The topic of marriage hasn’t come up again, but now that we know he’s officially Jesse’s dad, it’s the next logical step, especially since he asked Jesse and me to move in with him.
What a rollercoaster of events my life has turned into lately.
Find Jesse’s bio dad? Check.
Ensure Jesse’s custody by moving in and marrying Cormac? TBD.
Part of me thinks the plan is ridiculous. Why not just move in with the man until I trust Jesse in his care? Then I can find a cheap apartment in High Ridge to remain close. Do we really need to exchange vows?
But then I imagine the judge frowning upon the two of us ‘shacking up’ versus committing to something permanent—even if it is just a piece of paper tying us together.
Besides, if I'd learned I had a secret kid, I wouldn’t want to be separated for longer than necessary. Cormac has been incredibly patient and calm. I can’t imagine most men would handle the news of a one-night stand resulting in a baby as well as he has.
Of course, he could be bitching to his family and friends aboutthose Overland sisterstrapping him with an unwanted child, but somehow, I don’t think that’s the case.
Our short phone conversations have been devoid of bitterness and angst. Tension and awkwardness have been the norm, and those have come from me.
Frankly, I prefer our texting conversations. It’s easier for me to talk to him virtually.
“A court date has been set for a month from now. That’s when the judge will rule on custody. Until then, Jesse will remain in his aunt’s care.”
Cormac grunts in understanding before the lawyer lays out our next steps and ends his side of the call.
When it’s just the two of us, a weighted silence hangs over the line. There’s a lot to digest between learning Jesse’s true parentage and waiting another four weeks to finalize custody.
“Have you given any more thought to the idea of marriage?”
Despite knowing the question was coming, it’s still a shock to hear. My breathing picks up as a flush of heat dampens my forehead and underarms in nervous sweat.
Cormac doesn’t wait for me to answer. He plows on with his pitch, while I focus on not hyperventilating or spiraling into a panic attack.
“I don’t mean to rush you, and we have some time, but with you and Jesse coming to live with me on the ranch. It seems like the best next step,” he says.
Picking at a thread on my shirt, I swallow my nerves and say the first thing that pops into my head that’snotabout marrying Cormac. “Did I tell you my boss approved a move across state lines? I’ve always worked from home but the taxes work differently, I guess. Anyway, that’s sorted, so it’s just a matter of packing.”
“You mentioned your boss on our last call. Remember I’m taking care of the move. A team is hired to pack and haul everything here.”
“You really don’t have to?—”
“I want to, Davie, so don’t worry about it. Consider it done.”
My shoulders sag as I stare at the furniture and shelves of books and various knickknacks surrounding me, and that’s just the living room. My bedroom, kitchen, and Jessica’s bedroom with Jesse’s things is full of stuff, too.
“Okay… thanks,” I murmur, relaxing into the couch while my gaze fixates on a crack in the ceiling. This apartment really wasn’t big enough for two adults and a baby, but aside from the size issue, it’s not in the best shape either.
A fact I ignored because the rent was cheap.
Residing on a massive ranch like Cormac’s will be a totally new experience.
“When the movers send their final instructions for the day, let me know. I’m notifying my landlord about breaking the lease later today.”
I’m not looking forward to the huge chunk of money that will cost, but it’s not like I can ask Cormac to move here. There’s not enough room, and he can’t leave the Rocking M.
And I’m definitely not asking him for help paying the lease-breaking fee. He’s already doing too much.
“Sounds like a plan,” he pauses, and a horse whinnies in the background. “Davie?”
“Yeah?”
