit-eating grin, man?” Zack asks, as I trotout of the house.
I shrug.“Nothing.” I don’t think that Ellie would want me going aroundtelling people yet. It’s bad luck before the end of the firsttrimester. That much I know from all the mamas around here,including my own mama.
“That Ellie I saw leaving?”
“Yeah.”
“What’d she want? A little romp in the hay?”
I ignorehis jibe. “She was dropping off something for Gunner isall.”
“Aw, she didn’t want to see you?”
“Yeah, she saw me, stupid.” I change the subject. “Hey, How’slittle Myra doing? She getting excited that she’s going to be a bigsister?”
“Absolutely. Gosh, she takes up residence on Kate’s bellyevery night. Won’t be long now, either.”
“And she’s not jealous or nothing?”
Hefrowns. “Not even a little bit. She can’t wait.”
“Are you nervous at all?”
“Not a drop. Kate’s a rock. As long as she doesn’t flip out, Iwon’t, either.”
“When she’s pushing the kid out, she might.”
“Well, that’s when it’s allowed.” He scoffs a jokinglaugh.
“I sure hope so.” I lick my lips. “Was Kate always excited…youknow…when she found out she was expecting?”
“She was a little shocked at first. You remember. But womenlove having babies. It didn’t take long. Especially when she sawthe look on little Myra’s face. It was precious.”
I wonderhow long it takes for the excitement to kick in. But I don’t wantto keep talking about this, in case Zack starts to get suspicious.“You guys need anything, you know, to help getting ready forjunior?”
“Na, man. We’re good. But thanks.” Then he hesitates. “Hey, dome a favor, would ya?”
“Sure, man.”
“Don’t go all ape when we decide who’s gonna be thegodparents.”
“Wa…hell, I already know that you’re gonna choose Blake andRuby. That’s a given.”
“How did you know?”
I pathim on the shoulder. “Gut instinct.”
***
Gunner’ssitting in his bed, doing another crossword puzzle, when I stick myhead in his room. “Hey, you want me to get you more?”
